Woof Meow Pet Tip for September 1, 2025 at Star 977 with Don Hanson – How and When We Grieve Matters
< Updated 2025-09-01 >
< The link to this page – https://forcefreepets.com/wfmwtip-grief-how-when/ >
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MIKE DOW: – Welcome to Woof Meow with Don Hanson here on Star 977. When it comes to pets, how to best care for them, how to train them, and how to make that bond with your pet even stronger, do what so many people in Maine do: they go to Don Hanson at Green Acres Kennel Shop, 1653 Union Street in Bangor and online at greenacreskennel.com, and at the ForceFreePets website at forcefreepets.com
DON: – It is normal to grieve for a pet when we lose them, but how and when we grieve matters. In late June, I took Muppy to her vet because her UTI was not resolving. I expected more lab work followed by more antibiotics. Instead, I was told, very gently, that Muppy had bladder cancer. Caught off-guard, I was devastated, and Muppy immediately picked up on my demeanor, knowing that something was very wrong but not able to discern whether it affected her. She just knew that I was very distraught. I spent the next two days in a deep funk, having a pity party with myself, not thinking about how my attitude might be affecting my precious pup. After the break, I’ll tell you how Muppy showed me how I could best help her.
MIKE DOW: – For 30 years, Don has been owner and operator of Green Acres Kennel Shop, 1653 Union Street in Bangor, offering pet supplies, boarding, daycare, and grooming. Learn more at greenacreskennel.com. Don also offers education for pets and their people at forcefreepets.com.
DON: – The next morning, when we got up, Muppy raced down the stairs as fast as she could. Before I could open the door so we could go outside, she bounced against my right leg while giving me that happy grin that says, “Don, Today’s going to be the best day EVER!” She flew off the deck to do her business, and then, to prove to me how good she was feeling, my almost 14-year-old dog did some puppy zoomies. I realized Muppy has no clue she has cancer. She is living every day just like she has every other day – JOYOUSLY. In an instant, she taught me the best thing I can do for her during the end of our journey together is to stop grieving and to make every day together the best day ever. To learn more about the end of our journey, please read How and When We Grieve Matters on my blog.
MIKE DOW: – Animal lovers listen for Woof Meow with Don Hanson each Monday at 4:20, and at various times during the week only on Star 977
