In the latest of our series of mini interviews with friends of The Ralph Site we heard from Rosemary O’Connor, who has given us some wise words of advice for anyone experiencing the loss of a much-loved companion.

1. Do you currently share your home with any pets? If so, please tell us about them.

At the moment I have a two-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback called Zuri and two cats. For fifteen years we had a Siamese called Thai and we kept two of her kittens – sadly only one is alive now, Pudding, he’s half Siamese and is fourteen years old.

2. What was the name of your first pet?

The first animal in my life was another Rhodesian Ridgeback called Merrie. I was born in East Africa and back in those days they were used as guard dogs and for hunting lions.

3. Why did you choose that name?

I don’t know actually – my parents named her. The reason I chose Zuri’s name though was because of her heritage – her full name is MbwaZuri, which is Swahili for ‘pretty dog’. I thought she was such a pretty pup!

4. Cats, dogs or another species? Can you choose?! And why?!

Growing up my family has always had both a cat and a dog, but I have to say dogs are my favourite. They’re so faithful and your world is theirs, whereas cats are more independent.

5. What is your favourite memory of an animal who has shared your life?

There are so many to choose from, but remembering Poppy’s travel habits makes me smile. She used to love sitting on my lap in the car (with her own seatbelt on), watching everything going by – she especially liked to lean out of the window, which brought plenty of smiles from everyone who saw her!

6. Which three words would you choose to describe her?

Funny, characterful and cuddly.

7. What is your favourite fictional animal and why?

It has to be Scooby Doo – all my Ridgebacks have reminded me of him, hiding behind my back! Although when it’s something really serious, they act like proper Ridgies.

8. If you could be any animal, which one would you choose and why?

I’d probably choose to be a dog. They get taken for a nice walk twice a day, meals are served up to them and cosy beds are available to sleep in most of the day – what a lovely life!

9. What advice would you give to someone grieving for a much-loved pet?

I would say to take as long as you need to grieve; no two people are the same. Talk about your loved one often and don’t be afraid to cry – bottling up your feelings ultimately does no good.

10. When and how did you first come across The Ralph Site? What do you think is the most important role of The Ralph Site community?

I can’t remember how I first came across the site, but I know that it was shortly after my Poppy had died. I was in a very bad place, but thanks to the wonderful people in the Facebook group I was able to talk about how I was feeling. All I got back was love and support. I sometimes think Poppy led me to The Ralph Site, and now that I’m much better I want to help others in the same situation.

We’ll be featuring regular mini-interviews with friends of The Ralph Site in future; so do keep an eye out every first and third week of each month!

Until next time, very best wishes from Shailen and The Ralph Site team
The Ralph Site, non-profit pet loss support

In the last week of every month we take a look back at the crazy creatures and amazing animals that have made the headlines in recent weeks. Here’s a reminder of what April’s headlines told us about some of the animals that share our planet:

Pets take charge?

April’s Fools Day unleashes a host of creative stories and liberty taking every year, and 2017 was no exception – all the major news outlets and social media sites carried stories of strange and amazing happenings that on closer examination turned out not to be true. One of our favourite pranks was from Amazon, who tweeted a series of videos highlighting their new product ‘Petlexa’ – voice recognition software allowing pets to communicate with the company’s home management hub. Much as we’d love to live in a world where cats can order a sushi delivery, it was not to be. Not this year at least!….

Calls to keep records of animal abusers

The RSPCA has repeated its call for a log to be kept of those convicted of cruelty towards, and disqualified from keeping animals in the UK. Their appeal is supported by MP Stephen Kinnock, who believes that a register of convicted animal abusers could ultimately help prevent offenders going on to commit violent crimes against people.
The charity reports that eleven people were prosecuted for breaching a ban in the last three years alone, and they believe the actual figure could be higher. Currently the government is reluctant to introduce such a process, as there are fears that a public register could encourage vigilante behaviour against perpetrators.

Living the high life

Cameras were allowed behind the scenes this month at New York’s JFK airport, which offers an exclusive support service for pets and horses travelling through the busy hub. ‘The Ark’ is the only such place of its kind in the US, providing a quiet space where animals can wait for connecting flights or for collection by their owners, away from the loud noises and cramped cages of the usual cargo holds. Opera music is played to relax horses staying in the facility, as studies have shown that classical music has a calming quality for animals, just as it does for us humans. Food and medications can be personalised to the waiting animals, whilst grooming facilities and regular walks ensure that each four-legged customer arrives at their final destination in great shape!

