Final Journey LLC

08/29/2024

“A happy arrangement: many people prefer cats to other people, and many cats prefer people to other cats.”

– Mason Cooley

08/26/2024

Dogs enhance our lives in so many ways. They challenge us, teach us, and bring us daily joy. Today, on National Dog Day, we celebrate our cherished canine companions and the happiness they bring to our lives.

08/22/2024

You’ve probably heard the saying, “One dog year is like seven human years.” but scientific research has given us new insight into how dogs age. We now know that the aging process is accelerated at the beginning; a one year old dog is on average about 31 human years, and the aging process slows down as time goes on. A medium-sized 10-year-old dog is about 68 in human years.

Breed, genetics, lifestyle, and size can also play a factor; for example, smaller dogs typically live longer than their larger counterparts.

Knowing how ‘old’ your dog is can help you watch for signs of aging so you can help ensure that your friend has the happiest, healthiest, and longest life possible.

One year doesn't equal seven for dogs, a new study says. Here's the equation you should be using to determine your physiological dog's age.

08/20/2024

"You do not own a dog. You have a dog. And the dog has you." --Chelsea Handler

08/15/2024

‘You were my favorite hello, and my hardest goodbye.” —Unknown

08/12/2024

We often receive questions about whether dogs comprehend and mourn the passing of another canine in the home. Although it's hard to know for sure, we found an interesting article that delves into the behaviors observed in dogs that had recently lost a canine companion.

What happens when dogs lose another pet? Do dogs grieve each other? Dogs experience grief just as humans do and likely experience the same emotions as us.

08/08/2024

08/06/2024

"If you have a cat, you will most likely outlive it. To get a cat is to open yourself up to profound joy and prospectively, to equally profound sadness." -- Unknown

08/02/2024

We recently received this heartfelt letter and photo from Cooper's Mom Sheri. I don't think there was a dry eye here at Final Journey when we read Sheri's words, and with her granted permission, wanted to share her words, as a testament and memorial to Cooper, and to their loving bond.

"I just wanted thank Dr. Kris, Kevin and everyone that took the time to speak with me the many times I called with so many questions.

"I also wanted to share this picture with you and a little background on Cooper. He was special. He was the last dog that was pulled out of a very high hill shelter in Georgia. He was out of time and they were out of space. But they loved him, and he loved people and loved life. So a rescue pulled him and he was saved on August 26 which is not only National Dog Day, but my birthday.

"This picture is from September 13, 2015. They day I met him in a parking lot in Westport as he got of of his transport bus, also named Cooper. I knelt down to say hello and he hugged me. I wanted you to see the love we shared from the second we met each other.

"He meant more to me than I could express to you. My life is very difficult right now. I'm lost without him, and I would have done anything for him. But this is my Cooper and the love he brought into my life, and I wanted you to see him when he was happy and healthy."

07/31/2024

National Mutt Day encourages us to embrace, love, and celebrate our mixed breed friends. If you have a mixed breed dog, we’d love to see your photos in the comments!

07/29/2024

“It’s the depth of love that determines the depth of grief, not whether the loved one was human or animal.” -Unknown

07/26/2024

An idea for today: Reach out to someone you know who may be going through the same sense of loss that you are.

07/23/2024

“Death is that state in which one exists only in the memory of others, which is why it is not an end. No goodbyes, just good memories.” — Denise Crosby

07/18/2024

One simple way to remember your beloved friend is to plant a tree. Not only is it good for the environment and fairly inexpensive, the tree will serve as a powerful memorial for your pet that you and your family can visit for years.

07/15/2024

The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
then you must do what must be done
For this, the last battle, can't be won.
You will be sad, I understand,
Don't let the grief then stay your hand,
For this day more than all the rest
Your love and friendship stand the test.
We've had so many happy years,
What is to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer so;
When the time comes, please let me go.
Take me where my needs they'll tend
And stay with me, if you can, to the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time, you will see,
It is a kindness you do for me.
Although my tail its last was waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.
Don't grieve that it should be you,
Who must decide this thing to do,
We've been so close, we two, these years;
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
Smile, for we walked together for a little while. --Author Unknown

07/12/2024

Sometimes it can be difficult to know the best way to support a loved one who has recently loss a beloved pet. This article explores different ways to support someone who has recently lost a faithful animal companion.

https://whatsyourgrief.com/support-grieving-family-member-friend-6-principals/?fbclid=IwAR262DZsagovNra7dZNMH6443sUbTIdbPMwHu7PovTnlsw-Y84NMIMOBmhk

07/09/2024

"Dogs…do not ruin their sleep worrying about how to keep the objects they have, and to obtain the objects they have not. There is nothing of value they have to bequeath except their love and their faith." –Eugene O'Neill

07/05/2024

Sometimes family members are concerned that other pets in the household may distract from the experience (getting in the way or being too energetic) or that the death of a companion may possibly be upsetting for other pets to witness. After being present for countless euthanasia visits where other pets have been in attendance, our experience is very much the opposite. The process is very gentle and peaceful and being present allows other pets to be aware of what happens to their friend. Of course, the decision is always up to the family. Each family knows their pets best. Additionally, if a family has a pet who is very energetic, and if they are afraid that their pet may try to be too involved in the process or get in the way, it is perfectly fine if they feel the pet should hang out elsewhere during the majority of the visit. If a family decides for any reason not to have their other pets present, we would recommend they allow their other pet to see their pet’s body after the pet has passed. By being able to see and sniff their friend, they are able to understand what has happened and have closure, and not be left wondering where their friend has gone.

07/01/2024

“A cat is the delight of a household. All day long a comedy is played out by an incomparable actor.”

–Champfleury

06/28/2024

"Losing a pet is often one of the hardest yet least acknowledged traumas we’ll ever face.”

https://www.outsideonline.com/culture/essays-culture/pet-loss-dog-grief/

06/25/2024

“Heavy hearts, like heavy clouds in the sky, are best relieved by the letting of a little water." –Christopher Morley

06/17/2024

"There is no faith which has never yet been broken, except that of a truly faithful dog." -Konrad Lorenz

06/13/2024

With summer upon us, a touching way to honor a cherished pet who has passed away is by creating a customized garden stone. Finding solace in reminiscing about a beloved companion while witnessing the growth of a garden can be a special way to remember them.

06/11/2024

Today is World Pet Memorial Day. It's a day dedicated to honoring and remembering the pets we've lost, and also to show kindness and support to those who are currently grieving the loss of their beloved furry friends.

06/10/2024

“A cat is in the animal world what a rosebud is in the garden.” --Robert Southey

06/07/2024

A bubble release ceremony with friends and loved ones can provide a touching opportunity to pay tribute to and honor a beloved pet.

05/30/2024

"The reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not "get over" the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it. You will heal and you will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered. You will be whole again, but you will never be the same. Nor should you be the same, nor would you want to." --Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

05/28/2024

"Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality." -- Emily Dickinson