The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement
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The Association for Pet Loss
and Bereavement
Volume 23 Issue 1 Spring, 2020
APLB is Spearheading into the New Roaring Twenties
LATEST HAPPENINGS PRESIDENT’S CORNER
Our negotiations with Guelph University are My relationship with the APLB is relatively short
coming to a slowdown. Now they want to own and compared to so many of the volunteers who serve on the
take over our Online Training, as well as our First Board of Directors or in the chatroom. I took the
Responders class. That is not acceptable, and we now Counselor Training Course with Dr. Sife in August of
market these classes in another way. This is being 2014. After completing coursework for two Masters
worked on, and we will get back to you when we find degrees, I can safely say that it was more demanding
a solution. than both of them put together! That certificate means a
great deal to me because it galvanized my desire to help
Startup planning for our next conference has people through the loss of a pet. And, it gave me the
begun. We are still thinking of having it at some skills to do so.
large hotel in Atlantic City, again. There are a few Since January of 2015, I have served in the role of
new ones and we will decide which is the best choice Deputy Trainer to Dr. Sife, working with him and Dr.
for us. So far, some time in the autumn of 2022 looks Michelle Crossley, to certify other individuals for this
best. If you have any suggestions or contacts please much-needed role today. As a member of the Board of
write to our Conference Committee chairperson, Directors since January, 2015, I discovered two things
Kathryn Jennings: kjennings526@comcast.net. for certain: the APLB makes a difference in people’s
The terrible wildfires in Australia have devastated lives, and secondly, we have a cadre of volunteers who
millions of acres of forests, and destroyed the homes work extremely hard.
of all the native wildlife trying to exist there. Some As I take on the role of President, a true honor, my
species may be forced to extinction. Colleen, APLB’s interest and commitment to APLB staff and members of
President authorized $200 to be sent to animal this Association center on three goals: 1) make our web-
sanctuaries, as token of our support. We urge our site the very best and most user-friendly it can be to help
members to also make donations. If you are able to pet parents navigate loss and grief; 2) put together a
donate, we recommend using the following website. professional conference where networking to strengthen
the industry can take place; and 3) roll out our latest
Two new appointments to our Board of Directors course offerings, First Responder’s Course, to a target
have been made. Kevin Ringstaff will form a “Social audience of animal welfare specialists and caregivers.
Media” Committee and be in charge of pushing the
envelope of APLB awareness in ways that will A word about my first task. The APLB received a
request from a Maryland resident who was able to secure
advance our ability to help bereaving pet lovers. a bill which, if passed, would extend bereavement leave
Kathryn Jennings will now head a Marketing for employees after the loss of a pet. I wrote a letter of
Committee give us the advantage we always needed. support on behalf of the APLB and, through a link
She will also be in charge of planning for our next watched as history unfolded. It has passed the first
conference. reading, and while it has a way to go before becoming
Dr. Sife wants to now thank those who sent him law, if passed, Maryland will become the first state to
their condolences for the death of his beloved doxie, recognize the significant role that a pet plays in our life.
Phoebe. There were so many, and he could not handle And, we would be part of that “first”! Find links to the
the repetition of saying the same kind of thank-you, actual bill on page 5.
over and over, again. The time was much too We need dedicated individuals to help us reach our
emotional for that kind of involvement. He is now in goals. Why not join us in achieving them together?
the process of healing, and has just added her Stay tuned as we tackle them; look for updates to
memorial to our website’s In Memoriam pages. follow!
—Page 1—
Spring 2020
APLB Quarterly Newsletter In Memoriam
Wallace Sife, Ph.D.
Publisher/Managing Editor Our Honor Roll of Beloved Deceased
Companion Animals
Michelle Crossley, Ph.D.
Editor These are new names, added since the publication of our
last newsletter. All are now permanently posted with their
Marina Resa, LMFT photos, on our website’s Hall of Fame pages.
Assistant Editor
To permanently add your pet’s memorial to this registry
and Honor Roll, send $25 with up to 25 words and a clear
Contact Us color photo. This is a one-time charge. New listings will
P.O. Box 194
Kawkawlin, MI 48631-2511 appear in every edition of this newsletter. Multiple family
(718) 382-0690 memorials are also posted, at no additional cost.
aplb@aplb.org ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Visit our website on the Internet Baxter P. 05/08 – 02/02/20
www.aplb.org Baxter, you had 11 great years traveling coast to coast and
Hawaii, always were ready to go places. You are your momma’s
Webmaster boy and my night protector. I hope your running free chasing
jlemire@elykinnovations.com those squirrels.
— Love Momma & Papa (Alice Ann & David Philippi)
Officers
Dr. Wallace Sife ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CEO Billy 02/02/10 – 01/01/20
Colleen Rolland I will never walk alone, you will be at my side always. Your
President
paws have left an imprint on my heart forever.
