August '25 Newsletter and Blog - Pet Loss (sensitive subject)
- helenshoundsdt
- Aug 3
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 6
Somehow, I missed doing a newsletter in July. I was busy with various activities, including making the difficult decision to let one of my dogs, Sid, go after he became unwell.
Things have been ticking over steadily, Puppy Groups, again well done to the 3 groups that graduated at the end of July, UKSD and IMDT Groups and of course my one to one clients.
Certificates since the last blog were awarded too:
* All the puppy classes on completion of the course.
* IMDT Partnership Grade 2 - Mabel (Show Cocker), Millie
* UK Sniffer Dogs Bronze Beginners Course - Amber, Tess
UK Sniffer Dogs Bronze Level 1 - Bailey, Teddy (Springador), Layla
UK Sniffer Dogs Bronze Level 5 - Ziggy, Bruce and Muesli, Reggie, Rolo (Springador)
* UK Sniffer Dogs Silver Level 1 - Rolo (Springador), Frank, Reggie
SPECIAL MENTION
To Pickle and her owner Sam. They completed there final level within the UK Sniffer Dogs Bronze awards, Level 6. For this they received their bronze harness patch and certificate. For all those currently completing these grades you will appreciate how much work has gone into this.
I have run a couple of competitions over the last few weeks.
To celebrate Helen's Hounds being official for four years, we held a raffle for a natural treat box. Congratulations to the winner! Look out for the next raffle at Christmas.
The second was for the cover photo of the Helen's Hounds Facebook page, this was awarded to this family of dogs, voted for by my facebook followers. Three of these dogs are currently in my classes. Congratulations.
The next cover photo competition will be at the end of September so Autumn themed pictures will be required.
COMING UP
New puppy classes start this week, with limited space available on Friday mornings. Keep an eye out for ad hoc Hoopers sessions via email
The rest of my classes are currently full, however if you would like to join the waiting list for any let me now and I will contact you when a space becomes available.
BLOG - PET LOSS, there is a trigger warning on this one.
Definately not an easy subject but one that comes to all of us pet owners.
I would say that it never becomes easier, regardless of how many times we go through it, and each experience is unique. Discussing our wishes for our pets in advance can offer clarity for everyone involved. Most pets live to a good age, but occasionally, we lose them young due to injury or illness.
Over the years, I've experienced different types of pet loss. From the sudden loss of my cat Joey in a road accident to Eric, who lived for nearly six months after a cancer diagnosis.
Recently, we lost Sid. He was 13 and did have a couple of medical conditions, but suddenly deteriorated, after a vet visit and going through options the kinder decision was to let him go, all this happened in 48 hours.
I want to extend a big thank you to my class attendees for understanding the short-notice cancellation.
In our house, we consider available treatments, quality of life, and potential pain before deciding when to let our pets go.
What we do in our home will certainly differ from other households, but it's crucial to have those discussions beforehand so everyone can contribute constructively, as it can be challenging when we're in the middle of it all. For us, we've always believed that our pets tell us when it's time, and a commonly used saying is "Better a day early than a day late." has always been in the back of our minds.
Some people worry what they will experience during a put to sleep situation, what I would say the vets I have used have always been amazing, kind, caring and explain every step, then let you have as much time as you need with your pet afterwards.
Consider whether you want to bury or cremate your pet. If you choose cremation, decide whether you want a mass or individual cremation and what to do with the ashes. If individual you have the choice of your vet organising it or you can arrange for a local facility to do this, either with you taking your pet there or they will collect. Also consider a pet cemetary for burial if you do not have a place in your garden to do this.
If you have other pets, consider do they need to see the animal that has left, it is beleived to help their understanding. It is not only us humans that have to adjust, my three dogs are currently sorting out pecking orders etc since Sid left.
Then, look after yourself and your emotions. Give yourself time to grieve and remember the good times. Pet bereavement specialists, like those at the Blue Cross, can offer support.
What I would say for now is enjoy every minute with your pets, they bring so much into our lives and we are the centre of theirs. When the time comes to say goodbye a little forward planning and a half hour conversation with you family now can help make the journey for our pets and us a little smoother. We can sometimes make decisions whilst in shock or grief that we may not normally make.
If anybody of wants to have a chat about any of these please do not hesitate to contact me.
www.helenshounds_dogtraining.com
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