Paws in Peace

25/12/2024

When I look up at the sky
I think of you
No matter the time of year

But there's something in the gathering
Of family and friends
That emphasises you not being here

It's a natural time
To feel reflective and pensive
As another year comes to an end

But above all else
I just really miss you
My beautiful furry friend

21/12/2024

At this time of year I just want to say I am thinking of all those who have lost precious pets this year, Christmas can be a difficult time, not always full of joy and happiness. So I wanted to send my love and support to each and every one of you.

The picture below is of my 💜cat, Finn looking festive this time last year. We lost him tragically in a car accident in June. I miss him every day.

Paws in Peace will be closed from 24th to 30th December.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a peaceful and happy Christmas. Kate ###

14/11/2024

🤍 Top Tips for "Grieving Well" from our Hospital Counsellor, Katie 🤍

🍃There is no set way to feel: The most spoken about model of grieving was Kübler-Ross’s ‘5 Stages of Grief’. Whilst the feelings within this model are relevant, and many people experience some if not all of these, there is no set order to this, and every emotion you have when grieving is real and valid.

🍃 Speak to someone you trust: Disenfranchised grief can feel isolating. Having a trusted friend or professional to talk to can really help you through loss.

🍃 Allow yourself to memorialise your pet(s) or hold a funeral: One of the ways we work through grief with humans is to routinely have a funeral of some kind. What you choose to do for your pet is up to you, but it is important not to skip what this represents entirely. Memorialising pets in even a small way can really help us with the grieving process

🍃 If you have unanswered medical questions, ask your vet: Unfortunately some of the questions that come up for us in grief are unanswerable, our brains try desperately to fill the unknown gaps and we can be left with a lot of ‘what ifs’. Whilst vets can’t answer everything, there may be something they can answer that helps you with understanding.

🍃 Allow yourself time: There is no grieving timeline to follow. Time allows us the space to feel more ourselves. This is different for all of us, and will be different for each loss you experience, too.

10/11/2024

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning.
We will remember them."

08/11/2024

Losing your precious pet can be so traumatic, but it can also be a beautiful, even healing experience. At Paws in peace my aim is to make the euthanasia experience as peaceful and stress-free as possible.
This is Tilly, her owner had previously experienced a difficult euthanasia, but gorgeous Tilly was put to sleep at home on the sofa with Anna and Kristina by her side. She fell asleep licking her magnum ice cream... a truly special moment I will never forget.
Anna said it it helped her get over her previous trauma. Tilly's family were all very sad as you would expect, but relieved knowing that she passed away peacefully at home.
🐾💜🐾💜🐾💜🐾💜🐾💜

24/09/2024

I received this lovely review from Gemma and Suzanne. Maxi was a very precious companion for Suzanne and it was a privilege and honour to be able to help her say a peaceful goodbye to her handsome boy at home, lying on the sofa with Suzanne by his side.
Rest in peace Maxi 🐾💜

We cannot thank you enough Kate for how kind and considerate you were at putting our maxi to rest.
Thank you so much for everything from answering late night txts, the advice & support you gave my auntie months before Maxi left us.
You explained everything you were going to do before it happened & answered any question we had, nothing was a silly question.
Your calm and gentle approach made the whole situation a whole lot nicer than we could have imagined Maxi went very peacefully.

You are such a lovely kind lady Kate, cannot thank you enough for your kindness and support over the last few months.

Thinking of you Maxi boy 🐾

Suzanne Westcott x

23/08/2024

I have experienced this and for me it did pass, but took awhile.....

Thinking.of all who are grieving 💜

HAVE YOU BEEN STRUGGLING WITH GRIEF BRAIN FOG SINCE YOUR PET DIED?

Since your pet died or went missing, has thinking a coherent thought been like wading through treacle? Are you experiencing brain fog that manifests as memory loss, confusion or an inability to concentrate?

Do you walk into a room and forget what you’re there for, miss appointments, struggle to stay organised or feel distracted?

If so, please be reassured that, as scary as it feels, all of this is a natural response to grief and should be temporary.

Read more here:

https://theralphsiteshop.com/have-you-been-struggling-with-grief-brain-fog-since-your-pet-died/

17/08/2024

Pets provide solace, support and sometimes unconditional love. Yet, when they die, much of our grief remains unspoken

27/07/2024

We made it to the top of Snowdon yesterday, it was misty and we couldn't see a thing when we first reached the summit, but the sun came out and the views were spectacular!

27/07/2024

We made it to the top of Snowdon yesterday, it was misty and we couldn't see thing when we first reached the summit, but the sun came out and the views were spectacular!

21/07/2024

Remembering Marley 🐾💜

I received this lovely message from Marley's family, thank you.

"As a family we wanted to personally say thank you for yesterday, making the decision was never going to be easy, however, it was heartbreakingly beautiful and peaceful and for that thank you."

"What you do, I am sure cannot always be easy, but what a beautiful service you offer those of us who want our pets to pass in the comfort of their own homes."

Rest in peace handsome, precious boy 🐾💜🌈

17/07/2024

We're off on holiday to Wales for a couple of weeks with this crazy dog, so Paws in Peace is not open for visits from Sunday 21st July - Sunday 4th August. Please do leave a message if we can help from5th August onwards.

09/07/2024

Lola doesn’t care about the weather! But where did Summer go?

03/07/2024

How lovely is this poem from the talented poet, Becky Helmsley 🌈 🐾💜

They saw you watching over them
As they finally closed their eyes
They smelt your scent as they breathed
In and out for the last time

They heard the way your voice broke
As you told them they were loved
They felt you as you held them
With your gentle, farewell touch

And now they watch each morning
As you pass their empty bed
They watch you lose composure
And they see the tears you shed

They hear you bear the silence
Of the footsteps that are gone
That walk across your heart each day
Like echoes of a song

They feel the pang of emptiness
You get when you’re alone
In moments when you realise
That they’re never coming home

But in their darkest moment
You were there to hold them tight
And they just want the same for you
So you can feel alright

So they’re sewing you a rainbow,
Weaving ribbons through the sky
So they can let you know
That life is good beyond goodbye

So next time it is raining
And the sun appears as well
Just feel and look and listen
To what they are trying to tell

They’re telling you it’s spring there
With its showers and its sun
Where there are endless fields for them
To play and stretch and run

They’re telling you they sleep upon
The biggest, softest beds
That they have stitched from all the clouds
That float above your head

They’re telling you they’re not alone
For there are many others
And they’ve been reunited
With their parents, sisters, brothers

They’re showing you their rainbow
So you know they won’t forget you
And to tell you they will always be
So happy that they met you

And they’re telling you they love you
And though they’ll be dearly missed,
Not to worry, ‘cause it’s beautiful
Beyond the rainbow bridge

******

Becky Hemsley 2022
Beautiful artwork by Paige Keiser https://linktr.ee/paigekeiser

It's World Pet Loss Day today. Sending my love to those missing and remembering a beloved pet 🐾🌈

This poem is in my book for grief and loss:
https://amzn.eu/d/cTbydMN

12/06/2024

Wellington monument looking impressive in the sun, the location of my walk with Lola today 🐕 🐾💜

12/06/2024

For those who don't know me, I'm Kate, the vet and owner of Paws in Peace.
I had a lovely birthday today, including a fab walk with my crazy spaniel, Lola, at Wellington monument, which was looking resplendent in the sun.
Thank you for all the birthday love 💜