Debra Bjorling
Vice-President — Karen Jaques
Marsha Zimmer ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Treasurer Goldie 01/18/03 – 09/28/19
Laurie Koen
Secretary Dearest, Goldie. Your presence in my life filled it with joy and
happiness. You were my best friend and my love for you will
remain in my heart, forever
Board of Directors
Dr. Wallace Sife, Chairman — Lynne Lohmeier
Ellie Waldron, President Emeritus ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Debra Bjorling Jobe (Vito) Crotty 09/01/05 – 01/31/20
Dr. Michelle Crossley
My Jobe, my Jobe, the best cat in town. The best boy around.
Kathryn Jennings, CPLP, CPFE
You’re handsome, good, and very smart. Jobe, my Jobe, you
Marina Resa, LMFT
stole my heart. I Love you forever.
Kevin Ringstaff
Sarah Robinson — Mommy (Donna Crotty)
Colleen Rolland ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Phoebe Sife 03/12/04 – 02/22/20
In This Issue My darling little girl. You loved to follow me around and
Latest Happenings & President’s Corner P. 1 snuggle against me. What a comforting bond we had! You are
In Memoriam P. 2 part of me, forever.
APLB is Changing Dr. Wallace Sife P. 3 — Your loving daddy, Dr. Wallace Sife
Help Don’t Hurt Internet Article P. 4
Bereavement Leave Internet Article P. 5 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hazards for Birds Internet Article P. 6 Silk 03/08/04 – 09/02/19
Hospice Program Internet Article P. 7 Best girlfriend. My sunshine. Soul sister. I love you forever,
Membership & Contribution Updates P. 8-9 baby girl.
Thank You Notes & APLB Corner P. 10
Profile: Kathryn Jennings P. 11 — Mom (Bonnie Patrick)
Experiencing the Shock Stage P. 11 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
COVID-19 and Dogs P. 12
—Page 2—
OUR PLANET IS CHANGING AND SO ARE WE
— Dr. Wallace Sife
The world is changing fast, and we are part of that evolution. Only 25 years ago the Internet was a
new and mostly unused phenomenon. Most people never even heard of Email – or even wanted to learn
how to send one. Despite objections from most of my staff who did not have computers, I developed our
first website, with the help of a generous “techie” who helped us set it up – pro bono. This would require
time and lots of experience that nobody had. We were inventing an amazing new “wheel”.
We then created the first online chatroom to help newly bereaving pet owners. There was no way of
advertising this, so I sat and waited for three hours every Friday night, hoping somebody will discover it.
A few years before, in 1989, there had been a memorable movie, “Field of Dreams”. In it the main
character heard a voice saying, “If you build it they will come”. Well, I wasn’t hearing voices, but I felt
that way, myself. So I built it all, and they slowly but surely did come. In those early years I prided myself
on using this method, and welcomed bereaving pet lovers to visit our website. It was all one very slow
step at a time. In the 1990s we were starting to devise this new spear, and we were its head. The APLB
brought pet bereavement out of its dark ages. Things evolved very quickly, after that.
At that time there were several well-intentioned people who started calling themselves pet
bereavement counselors, and advertised their services on the new Internet. Most were not trained to help
people, but wanted to promote their own personal ideas. There were some who offered to help, using
crystals, aroma therapy, religious fervor, and more unusual methods, even bordering on the occult. On our
new APLB website I challenged them all, and started setting standards for those who wanted to give
advice in pet loss and bereavement. I expanded this new kind of counseling to include excellence.
Something had to be said and done, and no other organization wanted to do that. The new APLB became
known as the creator of pet bereavement counseling.
Unfortunately, there are some powerful organizations that are now trying to challenge our right to use
the word “counselor”, claiming that it should only be authorized by them. But because we started it all,
that contention must be refuted. We do not call ourselves just “counselors”. We are pet bereavement
counselors. There is a distinct difference. Our website made specialized usage of that designation years
before they decided to appropriate “counselor” as their own term, and set their own important standards.
The APLB’s right to continue using this term should be “grandfathered” into their regulations. We are
currently working on that. If you can advise us, please contact me or Dr. Michelle Crossley:
mkayderossley@gmail.com.
Now, we are all witnessing the accelerating revolution that the Internet created. Everything keeps
changing and growing exponentially. This won’t slow up, and with new innovations and inventions it is
all morphing into a new “Age of Information.” Even newspapers are becoming extinct.
It’s a brave new world, now. At the start of 2020 we are entering what I like to call “The New Roaring
Twenties”. I love the metaphor. A hundred years ago that also indicated fast changes from how we were
living, then. Look it up, to see the similarities. The world was starting to rapidly transform. But now we
are on afterburners and rockets, flinging us ahead in ever-changing new ways. If we could see ten years
into the future that would seem to us like science fiction.
