Anticipatory grief has been defined as the grieving process that commences when we learn of a loved one's life-threatening or terminal illness. For me, the process began when my beloved Siamese cat, Clint, entered the terminal phase of his heart disease. In an effort to understand and cope with my anticipatory grief, I sought information about this process -- information that might have helped me to understand if what I was feeling was normal and, techniques for coping with these feelings. However, I discovered there was little information available about the anticipatory grief we experience when our pets have life-threatening or terminal illnesses. So, in an effort to help others who some day may be caring for a pet with a life- threatening or terminal illness, I have undertaken the task of writing a book. It is my hope that this book will provide comfort and coping techniques for those who experience the heart-wrenching process of anticipatory grief.
In light of this, I need you to help me better understand the dynamics of anticipatory grief. Please take a few minutes out of your busy schedule to answer the following questions. You will be providing a great service to all of us who love and respect our beloved animal companions!
Upon completion, please remember to scroll down to the bottom of the survey and click on "Send." Thank you.