"In our work with the Angel Animals Network, which we founded in 1996 to increase love and respect for all life through the power of story, we have received thousands of stories from readers who have struggled to find their way out of the maze of sadness that confused them after a pet died. From their experiences and our own, we have fashioned a kind of framework for your grieving and healing. Grief is messy, so we are describing for you the process of organic grieving. It allows you to relax into the knowledge that grief isn't organized. It has its own natural cycles and timetable. As you read through the chapters, empathize with the stories of others, and do the exercises and meditations, your grieving will take on new meaning. You will have the opportunity to transform into a more spiritually self-aware person and, in time, feel happiness again. Our hope is that you will emerge from bereavement as one who looks at life through the clear, bright eyes of love.
"We once did a radio interview during which a caller telephoned the station with a story about a parrot who had recently been left at an animal shelter. The parrot sat at the front desk with staff members and volunteers, who were busily processing adoptions. Throughout the shelter, the bird's voice was heard wailing plaintively, 'What went wrong? What went wrong?'
"This bird asked an age-old question. Throughout history, human beings have turned to ritual, prayer, and commemoration to deal with their grief when a pet died and to figure out what went wrong. Ancient people's memorial practices helped them to mourn. Egyptians mummified their pets with the same chemicals and in the same ways as they did humans. The grieving family members shaved their eyebrows when a pet died and buried the animal in the family crypt. Persians, as well as people of other ancient cultures, established pet cemeteries for their companion animals. Native Americans shared their dwelling with and welcomed animals into their tribes. They called upon animal spirits during their vision quests.
"Like golden threads, animals have always been woven into the tapestry of our lives. For many, especially children, the loss of a pet is a first and profound experience with death's mysterious presence. An animal's passing evokes questions about the significance of the animal-human relationship, the afterlife, the soul, and God. Your longing to find answers, explanations and consolation may bring you to a spiritual turning point. An animal's death can cause you to feel doubt, disbelief, and disconnection. Whirlwinds of anger and denial may compound your grief and cut you off from normal avenues of community and religious solace. When others don't understand that grief for your devoted animal friend is as real and painful as any other kind of grief, you may find yourself feeling even more isolated and alone."