The APLB’s enthusiastic, young leaders are part of this new generation, and it is my last and most
important job to dynamize them into creating and adopting new ways to promote what we are doing – and
grow. We are no longer sitting, waiting for others to discover us. Now, we are reaching out, pro-actively.
Our leaders are creating public awareness and usage of all that we offer (and will, in the future). New
APLB committees have been formed, and their chairpersons have been put on our expanded Board of
Directors. They are a new wave of modern achievers, who love the APLB. With their creative enthusiasm
they are now taking us into the future.
I am so proud of our APLB and its cadre of talented new leaders. Your supportive membership has
enabled this to happen. It is expensive to run this kind of volunteer action, and your tax-deductible dues
and contributions are helping us spearhead into these New Roaring Twenties. Please contact us if you
would like to help us develop our ventures into the future of helping others who grieve for their pets.
—Page 3—
Helping Australian Animals Heal from Brushfires
— Taken from the Internet
Caring for Australian wildlife after fires, whether they’re injured or have lost their homes, is a marathon – not a
sprint. It’s important to make sure our helping hand is actually helping and not harming.
Since July last year, bushfires have burned more than 7.7 million hectares of southeast Australia, putting many
threatened species at increased risk of extinction. Now that fires have been extinguished, surviving wildlife face
other challenges, such as a lack of food, clean water and shelter, and more exposure to invasive predators.
Australians have helped raise millions of dollars to support Australia’s imperiled wildlife, such as to set
up triage centers and evacuate threatened species like eastern bristlebirds and Macquarie perch.
But beyond the vital role of providing financial support, here are a few simple things individuals can do – and
avoid – to help Australian wildlife recover.
Animals need fresh water, but not from a bottle. Photos of well-meaning people offering water from bottles to
animals, especially thirsty koalas, often go viral online. But this is not a safe way to help koalas.
Animals must be allowed to drink water themselves, rather than us pouring water into their mouths.
Animals, such as koalas, can’t drink quickly and poured water can fill their lungs, leading to potentially fatal
aspiration pneumonia. Still, providing safe, fresh drinking water is one crucial and practical way we can help them
as summer grinds on. This is particularly important since recent storms have washed ash, sediment and chemicals
from burnt infrastructure into waterways, contaminating many catchments.
Water should be stationed at ground level, in a shaded location safe from predators, and in trees for birds and
tree-dwelling species like possums, gliders and koalas. Check out DIY guides for building drinking fountains, or
“watering pods”, for wildlife. Sticks and rocks should be placed in the water to allow small species, such as reptiles,
to climb out if they fall in. Water must be checked and changed regularly to ensure hygiene and avoid the spread of
disease. And pets must be kept away from these locations (especially cats).
What to do if you spot injured wildlife by the road. Authorities are searching the fire grounds for injured
animals, and the public is reminded to avoid these areas until they’re confirmed as safe to enter.
But if you happen upon an injured survivor, what should you do? First of all, call government agencies or
trained wildlife rescuers, who can assist any injured wildlife.
Many animals may be in pain and frightened and some, including kangaroos, koalas and wombats, are
potentially dangerous if approached. In urgent cases, such as when an animal is in obvious distress or has clear
injuries, some animals can be carefully caught and wrapped in a towel, then placed in a well-ventilated, dark and
secure box for quiet transport to wildlife veterinary hospitals for care.
Sadly, many animals are hit by cars during fires when they’re disoriented and panicked, and so it’s important to
slow down in such areas. You can also check animals found by roads for injuries and surviving young in pouches,
and call authorities to assist. But always be careful of traffic when attending to animals on roadsides, and help other
drivers be aware of you by putting hazard lights on and wearing bright clothes.
Don’t feed wildlife, especially not peanut butter mixes. With so
much vegetation burned away, supplementary feeding has gained
attention following fires in New South Wales, Victoria and South
Australia.
But feeding wildlife without expert advice and legal approval
can do more harm than good. Feeding inappropriate foods like
processed foods, over-feeding, providing unhygienic foods or food
stations, and attracting predators to food stations, can all be fatal for
native wildlife. Even some foods suggested online, such as bait
balls (peanut butter mixes), can cause gastrointestinal issues for
wildlife, potentially killing them. Similar issues can arise if wildlife
are given some types of hay, vegetables, seeds, and fruits.
Supplementary feeding isn’t advised unless habitat and sources
of food have been completely destroyed, and is only appropriate as
a short-term emergency intervention until natural resources recover.
But leave it up to the experts and government agencies, which
provide nutritionally suitable, specially developed and monitored
food in extreme cases.
