May 06, 2003

For The Pets We Have Lost

Rick's House of Hope Holds Special Remembrance Service

Davenport, IA - Grieving over the death of a pet can be overwhelming. They are such an integral part of our lives that you may feel at a complete loss - have trouble sleeping, experience chest pains, lose your appetite, or feel exhausted. Many pet owners feel alone or isolated in their grief.

Rick's House of Hope understands that for many the loss of a beloved pet is just as traumatic as the loss of a human loved one. Grief resulting from that loss may last for weeks, months, or even years. Grief is unpredictable.

That is why Rick's House of Hope is holding a special Service of Remembrance for the pets we have loved on Thursday, May 15, at 7:00 p.m., at 4867 Forest Grove Drive, Bettendorf. Rick's House of Hope is located 3/10 mile west of Middle Road, behind River of Life Church. The service will take place outside and participants are invited to bring a photo of the pet(s) who died and a lawn chair or blanket.

Rick's House of Hope --- named in memory of the Reverend Rick Johnson, Founder of The Prairie and River Spiritual Resources --- is a division of the Genesis Medical Center Spiritual Care Department. Rick's House of Hope provides a safe haven for young people experiencing grief.

For more information, call Rick's House of Hope at 563-324-9580 or the Spiritual Care Department at Genesis Medical Center at 563-421-7970.