Reply #9: How awful for you and your family....

[BQueen]

kuvies are such beautiful dogs. I believe animals do grieve similarly to humans. I've been stopping by to comfort my neighbor's dog ever since his "dad" died last month, and I can see a marked change in him since that event.

Maybe since the cat seems to be understanding the connection between her kill and Ava's death the cats may start to leave their kills elsewhere.

If you're not weirded out by doing so, you could sit down and "explain" what happened to the other pets. I know it sounds strange, but mine seem to understand me more than I ever thought possible, and it's a way to talk out your own grief in a safe setting. If you do so, make sure to tell the cat that you know it was an accident, and that you know she didn't mean to hurt Ava. (Really - I know how this sounds, but when my little terrier plays too rough and nips me, I say "Ow", she cowers in shame, I say "I know it was an accident" and she perks up to play again.)

Okay, now I'm outed as one of those new-ager "Pet Psychic" viewers, but I hope this helps...

gotta go, the terrier is impeding my typing by sticking her nose between my wrists and the keyboard - someone wants a walk...

You'll meet Ava again, what would heaven be without your pets?!
My deepest condolences, draftcaroline.