—Page 4—
Compassionate Companies Are Offering Employees Paid
Leave For Pet Bereavement
— Compiled from the Internet
Our pets are our family members. That may seem weird to some people, but to pet parents, it makes
perfect sense. Losing a beloved pet is heartbreaking and traumatic. Like any other loss, it requires time to
grieve and to heal.
In many cases, society at large doesn’t acknowledge that grief or allow us time to recuperate from the
loss. However, some companies are changing that. Many are starting to offer paid pet bereavement leave.
The Employment Rights Act 1996 gives employees the right to “reasonable” time off to deal with an
emergency situation, including the death of a dependent. However, this is usually a spouse, partner, child,
grandchild, parent or someone who depends on the employee for care.
It is up to the employer how much leave to allow a worker and whether this period should be paid.
There are big name companies like Mars, Inc., Salesforce, and Ben & Jerry’s that grant their employees
time off to mourn the loss of their pets. Mars Incorporated, which owns pet nutrition company Mars
Petcare, offers a paid day off for those who lost a pet, and "in some units, we also offer pet-ernity leaves"
for those who acquired a new pet. Trupanion Pet Insurance and Kimpton Hotels offer paid pet leave up to
three days for both salaried and hourly employees. Software company VMware allows salaried employees
to take as many days off to "unwind, unplug, and take care of themselves and their loves ones," which can
be used for pet loss. Some other companies, like Ben & Jerry’s, don’t have an official pet bereavement
policy, but it’s company practice to allow employees to take time off.
Having the time and space to grieve such and important loss can be beneficial for not only pet parents,
but the children who are also losing an important bond. The hope is that more companies will start offering
pet bereavement leave. It’s important that everyone have time to mourn the loss of their family members,
even if those family members have fur.
Maryland Legislation
In most states, 'Pets' are considered property by law. Yet there are laws in the state of Maryland which are as
serious as felonies for animal cruelty or misdemeanors for leaving a dog in a hot car. It seems to me there is a
gray area where pets or 'domesticated' animals are concerned. There are several bills in the Maryland Senate
and House that are being heard this legislative session. One in particular would provide for Bereavement Leave
following the death of a companion animal. Here is specific information on the Bills:
H.B. 712/ S.B. 260: Bereavement leave with pay for pet deaths
Sponsors: Democratic Dels. Regina T. Boyce, Tony Bridges, Frank M. Conaway Jr., Keith E. Haynes,
Stephanie Smith and Melissa Wells (Baltimore City); Mary A. Lehman (Prince George’s and Anne
Arundel counties); Emily Shetty (Montgomery County); and Pat Young (Baltimore County). Democratic
Sens. Mary Washington and Jill P. Carter (Baltimore City); Joanne C. Benson and Obie Patterson (Prince
George’s County); Clarence K. Lam (Baltimore and Howard counties); Susan C. Lee (Montgomery
County); and Charles E. Sydnor, III (Baltimore city and county).
Synopsis: Allows certain employees to take paid bereavement leave in the event of a pet’s death.
Analysis: For some, pets are like children or a best friend, and their deaths can be devastating, especially
for those who live alone and who relied on the animal for companionship. While
it is a hope that employers would be sympathetic to that and allow for reasonable
leave following the death of a beloved pet per individual policies. However, pets
are not actually family entitled to inclusion in the Family Bereavement Act.
Adding them would require the creation of full-time positions within the
Maryland Department of Labor to investigate an possible complaints challenging
the definition of a pet and the bereaved’s connection to it.
Click on the links above to see the status of both the House Bill and Senate Bill associated
with the MD Family Bereavement Act.
—Page 5—
HAZARDS FOR PET BIRDS
— Taken from the Internet
Even if you do not have birds, please read the information below regarding carbon monoxide and pets.
There are a number of things which we do, which can have a fatal effect very quickly on our birds, but on
the other hand, there are accidents over which we have little control. This is a list of the most deadly hazards
over which we may have some control. See links at the bottom for other hazards and general care.
Cooking using appliances with non-stick coatings. There are many appliances sold which have non-
stick coatings. These include but are not limited to: skillets, pans, coffee makers, oven drip pans, woks,
grills, self cleaning ovens, stoves among others. Overheating, which can occur rapidly, causes fumes
which break down the tissue in the birds lungs and suffocates them very quickly and under distress.
Some ironing board covers, irons and other heating appliances such as heating lamps, electric
heaters, hair dryers, curling iron, griddles, waffle irons, popcorn makers, roasters also have the same
compound PTFE (like Teflon) on some of their parts. Do not iron in the same room as your birds. Also,
when you buy electrical appliances which use heat, check labels very carefully and if still in doubt, contact
the manufacturer.
