When you have lost your loved pet, or are about to, please post. You will find the sympathy and comfort, and most of all, understanding here that you may not in Real Life. You may find that writing a tribute to your furry friend a great help. We will never say "But it was just a cat" as we too can appreciate the love and trust you shared with your feline family.

9.1 RAINBOW BRIDGE

May you find solace in this short poem.

RAINBOW BRIDGE

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... Author unknown...

9.2 OTHER RESOURCES IN YOUR TIME OF GRIEF

Try

news:alt.support.grief.pet-loss
http://www.rainbowsbridge.com
http://www.petloss.com
http://www.lightning-strike.com

9.3 LEAVING CATS IN YOUR WILL

What if the unthinkable were to happen - what would happen loved pets if you passed on or became unable to look after them?

It is possible to leave a trust fund for your pets so that whoever looks after them next is not financially burdened for their care. Even if there is no-one to take your beloved cat, perhaps a trust fund would find them a place in a no-kill shelter, or guarantee them a safe home while you take your time to recover (living will).

The following three web pages may help you create a suitable will, however, it is your reponsibility to seek out proper legal advice on this matter. These pages are a guide only.

http://www.hsus.org/programs/companion/general/pets_in_wills.html

http://www.abcny.org/pub-provforpet.html

http://www.keln.org/bibs/shipley.html

You may also wish to leave a donation to your favourite humane society in your will. Please contact that charity and your solictor for more advice.