Paws for Wellness A happy and healthy pet starts with a plan!

June 11th is World Pet Memorial Day

Paw print in cementThis Sunday marks World Pet Memorial Day. It is a day to remember and celebrate all the pets we have had in our lives. Pets bring joy, laughter, and love to our lives. They become members of our family and we can always depend on them to be there when we need comfort. They share our beds, wait for us to come home at the end of the day, and lick away our tears when we have had a bad day.

As with every living thing, there comes a time, when despite all the advances in veterinary medicine, it’s time to say goodbye. It can be overwhelming when a pet dies and leaves a family. There are many ways to pay tribute to pets we have lost. Take the time to honor the memories you have with your pet, because your pet will always have a special place in your heart.

Take a day to remember your pet

Losing a pet can be just as difficult as losing a person we love. Take the time to properly grieve the loss. Spend time looking at photographs of your pet. Spend the day with your family creating a scrapbook or collage with your favorite pictures, and your pet’s tags – laugh about the silly things your pet did! Or choose a favorite picture and frame it for display in your home.

Living Memorial

Plant a tree or shrub in your yard. Memorial plantings are available in some city parks or public spots where citizens can purchase a tree in memoriam of a loved one. A living memorial can be a special tribute for a special pet.

Keep a memento in a special spot

A shadow box can hold your pet’s collar, tags, and photos of your pet. Some people find comfort in keeping a favorite toy or blanket in a special keepsake box. Touching the item can bring back fond memories of the fun you and your pet had playing with the toy or memories of your pet snuggled up on their blanket.

Visit your pet’s burial site

Don’t be afraid to visit your pet’s burial site. People visit their deceased family members in cemeteries all the time – it’s no different for your pet. Make the site special by adding a grave marker or an engraved tombstone. Many people find comfort knowing that their pet is resting nearby, and being able to visit brings them peace.

Contribute to a cause

Make a donation in your pet’s name to a charitable organization that works with animals.

Volunteer

A great way to remember a pet that has passed away is through your actions with pets that are still with us. Volunteer at your local animal shelter, or consider fostering a pet that is waiting for a new home.

When you are ready, consider adopting a new pet from an animal shelter. There are lots of ways to pay tribute to a pet that has passed – just because your pet is gone, does not mean it is forgotten. Pets we have lost will always have a special spot in our hearts.

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Meet Our Team

  • Dr. Laura  Neuhaus (Raiff) Photo
    Dr. Laura Neuhaus (Raiff)

    Veterinarian

    Dr. Laura Neuhaus is a graduate of the University of Missouri - College of Veterinary Medicine. Following graduation, she completed an emergency and specialty medicine internship at VCA Emergency Animal Hospital and Referral Center in San Diego. She enjoys ophthalmology and has a special interest in avian medicine. Her hobbies include gardening, hiking, and spending time outdoors. She is the proud parent of a cat and 2 parrotlets.
  • Dr. Mitchell  Meyerhoeffer Photo
    Dr. Mitchell Meyerhoeffer

    Veterinarian

    A Virginia native, Dr. Mitchell Meyerhoeffer (Dr. M is fine!) started his career in the veterinary field in high school at Chesterfield Technical Center's veterinary science program. He completed his undergraduate degree in Biology at Virginia Commonwealth University while working as a veterinary assistant in a specialty and emergency hospital. Dr. M then completed his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine training at Virginia Tech, enjoying the hiking and outdoor scenery in Blacksburg when he could ...
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    Beth

    Veterinary Technician

    Beth joined the GAH staff in April 2010. Originally from Maryland, she now lives in the Gloucester area. She has been working as a Licensed Veterinary Technician since graduating from Blue Ridge Community College in 1989. Away from work, she enjoys reading and working her dogs in obedience and agility classes. She has two dogs, three cats, four ferrets and three reptiles.
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    Becca

    Veterinary Assistant

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    Cheyenne

    Veterinary Assistant

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    Zyiah

    Veterinary Assistant

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    Tomas

    Veterinary Assistant

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    Emily

    Veterinary Assistant

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    Mary

    Treatment Team Lead

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    Felicia

    Kennel Care Team Lead

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    Alex

    Kennel Care Team

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    Brittany

    Kennel Care Team

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    Morgan

    Kennel Care Team

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    Sophia

    Kennel Care Team

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    Aidan

    Professional Groomer

    I'm Aidan, and I'm not your typical groomer. I'm a passionate animal lover with a heart full of love for our furry friends. Every day, I get the incredible opportunity to work my magic as a groomer at the renowned Grafton Animal Hospital. I can't express just how much I adore what I do. It's not just a job; it's a calling. I find immense joy in transforming your beloved pets into the best versions of themselves. Whether it's a shaggy dog that needs a fresh haircut, a cat in need of a spa day, or ...
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    Potato

    Grooming Manager

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    Tracy

    Practice Manager

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    Kourtney

    Receptionist

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    April

    Receptionist

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    Brianna

    Receptionist

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    Heather

    Receptionist

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    Ricky

    Front Desk Supervisor

    Ricky came to Grafton Animal Hospital in April of 2011. He was a little shy at first, but once he became more comfortable with us, he became one of the team. Ricky is a Congo African Grey Parrot. We think he is around 10 years old, but no one is sure. He will sometimes put on a show of whistling, talking, singing and dancing, and imitating sounds like telephones and coughing. Visit our Facebook page for an opportunity to see Ricky in action.
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    Lucy

    Staff Meeting Coordinator

    Lucy joined the Grafton Animal Hospital reception team as the new Noisemaker bird in September 2016. After losing our long-time mascot, Croaker, earlier that year, we learned of a young Quaker parrot available for adoption at the Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter and decided she might be a good fit for the clinic. Lucy quickly made herself at home and before long, she was showing the staff who was really in charge. She is generally pretty friendly, so you will often see the staff holding her. ...
  • Daisy & Duke   Photo
    Daisy & Duke

    Staff Meeting Coordinators

    Daisy and Duke joined the GAH team in June of 2009. They were stray kittens that needed a home, and Squeaks was in need of a brother or sister. After some convincing, we were able to keep both. If you haven’t seen our kittens roaming the clinic, it’s because they are still learning their way around. For now, they are great morale boosters that keep us entertained during our staff meetings.
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