Family Resources

Name: Senior Paws
Address: 3036 Antoine Dr., Houston, TX, 77092, United States
Telephone: (713) 452-0474
Price range: $

APPOINTMENT

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Below are resources to guide you through this difficult time.

If you still have unanswered questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly at (713) 452-0474.

Last Wishes 501c Fund

Help Make a Family’s “Last Wish” Come True
The Last Wishes Fund is a 501c(3) non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to less fortunate pet owners residing in the Houston area. We are able to do this with the help of an outstanding community of pet lovers with great big hearts. They also believe what we believe: Every pet deserves a peaceful passing in the comfort of home, surrounded by loved ones. Every pet owner deserves a choice when it comes to their beloved pet’s aftercare.

Benefactors of The Last Wishe Fund have included disabled individuals, the elderly, veterans of war, broken families and families who struggle to make ends meet. Without this assistance, these families and their pets would have suffered needlessly at the most critical time. Benefactors have been some of the most grateful people we’ve ever met. When they realize they, too, have a choice, they never forget the kindness and generosity that was gifted to them and their ailing pet.

Please help us in our mission to provide the best end-of-life care to EVERY pet in our community.

Grief Resources

Personal Counseling in Houston
Marilyn J. Ladin, LCSW Psychotherapist/ Board Certified Diplomate
713-515-3464

Stacy Kipp, Senior Paws Human-Animal Bond Advocate/Mental Health Provider
281-673-6883

Support Groups
Senior Paws Pet Loss Support Group
Senior Paws hosts a grief support group generally every other Wednesday at our comfort center from 6:30-8pm. This group is moderated by grief counselor Marilyn J. Ladin, who uses a variety of methods of support and learning for participants. Group meetings can be a very beneficial way to process grief. Please call us to RSVP for the next meeting or for more information at 713-452-0474. Our center is located at 3036 Antoine Dr., Houston, TX 77092.

Senior Paws Online Pet Loss Support Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/342444429251269
Or you can search for “Senior Paws Pet Loss Support Group” in the Facebook search bar, ask to “Join” the group (private group, requires approval by administration). This small group is comprised of pet owners who have just experienced a loss, anticipating a loss and those willing to share their experiences of loss. Peer support can help normalize feelings of loss, guilt, and grief within a supportive structure. Posts are moderated by Senior Paws and our grief counselor, Marilyn Ladin. Many families use this space to share stories of love and companionship they share or shared with their beloved pets.

Other Recommended Social Media Outlets for Pet Loss Support

Veterinary Wisdom Pet Parents
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement
Pet Loss Support Group
Helpful Online Resources
www.argusinstitute.colostate.edu
www.veterinarywisdompetparents.com
www.pet-loss.net
www.aplb.org
www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-loss

Pet Loss Hotlines
ASPCA National Pet Loss Hotline – 877-GRIEF-10 (1-877-474-3310)
The ASPCA’s psychologist and grief counselor, Dr. Stephanie LaFarge, PhD. is available 12 pm-12 am EST. www.aspca.org.

SPCA of Texas, Dallas – 214-461-5131
All calls are returned within 24 hours.

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine – 607-253-3932 6pm – 9pm, EST, Tues-Thurs.
www.vetcornell.edu/org/petloss/

Argus Institute at CSU Veterinary Medical Center – 970-297-1242. 9am – 5 pm MST
www.argusinstitute.colostate.edu

Books in Print*
For Children

The Goodbye Book – Todd Parr (Ages 2-5)
When a Pet Dies – Fred Rogers (Ages 4-8)
Dog Heaven – Cynthia Rylant (Ages 4-7)
Cat Heaven – Cynthia Rylant (Ages 4-7)
The Rainbow Bridge: A Visit to Pet Paradise – Adrian Raeside (Ages 8-12)
Remembering My Pet: A Kid’s Own Spiritual Remembering Workbook for When a Pet Dies – Nechama Liss-Levinson (Ages 8-12)
Maddie’s Wings: A Lesson in Love – Tamera Rickman (Ages 8-12)

For Adults

Grieving The Death of a Pet – Betty Carmack
Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet – M. Anderson
Pet Loss and Human Bereavement – W. Kay
Pet Parents: A Journey Through Unconditional Love And Grief – Coleen Ellis
For Parents of Grieving Children

Talking About Death – A Dialogue Between Parent and Child – E. Grollman
When Children Grieve – J.W. James
Healing the Bereaved Child – A. Wolfelt, PhD

*All can be found on Amazon
*Expanded list of literature on pet loss and bereavement: http://www.argusinstitute.colostate.edu

The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this — the last battle — can’t be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don’t let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn’t want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they’ll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don’t grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We’ve been so close — we two — these years,
Don’t let your heart hold any tears.

— Unknown