Sitting in direct sun with no shade. Never place a cage where it will be at some time of the day (all
seasons) in direct line with the sun. Proper permanent shielding can provide some protection but simple
heat buildup in a room can also cause death. Also, never leave a bird in a car, period. Leaving a window
partially opened is not enough to prevent heat buildup, and leaving the air conditioning or heater on can
have disastrous effects if anything goes wrong.
Lack of water due to blockage, or insufficient refill. Water jars used for birds can become blocked
by a piece of food or other cause, and remain unnoticed. We can even refill without being aware that it is
blocked. Always have two water jars in a cage, and change water daily. Dehydration in a bird may not be
noticeable until it is too late. Sometimes fatal dehydration in baby chicks may be caused by sour crop.
Carbon monoxide. High concentration of CO can occur due to: incomplete oxidation when cooking
on gas stoves; un-vented kerosene and space heaters; worn, incorrectly set, leaking, improperly
maintained, or back drafting of gas dryers, water heaters, furnaces or other combustion device; a car idling
in an attached garage, or from cars, trucks, buses on the street or parking lot near the window; improperly
vented fireplace or leaking chimney, wood stove, charcoal grill, generator, lawnmowers, snowblowers or
other yard equipment.
Just to repeat, gas fumes from a cooking gas leak can be fatal to birds which are close to the source
if they are in an enclosed space, or even with ventilation since there can be a buildup in certain places or
currents of air can engulf the birds. If a leak is suspected, take the birds outside until the problem is fixed.
Certain foods which have caused death and should be completely avoided. Avocado (guacamole),
rhubarb leaves, chocolate, cocoa. Other products which should not be given are: onions, alcohol, milk
products, tobacco, caffeine, or mushrooms. There are a number of plants which are toxic to birds.
Fruit seeds, and in particular apple seeds which have amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside in them.
The apple itself is fine. Just do not slice an apple in half with the possibility of slicing one of the seeds.
Slice around the core. Cutting a seed, or giving the skin of the core which was touching the seeds should
be avoided. The amount of cyanide is relatively small for us, but not for the birds. Also, be careful of other
fruit seeds, in particular apricot, peach, nectarine, plum and cherry. Also, wood of these trees should not
be used as perches.
Birds are more sensitive than humans to agricultural sprays (insecticides, rodenticides and
herbicides) which have been used on or around fruits, vegetables, and grains. Always wash fruit
thoroughly and in some cases, peel before giving to birds. Plus, insecticides, rodenticides and herbicides
used in or near the home can be very dangerous to birds. If you use any of the three latter in the home, it is
advised to use one which is low in toxicity, or found to be non-toxic to wildlife. In
any case, if you spray the rooms, remove the birds out until you feel it is safe to
bring them back in. If birds are free in the house, take extra care with pellets,
placement of treatments, canisters, traps, etc. One live roach is better than dead
birds. He will thank you for it.
For more information regarding Bird Safety, please visit https://globalcrisis.info/
ifyouloveyourbirds.html
—Page 6—
Hospice Program Helps Terminal Patients Keep their Pets so
They can be with Them Until the End
— Taken from the Internet
Pets can provide a much needed companionship for the elderly who don’t have a lot of family or
friends around them. In fact, pets have been shown to have great therapeutic effects that are being
utilized more and more by hospitals, wellness centers, companies and individual people.
However, one major problem for an older or a terminally ill patient is that the pets often become
homeless when their human owner passes away.
That’s where Pet Peace of Mind comes in. It’s a pet care company located in Salem, Oregon,
that specializes in working with older and terminally ill people who can’t find someone to take care
of their pets.
The president of Pet Peace of Mind recently talked about their mission:
“I know of countless patients who have said that their pet is their lifeline. Pets are great
medicine for coping with the anxiety the comes from dealing with a serious medical condition.
For many patients, keeping their pets near them during the end of life journey and finding
homes for their beloved pets after they pass is one of the most important pieces of unfinished
business.”
What’s more, the pet care company also makes sure that people’s pets are always close by for
visitations. On their Facebook page they’ve said that:
“The Pet Peace of Mind program provides nonprofit hospices with a turnkey approach to
help them train volunteers to help patients with their pet care needs, provides seed funding to
get the program off the ground, and offers advice and assistance for the life of the program.
People have come to bond with their pets in much the same way they bond with people,”
The organization is largely maintained via donations and volunteers who help to not only take
care of the animals but also make sure that they live
healthy and happy lives. The volunteers take the
pets for walks, play fetch with them, keep them
groomed, and most importantly – do their best to re-
home the pets after their owners have passed away.
Pet Peace of Mind’s official position is
that “Pets are treated and loved like family
members and they comfort their owners much like a
close friend or relative. It is no wonder then that
during the end-of-life journey, pets can play a
critical role. Unfortunately, as families deal with
grief and loss during hospice care, pets may be
overlooked, forgotten, or even ignored by family
members unfamiliar with the patient’s bond with a
pet.”
