I know from my own experience that many people will not be able to see that you have put Chelsea’s needs first and found her a wonderful home. It’s clear that you love her deeply.

She *will* adapt; possibly much faster than you will. Close your ears to those who don’t/won’t understand. I will hold you both (and China) in my heart over these next few weeks. I wish there was more I could do.

Rose

As an animal chaplain, I’m used to helping people cope with “traditional” forms of pet loss, but in today’s harsh economy, more and more people are facing a truly devastating form of loss, made that much tougher to withstand because, at least in theory, it should be preventable. Having to give away your beloved pet(s) because unforeseen life changes such as a job loss, illness or disability is a tragedy.

Organizations like The Pet Project try to forestall this from happening to anyone by supplying food shelves with pet food to enable those experiencing financial hardship to keep their four-legged family members with them. But clearly the demand far outweighs the supply. My thanks to this brave writer who shares her painful story and finds the positive elements in her situation.—Sid Korpi, author of “Good Grief: Finding Peace After Pet Loss”