b'8. Follow Up in the Weeks After If your friend or family member seems to sourceofcomfortandcompassionforthe Loss bestrugglingsignificantlywiththeir your friend or family member. RememberGrief doesnt have a clear ending point, grief, it may be helpful to gently suggest that grief is a long and winding road, andand the weeks after the loss of a pet can counselingortherapy. Therearemany being a constant, understanding presencesometimes feel even harder. The imme- counselors and pet loss support groups in their life will help them feel supporteddiate support might fade, and your friend thatspecializeinhelpingpeoplework astheynavigatethepainfuljourneyofor family member may feel more isolat- through the grief of losing a pet. losing a beloved pet. Ued. Be sure to check in periodically in the You can say something like:weeks following their loss, offering con- If you ever feel like you need Keenan Knopke is President and CEO oftinued emotional support. extra support, Id be happy to Curlew HillsYou can: help you find a counselor or MemorySend a thoughtful text or card just support group. Gardens. Theirto let them know youre still Grief can be really tough, and Pet Cemeterythinking of them. sometimes talking to someone is one ofSuggest meeting for a coffee or a who understands can help. Floridas onlywalk to talk about how theyre Encouraging professional help can authentic petdoing. be a gentle way to ensure they have the cemeteriesRemind them that grief doesnt tools to heal. that featuresend after a few days or weeks, and a scenic gazebo and below and aboveyoure there for the long haul. Conclusion: Offering Comfort ground burial options. Keenan hasBy continuing to reach out, youre and Compassion in Their Timeshowing them that their grief matters of Need been an advisor and contributor toand that they are not alone. Thelossofapetisadeeplypersonal The New Barker since 2007. experience,andofferingyoursupport9. Help Them Find Professional duringthisdifficulttimecanmakea Curlew Hills Memory GardensSupport If Needed significant difference. By acknowledging 1750 Curlew Road, Palm Harbor, FLInsomecases,agrievingpersonmay theirgrief,listeningwithempathy, 727.789.2000needprofessionalhelptonavigatethe offeringpracticalhelp,andrespecting CurlewHills.comintense emotions they are experiencing. theirgrievingprocess,youcanbeaEnd of WatchCurlew Hills Memory Gardens donates burial plots in their pet cemetery The annual K9 Memorial held atto all the service animals of the Pinellas County Sheriffs Office and the Curlew Hills Memory Gardens eachClearwater Police Department. Each year, usually early spring, a memorial year is a cherished tradition thatservice is held to honor the more than 80 service dogs cremated and buried allows us to remember and celebratein the pet cemetery. K9 Officers from around the region attend and interact the lasting impact these K9s have hadwith the crowd after the service, which is free and open to the public.on our community. Pinellas County Sheriffs Office.62THE NEW BARKER www.TheNewBarker.com'