Hi all

Just came across this service which sounds excellent:

Blue Cross - Pet Bereavement Support Service

You can phone them or email them for support.
I will definitely bear it in mind should the need arise.

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Rescue cats for many years, currently one moggie and 3 young Maine Coons.

Good find! Lets hope none of us has to use it any time soon! X

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The spoon Theory By Christine Miserandino To help people understand coping with disability

http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/ar...e-miserandino/

I used this helpline when I was coming to terms withing having to have Mo PTS She was fantastic. I cannot reccomend her enough

She made a real hard decision a little easier and was very understanding'

Companion Animal Loss Listening Line - Home

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I am sure these help lines can really help some people....but I was incapable of stringing a sentence together for days after losing Nellie and later Paddy. Several lovely folk on here and my diabetes forum gave me phone numbers in case I wanted to chat but talking about it just made it worse and I think my wailing and sobbing was best kept private and dealt with alone, but that's just me.

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Nellie Paddy Mitzy Milo Peggy Murphy

Millie and Monty, the White Devils!

I thought it would be a fine thing to volunteer for this helpline, but I think that listening to other people's stories would leave me sobbing and unable to speak, so I don't think I'd be much use.

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Rescue cats for many years, currently one moggie and 3 young Maine Coons.

Oh gosh yeah.....I would be snotting and sobbing down the phone the second they said hello, they would probably end up comforting me!

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Nellie Paddy Mitzy Milo Peggy Murphy

Millie and Monty, the White Devils!

Yes I agree there was no way I could of spoke after. I actually phoned in sheer desperation I was a rambling mess, i suffered with servere anxiety the week running upto, I didnt speak at first I couldnt stop crying.

I was quite embarrased after when I calmed down, i didnt tell anybody for a couple of weeks that I had rung

There is no way i could volunteer for the helpline and I manage a helpline service. I cry most night at things on here so to hear the pain in somebodys voice would be awful

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Oh please dont be embarrassed that you called, I did not mean to suggest it was a bad thing to use this facility. I also felt awful anxiety in the week or so leading up to Nellie's passing, I was panicking about whether I had really tried all the vet options and was a real mess. I was actually very scared to have to face the whole process, the FACT of PTS if that makes sense.
Gosh I am filling up just thinking about it all so am heading away from this thread for now!

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Nellie Paddy Mitzy Milo Peggy Murphy

Millie and Monty, the White Devils!

Yes i'm heading off for the same reason

hugs xx

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I've put an enquiry as I'm interested in volunteering. It's amazing how we find the strength to help others in their time of need when we have known what it is to go through an experience first hand, also to know comfort and hope.

It's not a thing to be embarrassed about when we need a listening ear at the receiving end so to speak. Helplines are an amazing provision and resource for us to tap into for the purpose each was designed else the people who take the calls wouldn't be there. They are human and have emotions as well, however are able to 'detach' to a certain degree professionally at the same time be understanding, empathetic and non judgemental about the caller and what they bring with them. To be desperate is an indication we do need a helping hand if not a listening ear, and it is not a sign of weakness- takes a step of courage to pick up the phone to ask for help