Until next time, very best wishes from Shailen and The Ralph Site team
The Ralph Site, non-profit pet loss support

In the latest of our series of mini interviews with friends of The Ralph Site  we heard from Elaine Bottom, who has given us some wise words of advice for anyone experiencing the loss of a much-loved companion.

1. Do you currently share your home with any pets? If so, please tell us about them.

At the moment I have two very young cats named Mylo and Rosie.

2. What was the name of your first pet?

The first animal in my life was our family cat, Skippy; we had him when I was young.

3. Why did you choose that name?

I don’t know actually – my parents named him – but as I remember he didn’t stay still for long, so that may have had something to do with it!

4. Cats, dogs or another species? Can you choose?! And why?!

Difficult one, but I’m going to have to go for cats as I’ve always been brought up around them -they have a special place in my heart.

5. What is your favourite memory of an animal who has shared your life?

Toby was a beautiful big white cat who loved plenty of attention – he would sleep at the bottom of our bed and keep us awake with his really loud purring!

6. Which three words would you choose to describe him?

Loving, affectionate and cuddly

7. What is your favourite fictional animal and why?

As a child I used to love watching The Littlest Hobo on TV, wondering what adventures he’d go on next.

8. If you could be any animal, which one would you choose and why?

I would definitely be a cat – I could sleep all day long!

9. What advice would you give to someone grieving for a much-loved pet?

Unfortunately I have lost several cats over these past few years, probably the worst was losing my two beautiful kittens last year in a road traffic accident. It is always extremely hard for anyone to grieve and go through the process of losing a pet, but what I would say is to take each day as it comes. Cry, laugh, scream – do whatever you feel you need to do; and always treasure the special moments you had with them.
Never feel guilty (as I did, for months after losing Simba and Belle). I miss them terribly and always will, but I know that I gave them the best possible life that I could, and that they had a loving home. It does become easier as time goes on.

10. When and how did you first come across The Ralph Site? What do you think is the most important role of The Ralph Site community?

I first discovered this amazing community back in 2010 when I lost my cat Chloe – a friend of mine told me about it. However, it’s only in the last year that I have met some truly wonderful people – through losing Simba and Belle they have become my ‘cyber friends’. The Ralph Site is like one big family – we all care about one another. Without Shailen’s hard work and dedication, I don’t honestly know where I would have turned to for support.

We’ll be featuring regular mini-interviews with friends of The Ralph Site in future; so do keep an eye out every first and third week of each month!

Until next time, very best wishes from Shailen and The Ralph Site team
The Ralph Site, non-profit pet loss support

Losing a pet is hard enough for us adults, but for a child, losing their best friend, confidante and partner in crime can feel devastating. Parents already coming to terms with their own loss are called upon to comfort, advise and encourage their children through the healing process, and this can add extra stresses at an impossibly difficult time. Equally, the very process of sharing your feelings and talking about positive steps forward, as you help your child come to terms with his or her grief, can be beneficial for you too.

Clearly everybody’s reaction to the loss of a pet is different, depending both on the circumstances of the loss as well as on the personality, age and situation of the carer. Yet at their varying stages of development and maturity, helping children deal with grief will require a particular, and more predictable, approach, according to their age.

The following guidelines are from the Association of Pet Loss and Bereavement:

Toddlers:

At this age children should be told the pet has died and will not return. It is important to reassure them that they did not do or say anything to cause the death. It is good to cry and show your own feelings of grief, but these must be controlled and perceived as a normal response to the loss of a loved one. Extra reassurance, as well as maintaining usual routines will help. Any new pet will usually be accepted very easily.

4-6 year olds:

There is now some understanding of death, but the permanence of it may not be grasped. Manifestations of grief may include bowel or bladder disturbances as well as a change in playing, eating and sleeping habits. Through ‘little and often’ discussions, allow the child to express feelings and concerns. Give extra reassurance. Drawing pictures and writing stories about their loss may be helpful, and it’s recommended that you include the child in any funeral arrangements.

7-9 year olds:

Children in this age group know that death is irreversible. They do not normally think this might happen to them, but they may be concerned about the death of their parents. They are very curious and may ask questions that appear morbid – this is natural and is best approached frankly and honestly. Grief may manifest as problems at school, anti-social behaviour, aggression, withdrawal and clingy behaviour – once again, it’s important to reassure the child that the death was not their fault.

10-11 year olds:

Now children are usually able to understand that death is natural, inevitable and happens to all living things. They often react in a manner very similar to adults, using their parent’s attitude as their model. A pet’s death can trigger memories of previous losses of any kind, and this should always be open for discussion.