Fortunately, the initiative is quickly gathering
pace and more and more volunteers are joining in
their efforts. To find out more about how you can
volunteer for this program, please visit https://
petpeaceofmind.org/ways-you-can-help/
—Page 7—
MEMBERSHIP AND CONTRIBUTION UPDATES
Since the publication of our last newsletter, many individuals have
We are a 501(c)(3) joined or renewed their existing memberships in the APLB. We
philanthropic would like to thank everyone for supporting our much needed work.
organization. We want to express our special appreciation to those who have
donated at the Platinum Angel, Gold Angel, Silver Angel, and Patron
All dues and donations Angel levels, as well as those who gave Additional Donations.
are tax-deductible.
Please see our website’s Join Us Page for more information on these
NEW MEMBERS
Additional Donations
Ford, Tracy Jacksonville, FL
BASIC MEMBERSHIPS
Auger, Mary Monmouth, ME Ball, Carrie Greater Manchester, England
Barrett, Cheryl League City, TX Boyer, Dr. Cynthia Voorhees, NJ
Carver, Paul Norwich, VT Clinch, Lori Winter Haven, FL
Cole, Patti Clinton Township, MI Elleven, Rev. Russell Chicago, IL
Ford, Tracy Jacksonville, FL Freeman, Renee Monrovia, CA
Gambino, Robbie Salem, OR Gilbertsen, Aaron, DVM Longview, WA
Gray, Douglas Whiting, NJ Hemsley, Kaitlyn Richmond, VA
Hestvik, Carol Ashburn, VA Howe, Lisa, DVM Hants, England
Hurd, Jessica Negaunee, MI Knoeplfer, Madison Johnston, IA
Langeman, Julie, DVM Calgary, Canada Layne, Penny Irwin, PA
Long, Martin San Francisco, CA Lynch, Diane West Palm Beach, FL
MacDonald, Carina Vero Beach, FL Naidicz, Kristina Kenosha, WI
Oliveria, Vicki Los Gatos, CA Pallet, Pete Vancouver, BC, Canada
Palmer, Gregory Salt Lake City, UT Piccirillo, Emily Burlington, VT
Phillippi, David LaVernia, TX Post, Susan Savannah, GA
Selzner, Alisha, DVM Highland, NY Shaku, Christian Kaimana Honolulu, HI
Simko, Sandra West Caldwell, NJ Simonds, D Kathleen Mesa, AZ
Slagowski, Milton Fielding, UT Straub, Sandra Palm City, FL
Turner, Sheri Citrus Heights, CA Van Cleve, Rhonda, DVM Tucson, AZ
Wang, Lily San Francisco, CA Woods, Lori Greenville, NC
Wright, Gayle Parker Hillsborough, NJ
—Page 8—RENEWING MEMBERS
Platinum Angel
Elge, Kowalski Thunder Bay, ON, Canada
Gold Angel
Zeiger, Robin Silver Springs, MD
Silver Angel
Epstein, Carol and Ken Belmont, CA
Patron Angels
Dieppoise, Danielle Tilehurst, Reading, UK Kaminski, Marta Brooklyn, NY
Kitterman, Kristin Santa Clara, CA Lohmeier, Lynne Gautier, MS
Patrick, Bonnie Waddy, TX
Additional Donations
Goldstein, Ira Bayside, NY Grant, Vivian New York, NY
Hedges, Patricia Los Angeles, CA Howie, Ann Olympia, WA
Jonson, Sophia Reno, NV Kimbrough, Mona Salt Lake City, UT
Suarez, David Brooklyn, NY
BASIC MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
Axelson, Barbara Conyers, GA Austin, Carol Sylvania, OH
Bailey, Liz North Weymouth, MA Bernier, Laura Beverly Hills, CA
Basner, Shannon Anchorage, AK Best, Richard Rev. Dr. Williamsville, NY
Bickert, Gretchen Mesa, AZ Boisfeuillet, Cindy Stamford, CT
Buckingham, Sandy Croghan, NJ Carlson, Katherine Oconto, WI
Crotty, Donna Bayonne, NJ Cubeta, Katie Newton Square, PA
Dahlgren, Alexandra, DVM Maidens, VA De Rosa, Anna Sherman Oaks, CA
Dickie, Erica, DVM Sebring Ville, ON, Canada Dieppoise, Danielle Tilehurst, Reading, UK
Donovan, Karen Lake Lure, NC Epstein, Carol & Ken Belmont, CA
Fletcher, Sarah, DVM Greensboro, NC Frankel, Lisa Los Angeles, CA
Gaieck, Frederick Marysville, OH Glaeser, Brian Dr. Kenosha, ,WI
Graiff, Brad, DVM Gardena, CA Grant, Vivian New York, NY
Gregorich, Penny Westerville, OH Grossman, Lon Drexel Hill, PA
Haboush, Valerie Plainfield, NJ Hedges, Patricia Los Angeles, CA
Howie, Ann Olympia, WA Johnson, Sophia Reno, NV
Junko, Pat Guntersville, AL Kaminski, Marta Brooklyn, NY
Kimbrough, Mona Salt Lake City, UT Kitterman, Kristin Santa Clara, CA
Kuty, Maria Felton, CA Lang, April New York, NY
Leonard, Laurie New York, NY Lohmeier, Lynne Gautier, MS
