Assisted living residence not permitting a dog because parents cannot care for it. They cannot move because they have a lease. My Father is dispairing and wants to die because his wife is so sad and he cannot buy her a dog. He is 94. Any guidance would be most welcome. Thanks.
Christine
Could they volunteer for a local rescue group or shelter? collect items for dogs, Visit to help socialize dogs new to shelter etc?
There was a book that I always kept in my classroom when I was teaching. It is a children's book and called "the tenth good thing about Barney" and it follows a child grieving for a beloved pet. Whenever a high schooler or fellow teacher lost a pet, I shared the book and told them to read it when they were ready. It was very helpful.
The grief is real as the dog (or other pet) have loved and been loved unconditionally. Ok to acknowledge that. And help channel the grief into something positive...like a donation to local shelter in pet's name. Perhaps they can plant a tree outside the assisted living place in memory of their beloved pet. One they could enjoy through the season and through the years...
((Hugs))