Adolescents:

Whilst teenagers react similarly to adults, the typical adolescent span of expression can range from apparent total lack of concern to hyper-emotional. Peer approval is very important – if friends are supportive, it is much easier for them to deal with a loss.

Young adults:

The loss of a family pet at this age can be particularly hard. There may be feelings of guilt for abandoning the pet when leaving home for college, work or marriage, especially where there has been a very close relationship since early childhood. Distance may also make returning home difficult, which can add an extra sense of guilt.

Many books have been written to help children come to terms with the loss of their pet, and you may find it useful to read these together with young children.
You can find a list of our suggestions on our main site, via this link.

Until next time, very best wishes from Shailen and The Ralph Site team
The Ralph Site, non-profit pet loss support

Please note: The Ralph Site is not affiliated with the third-party organisations in any of the links shared here, and the views, ideas and suggestions expressed in this and other blogs are simply shared with the intention of helping you, our friends, take care of the special animals in your lives.

In the latest of our series of mini interviews with friends of The Ralph Site  we heard from Agnes Cuthbertson, who has given us some wise words of advice for anyone experiencing the loss of a much-loved companion.

1. Do you currently share your home with any pets? If so, please tell us about them.

Living at home with me at the moment are a white German Shepherd called Alfie…

…and a kitten called Poppy.

2. What was the name of your first pet?

I got my first pet was when I was living at home with my parents – a dog called Trudy. She was a rusty coloured collie and we loved her very much.

3. Why did you choose that name?

It was a family decision – my brother found her in the snow, dumped at the side of the road, and brought her home to my mum. I remember there was a big hullabaloo and she got to stay after much ‘please, please mum can we keep her?’

4. Cats, dogs or another species? Can you choose? And why?

To be honest I love all animals. But if it comes down to choosing then it’s got to be cats. If I’m honest I’m not entirely sure why, although I do find them independent, funny and interesting creatures.

5. What is your favourite memory of an animal who has shared your life?

Wow, that’s a hard one – there are just so many. I think I would have to say my cat Lucky, who was with me for seventeen years. Every morning Lucky would come into my bedroom and look at me to be lifted up. As soon as he was in my arms, his front legs would stretch straight out and he would cuddle them around my neck and stay there until I put him back on the floor.

6. Which three words would you choose to describe him?

I would need so many more than three, but if only three are allowed I would say ‘my trusty sidekick’.

7. What is your favourite fictional animal and why?

That’s easy – Lassie the famous collie dog.  Lassie was gorgeous and very intelligent. I always had a little cry at the end of every film!

8. If you could be any animal, which one would you choose and why?

A cat – they just don’t care! They’re so laid back, sleeping all day and out on the tiles all night, LOL!  They don’t need people as such, and only bother with us if they want feeding and they don’t want to go hunting.

9. What advice would you give to someone grieving for a much-loved pet?

Having lost pets of my own and worked with animal rescue, I know both from personal experience and witnessing in others, the pain and distress that losing an animal can cause.  I would always advise anyone who has newly lost or is having trouble coping with the loss of a much-loved member of their pet family to talk to someone if possible. Choose an understanding friend, or the very welcoming and helpful Facebook group at The Ralph Site. The Ralph Site is now worldwide, so someone is always online 24/7 to talk and empathise with you. If the distress is severe and to the point you need more than a friendly ear, then I would advise visiting your GP and ask for counselling. You can also find pet bereavement counsellors online and on Facebook, and Shailen (who runs The Ralph Site) can point you in the right direction.

10. When and how did you first come across The Ralph Site? What do you think is the most important role of The Ralph Site community?

I lost my 10-year-old German Shepherd Sasha five years ago, and a day later The Ralph Site appeared on my timeline. I honestly don’t know how it got there but it saved me. I didn’t talk to anyone apart from the lovely people on the group for two weeks, as I felt nobody understood my pain apart from them. Giving someone else advice and sympathy is easy, it costs nothing. But it’s totally different when it’s you going through the whole distressing experience.  The Ralph Site is a very important lifeline for all those in despair – either from a recent or distant loss, or facing the inevitable decision to have their fur baby put to sleep. So, so many people have come to rely on online friends from The Ralph Site for help, advice and support in their time of need. There is no other pet loss group I know of that provides such a huge, loving and much-needed olive branch.

We’ll be featuring regular mini-interviews with friends of The Ralph Site in future; so do keep an eye out every first and third week of each month!

Until next time, very best wishes from Shailen and The Ralph Site team
The Ralph Site, non-profit pet loss support