Martin, Michael Channahon, IL Palmer, Diane Jackson, NH
Pare, Pamela Williamsburg, VA Patrick, Bonnie Waddy, KY
Quency, Rene Waterford, NY Ramsey, Jane Shawnee, OK
Rasmussen, Lacey, DVM Deer Park, WA Rosemore, Evelyn Plano, TX
Schwartz, Caryn Needham, MA Simpson, Diane Maple Park, IL
Stamick, Kathleen Fort Walton Beach, FL Suarez, David Brooklyn, NY
Trevor, Nancy Weatogue, CT Urashima, Yuki Chiba, Japan
Wholey, Joanne Bloomfield, CT Woods, Steve Reno, NV
Zeiger, Robyn Silver Springs, MD
—Page 9—Some Thank You Notes APLB Corner
“I really am so grateful for finding such an We are all in this lifeboat together.
amazing support system. you all have such Each of us must do whatever can be
big hearts that have loved the most done to help anyone else who is in
precious of souls. Thank you.” bereavement for a beloved pet. Caring
is so necessary in this wondrous
“Thank you everyone that's here, this was encounter – which we all take part in
my first time and I am feeling maybe 1% during our own brief span, here. What
better but its a lot for right now. I will still we learn and then freely offer to others
go and have a good cry, but now at least I immeasurably enriches every giver, as
have this chat to look forward to next well as the living memory of our pets.
time.” That’s what the APLB is all about.
“Thanks everybody, this chatroom made We want to share your experience, and
grow with the input only you can
me feel so much better and brought me provide. Reservoirs are filled by one
some peace. It made me feel so connected raindrop at a time. Come, volunteer
in this struggle.” with us, and help make the difference.
"Thank you all for being here, it helps to
Pet Loss Chatrooms know I’m not alone in my grief, that others
Pet Loss have loved their animals as deeply as I do."
Monday, Tuesday,
Wednesday, and "Thank you all for your support and
Friday nights from encouragement. I found your chatrooms a
8-10 p.m., and Sunday while ago, but didn't follow up. I am glad
afternoon from that I came back. You showed me that
2-4 p.m., all Eastern Video Clip
time. talking about my loss helped much more
than I expected." Each edition will have a URL for what
we feel will be an enjoyable brief
Anticipatory “Thanks to everyone who is here, and viewing for you. We welcome
Bereavement listening. I don't feel so alone.” submissions for future publications.
1st and 3rd Thursday
nights of the month “It is amazing that our love for our pets has Pets on Spring Break!
from 8-10 p.m. connected us. So thankful to Dr. Sife for
Eastern time. starting this journey.”
Website “Thank you so much for your kindness
towards me and my loss of my companion Member Discount
www.aplb.org/
- I truly appreciate it.” Turner Publishing is offering APLB
"When I come to your chatrooms I always Members who are vets or pet care
professionals a 50% discount on bulk
feel better. Thank you so very much for orders of “The Loss of a Pet”, Fourth
being there for me and the others." Edition.
"Thank you all for creating this safe space Shipping is extra, and they are non-
where I could talk about my loss. It helps returnable.
to know there are kind hearted people in Contact Jonsie Holloway at
the world who ‘get it.’ God bless you all." orders@turnerpublishing.com
"I’m glad I found this resource, and am or call her at (615) 225-2665 Ext. 107
looking forward to coming to these chats. I
wish I was able to speak to you all during
the days when I feel low." Newsletter Password
Our password/username for the
newsletters and send-a-card has been
updated with the new website. Our
new format automatically assigns each
member a password. It is always the
Email address you used when joining
or renewing. That should make it
easier to remember.
—Page 10—PROFILE Later Reflections
on My Recent
Stage of Shock
— Dr. Wallace Sife
This happens to everyone,
regardless of how well-prepared we
may be. I recently had to have my
darling little dog euthanized.
