Pet bereavement

Yours says: We had many letters and emails following a feature on dealing with the loss of a pet (issue 342). In particular, a moving poem called Missing You by Colleen Fitzsimmons touched many hearts. Thank you so much to everyone who contacted us telling us about much-missed fourlegged friends. Sadly we didn’t have room for them all, but below are just a fewÉ ✒ I want to say a big thank you to the lady who sent in the poem, Missing You. I lost my wonderful dog just after Christmas and was devastated. The poem gave me so much comfort, although I cry every time I read it. I have sent copies to friends who have lost pets, too.

Lesley Chesters, Bristol

✒ My sister had just been on the phone in tears. One of her four rescue dogs that she’d had for 11 years had been put to sleep. She and my niece were brokenhearted. I wanted to do something to let her know they were in my thoughts. I couldn’t give her a hug, as we live more than 300 miles apart.

Then I picked up my copy of Yours and saw an article on pet bereavement, including the lovely poem by Colleen. I sent the article to my sister and put the poem in a small frame. I knew it would bring so much comfort. Norma Tudor, Cornwall

✒ Reading the article on losing a pet made me think of the kindness of my veterinary practice. A short time after the loss of my 16-year-old American cocker spaniel, Joe, the vet sent me a card which included a packet of forget-menot seeds.

Having planted them and enjoyed them, I now have new seedlings growing, reminding me of my lovely boy. It’s such a lovely, ongoing gift.

Mrs Rowley, Devon

Every original contribution published gets a £10 High Street voucher, so keep all those letters and emails coming in.