You image needs to be Square!

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

Letter to Loesje, by Kim Sluijter

Dear Loesje,

We picked you and your brother up one summer morning in August from a farm in the countryside. You were running around the sheep stables, covered in hay. The entire ride home you didn’t make a sound except for one little meow. We named you Lucifurr, which quickly changed to Lucy and then became Loesje.

We fell in love instantly. You crawled onto my lap, laid on your back with your tiny paws and belly up in the air, stared with your big eyes into mine and decided I was your human.

You would always follow me around the house and lure me to the couch for cuddles. You would start “making biscuits” on a blanket and beg me with your eyes to come and sit down. Because my lap was your favorite place to nap. Our favorite activity was ekekek-ing at the birds together. You truly did not like the magpies outside, and they would get the loudest ekekek’s from you. Every evening you would sleep in bed between us, and during cold winter nights you’d crawl under the blankets.

When you were five years old you were diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease. Hereditary and no cure. In a moment my world collapsed. I knew nothing could be done to save you and I was heartbroken.

We enjoyed each other’s company and love to the fullest after your diagnosis, and in a way, you also consoled me as I was already grieving your loss.

We had six months together. Your health declined just as the pandemic started and lockdowns were announced. You passed away in our arms as we held you and told you how much we love you, and what an amazing and sweet girl you are.

The pain of missing you never goes away, but I know that my tears are just love with no place to go anymore.

sdr

Archives

Are you sure you want to Log Out?

Exclusive Members-Only Webinar:

A conversation on the human face of shelter and rescue work with Dillon Dodson

Join us for this exciting event
We are delighted to invite you to an exclusive members-only webinar featuring Dillon Dodson, veterinary social worker, Director of Social Work at the Toronto Humane Society, and Vice President of our partner organization, the International Association of Veterinary Social Work. This special event is designed to shine a light on the human side of animal welfare work in rescues and shelters.

Event Details
Date: Thursday, October 30th, 2025
Time: 7:00-8:00 PM, ET
Platform:  Zoom (registration required)

Celebrate Rainbow Bridge
Remembrance Day

Join the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement today and create a special online memorial for your pet. Enjoy 20% off a Silver or Platinum membership— offer ends September 7.

Discount is automatically applied at checkout

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.

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.