Losing a beloved pet is painful and traumatic for all pet lovers. Often the bereaved must suffer alone with no support or proper way to express grief. Extensive research conducted by the Pet Loss Research Center has clearly determined that suppressed grief can often lead to future physical ailments or troubling behavioral patterns. "Through the establishment of World Pet Memorial Day, it is our vision that pet lovers around the world will always have the opportunity to acknowledge their losses in a caring and dignified atmosphere," says Susan Duncan, Center Director. "For one day, pet lovers worldwide can set aside differences and distances to unite and observe a day devoted to the memory of beloved pets, especially valuable to those who have lost a dear pet in areas where support is not yet forthcoming."

Participants include individuals and organizations from such diverse countries as the US, Japan, South Africa, Ecuador, Germany, France, Australia, England, Canada and Sweden. Not only are beloved pets memorialized, but many will take this opportunity to remember other categories of animals as well, including Police Dogs killed in the line of duty, War Dogs who died in action, animal victims of cruelty or neglect, those lost in natural disasters and animals misused in "entertainment."

All animal lovers are invited to participate in a worldwide Pet Memorial Candlelight Ceremony by lighting candles at 7:00 p.m. in all time zones so the glow of many candles will slowly spread around the globe. Several ongoing projects have been established, such as the World Pet Memorial Quilt, which will be unveiled for the first time on World Pet Memorial Day 2000, Trail of Tears State Forest Letters Ceremony, Balloons to the Bridge, Christmas Pet Angel Tree and The Pet Memorial Wall. Information on any project, a Pet Loss Survey, a list of Pet Loss Grief Resources or a list of Memorial Ideas may be obtained by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope along with specific request to:

Pet Loss Research Center P. O. Box 14447 St. Louis, Missouri 63178

Contact: Susan Duncan, Paul Aderholt - 618.637.2202
Fax: 618.637.2666
Email: [email protected]

This page was last updated on Wednesday, 18 October 2000.