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More featuresYou are in: Black Country > Features > More features > Stairway to doggy heaven  Claire Digby of Pets 2 Heaven Stairway to doggy heavenby Brett Birks Claire's helping people in the Black Country come to terms with losing their pets. She knows what it's like to lose your best friend which is why she offers 'animal bereavement counselling'. For some people, receiving professional emotional support is the only way to come to terms with the loss of a close friend or loved one.  'Memory memorial' in a plant pot Stourbridge-based Claire Digby though offers a form of therapy for those of us who've had to suffer a slightly different but often no less distressing loss: the passing of the family pet. Claire, who was born and bred in Halesowen but now lives with husband and two children in Pedmore, first had her idea two years ago after being devastated by the loss of Junior, the Digby's cocker spaniel. Claire sells a range of mementos and provides a shoulder to cry on for Black Country folk adjusting to life without their beloved pets. She makes her own 'memory memorials', granite headstones and other ornaments.  Memorial plaque for Claire's dog "People almost feel ashamed of being upset when they lose a cat or dog," said Claire, "as though it's something embarrassing to cry about. But for some people who may have had the pet for 10, 15 years, the grief when they die can be just awful." Since founding 'Pets 2 Heaven' a year and a half ago, Claire has travelled all over the Black Country and beyond, personally delivering animal walking sticks and house signs and offering support to those trying to cope with their grief.
"The memory mementos are a great comfort," she says: "I've found that it really helps if people put them in the pet's favourite place in the garden, like a flower bed or certain patch of grass that the pet used to love. It helps you come to terms with the loss, whilst at the same time remembering all the fun you had with the animal." A massive animal lover, Claire has years of experience with the RSPCA, and her regular contact with pet-owners over the years has made her a genuine source of comfort for those dwelling on the loss of a furred companion.  Claire with a 'memory memorial' "I don't need to tell anyone who's had to deal with it, about what it's like to go through the pain of losing an animal," she says with a knowing smile. "I recently took some mementos to an elderly couple in Kingswinford who'd lost their dog of 15 years. They were both well into their eighties and know they will never have a pet again. I was crying with them by the end of it!" Beryl and William Price of Stourbridge were helped by Claire to come to terms with the loss of their dog Penny, 18 months ago. "It's such a lovely idea," said Beryl, "it helps us remember Penny and was a great comfort to us when she died. The really nice thing is that it wasn't expensive; that's not what it was about. I mean we're both pensioners and Claire really helped us. We're very grateful to this day."  To Claire, this is her favourite part of the job. In fact, as she says: "It's not like work at all. I love people as well animals. So getting out there and meeting fellow animal lovers and helping them deal with their loss is very satisfying. Whether it's dogs or horses, cats or goldfish, it can be genuinely heartbreaking when they die, but our ornaments and memorials help the healing process. "I just want people to be aware that there are those of us out there who know what it's like to lose an animal, the pain it causes, and that there are ways to come to terms with it," she says. "the gratitude I get from people makes the whole thing worthwhile. It's so rewarding. I can't make the pain go away obviously, but I can help you come to terms with it." last updated: 17/06/2008 at 10:53 Have Your SayHave you lost a pet? How did you cope? Lyn Davies Anna S-Kershaw Julia/Sarah thomson Milley Claire Debbie Basile Lorraine candace dani Dee Lesley Carolyn Judi Sasha Roper Michelle Leyba Grace Torrens Mary shelleyone Rachel Vicky sharon and graham sarah hands Viv Alicia Carmichael sandra Sharon Cleary Jose and glenn edwards Suzanne Thorpe SEE ALSOYou are in: Black Country > Features > More features > Stairway to doggy heaven  Nature in the Black Country |
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