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Karen Litzinger's Journey with Animals: My inspiration for the Healing Hearts pet loss
CD came while driving home from the veterinarian with the cremains of my 15 year old dog, Pepper, who I had since a puppy
from a local rescue league. Originally I wanted to create something that a vet could give grieving clients right after
the euthanasia procedure to supplement the personal support and follow-up sympathy card. I created a pet loss booklet
for veterinarians, but the CD is what I hope will serve those experience pet loss grief in a more profound way.
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| Karen, Pepper and Zep |
Just as I found comfort in listening
to a special music CD as I grieved for Pepper, I hope that some part of this CD will help in the healing process for you or
the person to whom you give the CD. I was further motivated on my journey to create this CD when my 13
year old dog, Zep, died just four months after Pepper. The loss of my dogs is what inspired me to dedicate
this CD to my beloved dog children, Pepper and Zep.
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| My first dog, Ginger |
My path of pet love began with my dog, Ginger, who was a surprise gift to me from my brother when I was five years old.
She was my closest "sibling" and best friend, and lived a well-loved 13 years. As a Licensed Professional Counselor
in Pennsylvania, I continually seek out educational opportunities. Although my specialty is career counseling, because
of my interest in pet loss, I chose to attend a weeklong training through the American Academy of Bereavement to become a
Certified Bereavement Facilitator. As part of renewing the certification, I did an internship under the direction of
a psychologist through the Association of Pet Loss and Bereavement, a wonderful organization that hosts on-line chat rooms
about the euthanasia decision and pet loss. I have a special interest in ritual as part of the healing
process and conducted numerous non-denominational animal blessings and memorial services on a personal and professional basis.
In addition to career counseling, I also offer pet loss counseling in the Pittsburgh area
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| Therapy dog, Tika |
My current love is Tika! Although
I was looking for an adult dog, I didn’t expect to adopt a sweet 11 year old from the local humane society.
After picking up her paperwork a third time (not realizing it was the same dog), I realized through my tears of love
that a bereavement facilitator was the perfect adopted parent. A few months later we went for dog therapy
training and are regular visitors to the Southwestern Veteran’s Center in Pittsburgh.
Thank you for letting me share my journey with you, and I would feel honored if my CD can be part of the pet loss healing
journey for you or pet lovers you know.
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Heal from Pet Loss, publisher of Heal Your Heart: Coping with the Loss of a Pet
7625 West Hutchinson Street * Pittsburgh
* PA * USA * 15218
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