Despite my years of experience and
Kathryn Jennings, CPLP, CPFE self-training, an existential
Since 2012, Kathryn has served as the Founder and President of earthquake of titanic proportions
Day By Day Pet Caregiver Support, a non-profit organization happened. Suddenly there was a
dedicated to providing compassionate support services to caregivers/ measureless gap I between us. My
families. Day By Day serves thousands of pet families each year inmost feelings told me, "Now, I
through the grief that comes before, during and after the loss of a am in a state of shock, and my
beloved pet through various services including a 24/7 telephone senses are stunned. That life which
hotline, in-person and online support groups, email support and I cherished beside me is no longer
individual counseling. Services for the organization also include there. For a short while I am
veterinary team support as well. Day By Day is fortunate to be
partnered with some of the most renowned veterinary specialty and becoming lost in a myriad of
referral hospitals along the Mid-Atlantic coast. unremembered thoughts that come
racing through my mind."
Throughout her 27-year career, Kathryn has served on various
boards of directors and utilized her non-profit, marketing/public There is a moment when death
relations and pet loss counseling experience in these roles. She is is so private it can not be shared
the former Executive Director, Board Member and Chairperson of with anyone else.
Membership & Marketing for the International Association for It was so profound. After the
Animal Hospice & Palliative Care (IAAHPC), Pals for Life, and the visiting vet left at first it was best to
APLB. In these positions she focuses on increasing membership
and providing educational and networking opportunities for the
just sit in silence with her lifeless
interdisciplinary association members in the field of animal hospice body, not calling anyone for
and end-of-life care for pets and support for families after a loss. support. Nobody else could fully
Over the last five years, Kathryn has presented American grasp this intimate feeling. I felt
Association of Veterinary State Board Continuing Education courses afraid to be alone, but I felt secure
focused on companioning grieving clients (both adults and children) that her love would be there to
and compassion fatigue to veterinary staff as well as aftercare comfort me. This seemed to last an
professionals both locally and nationally. She has presented lectures eternity, and my brain went into
at many veterinary conferences and teaches 2nd year vet students at survival mode. Later, the tears
the University of Pennsylvania School of Vet Medicine. eased up and I came out of my
As a certified pet loss professional, she has attended and confinement. I was able to share my
mastered numerous management training and leadership courses anguish only after that.
including Pet Loss & Grief Companioning. She has completed a The bond never goes away.
Death & Grief Studies Certification from The Center for Life & Even years later, I know that when I
Loss Transition and the Colorado State University. And, she will be
completing her Master in Science- Grief Counseling in March 2021.
may think I am completely healed
the shock will come crashing down
Kathryn has been awarded distinguished marketing awards to crush me. I’ll be swept up in
including four Women In Communications Crystal Awards and two
Advertising Club “Addy” awards. She was also named Volunteer of tearful, loving memories and
the Year by Pals For Life, a pet assisted therapy organization. feelings. This special love will be
with me, forever.
Originally from Northwest Ohio, Kathryn has lived in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for the past 16 years with her three Now, I am still in deep
teenage children, husband Chris and 3 precious kitties named Bella, mourning, but I know my darling
Lily and Penelope. dog is with me. When I go to sleep,
As a new member of the APLB team, she will serve as Chair for I can still feel her presence, beside
Marketing, and will also chair our Conference Committee. me.
—Page 11—Can Dogs Get Coronavirus?
In early March 2020, the World Health Organization
declared that the 2019 novel coronavirus is now a global
pandemic. In the panic over the spread of the virus, people
are worried not only about their own health but the health of
their dogs and other pets.
Dogs wearing face masks have popped up in photos
across social media, causing pet owners everywhere to ask:
can dogs get coronavirus?
Dogs can contract certain types of coronaviruses, such
as the canine respiratory coronavirus, but this specific novel
coronavirus, aka COVID-19, is believed to not be a threat to
dogs.
The World Health Organization reported that there have
been no reported cases of coronavirus in domestic animals.
“At present, there is no evidence that companion animals/
pets such as dogs or cats can be infected with the novel
coronavirus COVID-19,” their report says.
The CDC says that “while this virus seems to have
emerged from an animal source, it is now spreading from
person-to-person.” The CDC recommends that people
traveling to China avoid animals both live and dead, “but
there is no reason to think that any animals or pets in the
United States might be a source of infection with this novel
coronavirus.”
For now, pet owners in the U.S. don’t need to do
anything other than follow basic hygienic precautions such
as washing their hands with soap and water before and after
contact with any animal. To reduce the spread of any germs,
you may consider wiping your pet’s paws when they come
in and out of the house with a paw cleaner and paw wipes.
Dogs do not need a face mask to protect themselves
against the novel coronavirus COVID-19. If you are still
concerned or notice a change in your dog, speak to a
veterinarian. And the most important protection of
all: Under no circumstances should owners abandon their
dogs, cats, or other pets because of COVID-19 fears.
—Page 12—You can also read
