Rev Mary Catherine"Kitty" Bass, M.Div., MSW, LCSW,
Animal Chaplain
910.289.2401

MEMORIAL SERVICES
Dealing with death is one of the most difficult losses experienced by living creatures. When an animal companion dies, the passing affects not only the human family, but also the other animals who may have shared the home.

In our culture, death in general is the most often misunderstood of experiences. In our hurry-up world, the impact of the loss is often denied and left unresolved. This holds especially true when an animal dies. Not everyone understands what it is like to lose a beloved animal companion.
When an animal dies, the loss of the bond and the special attachment can have a profound impact on its human family. The pain experienced with that passing is no less real than any other death. Grieving for an animal who shared an irreplaceable relationship and place in one’s life is both normal and healthy.

A memorial service offers an opportunity for a person to invite friends and family to mark that special relationship and respects the ancient animal-human bond. It provides a special time to gather with others, or alone with an animal chaplain. It is an occasion to share special memories, humorous stories, fun, mischief, struggles, and yes, even aggravation. Poems, a personalized eulogy, pictures, ribbons won, stories of the ways the companion impacted one’s life, personal rituals with flowers and fellowship with food are all ways to honor the joy and love experienced. Facing the sadness and going through the grief prepares us to move forward toward healthy relationships. As we learn to deal with our own emotions, we can help children and other adults deal with the loss and understand how to comfort the other animals in the home as well.

Monty’s Home offers a referral resource for this opportunity. Rev. Mary Catherine (Kitty) Bass – M. Div., MSW, LCSW, Animal Chaplain – offers grief counseling. She plans, with you, an individualized memorial service and holds an on-going grief support group.

**Fee for service arranged with the provider**