A few weeks ago, we had the honor and privilege to host the 8th annual “Remembering Our Pets” event in Madison, WI in observance of National Pet Memorial Day. Despite a bit of increased traffic due to the Iron Man competition, we had many wonderful pet lovers join us once again at Olin Turville Park to commemorate those we have lost. At least 60 members of the community joined us in person, with many others sending tributes, photos, and notes to be displayed when they could not attend.
This year, we managed to take video of a few speakers at the event before opening things up to anyone who wished to speak. We offer these videos below as a sort of “digital event” for those who may have wished to join us.
Host Dr Laura Purdy, Journeys Pet
First, Dr Laura Purdy spoke about how timeless our connections are to our pets. She told a story of how over 200 years ago people experienced those same losses, and that same appreciation for the human-animal bond is so strong today. She referred to and reflected on a poem by Lord Byron which served as his dog’s epitaph.
Speaker Linda Coletti, Pet Loss Resource Center
Linda Coletti spoke about grief and how the Pet Loss Resource Center helps process those feelings before and after losing a pet. “Grief and resilience live together.” ― Michelle Obama
Speaker Beth Viney, Czar’s Promise
Beth Viney shared her own experience with pet loss and cancer, and she explained how Czar’s Promise is working to help two-legged and four-legged members of our community when a cancer diagnosis occurs.
Speaker Joan Pape, Wellness By Intention LLC
We invited those in the audience to to come up and speak a few words about the pets they have lost, and afterward we were fortunate to have the wonderful Joan Pape of Wellness By Intention close the event. She emphasized the importance of memorializing those we have lost and talked about how to cherish the bond and the memories that we shared with them.
Always both a beautiful and heartbreaking day, we appreciate everyone who has helped make this event possible. We will plan on seeing you all next year on the second Sunday in September for Remembering Our Pets 2020.
Dr Laura Purdy and Dr Katie Hilst were lucky enough to both sponsor and attend the 2019 Czar’s Promise “Inspiring Hope Walk” at Winnequah Park in Monona.