You image needs to be Square!

Please crop your image below, then save using the green button, or cancel using the red X

Coatsy’s story by Shannon Krulish

Cahota (“Coatsy”) came into my life when he was 10 months old through a Great Pyrenees rescue I was volunteering with at the time. Initially adopted out at around four months old, his owner returned him to the rescue when she said she had to move and couldn’t take him with her.

Cahota was born with a severe congenital heart defect known as subaortic stenosis with a grave prognosis of living to only two to three years old.  I initially fostered Coatsy. I’d take him to adoption events where people would fall all over him due to his sweet nature but when hearing his prognosis, they’d all lose interest.  I adopted him shortly thereafter. He’d also end up becoming clinical for epilepsy, having severe allergies as well as hip dysplasia, luxating patellas and hypothyroidism, but every new health challenge reminded me he was still with me.

I decided I wanted him to become a therapy dog. He was so sick, in some ways, but so superficially healthy and perfect. I was inspired by him, and I knew he could inspire others. My dog with the “broken heart” managed to fix mine in so many ways. Once a month, every month, Coatsy would go and visit his friends, bringing them joy.

One day Coatsy got sick. I tried to imagine it wasn’t as serious as it was, and he was hospitalized at the hospital I worked at. Unfortunately, he didn’t make it.

My heart was beyond shattered. He brought so much joy to everyone he met and changed my life in ways there are not words enough to describe. He lived to be seven, my fighter, my “heart” dog in every way imaginable.

 

Archives

Are you sure you want to Log Out?

Webinar: A Conversation on Pet Loss with Author E.B. Bartels

Join us for this exciting event

Rainbow Bridge
Memorial Celebration

In honor of Rainbow Bridge Memorial Day (August 28), we are offering a 20% discount on Silver and Platinum memberships throughout the entire month of August.

By joining us, you will have the unique opportunity to create a lasting online memorial for your pet, complete with photos and stories you can cherish.

Live Webinar

Navigating Pet Loss & Grief

Thursday, June 6th, 2024
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Eastern

Sponsored by:

Navigating Pet Loss & Grief, hosted by Moose’s
March, this webinar is designed to support pet
owners through the difficult journey and depth of
pet loss, anticipatory grief and understanding
guilt. This webinar will also provide 3 key
takeaways for the management of grief,
Featuring insights from renowned experts
Colleen Rolland, Association of Pet Loss and
Bereavement and Dr. Nancy Curotto, Pet Loss &
Bereavement Specialist. Attendees will have an
opportunity to ask questions of the experts.

Special Holiday Schedule

We understand that the holidays can be a difficult time for pet parents missing their fur babies. APLB will be extending our hours this year to help you – we’ll get through this together.

Chat Room

Sun Dec 24: 2 – 4 pm EST
Sun Dec 24: 8 – 10 pm EST
Mon Dec 25: 8 – 10 pm EST
Tues Dec 26: 8 – 10 pm EST
Wed Dec 27: 8 – 10 pm EST
Fri Dec 29: 8 – 10 pm EST
Sun Dec. 31: 2 – 4 pm EST
Sun. Dec 31: 8 – 10 pm EST
Mon Jan 1: 8 – 10 pm EST

Video Support Group

Sat Dec 9: 7- 9 pm EST
Sun Dec 10: 7- 8:30 EST
Sat Dec. 23: 7 – 9 pm EST

This year the Association of Pet Loss & Bereavement (APLB) is participating in Giving Tuesday, December 3rd. Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement, unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. 

Please give generously. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those grieving the loss of their cherished pets.

This year the Association of Pet Loss & Bereavement (APLB) is participating in Giving Tuesday, on December 3rd. Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement, unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. 

Please give generously. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those grieving the loss of their cherished pets.