Books, Links & More

 


Pet Loss Books

There are literally hundreds of books available on the subject of pet loss, and it can be difficult to know which ones are helpful and which are not. The answer is that not every book will appeal to every pet guardian, as we all have different likes and dislikes were writing style is concerned, and each of us will have different needs, goals, and beliefs around exploring this subject. Below are a few of the titles that I have read over the years and have found to be well-written and informative, but this is not a comprehensive list by any means nor an endorsement of any specific author or their advice. Most books on pet loss grief (with perhaps a handful of exceptions) will contain at least some nuggets of wisdom that will be of help to the grieving pet parent. Your local library may be an excellent place to start, as you can browse through and borrow several titles to see what best fits your individual needs.

General Pet Loss Guides

  • When Your Pet Dies: A Guide to Mourning, Remembering & Healing by Alan Wolfelt, PhD
    This is a nice little guide by grief expert Dr. Alan Wolfelt. Short and concise, this covers many of the main points of pet loss and helpful strategies for coping.
  • The Loss of a Pet: A Guide to Coping with the Grieving Process by Wallace Sife, PhD
    Dr. Sife originally founded the APLB (Association for Pet Loss Bereavement) organization, and wrote a somewhat lengthy but comprehensive book on the subject. Although the book is a little outdated in certain areas, now, pet parents may find a lot of valuable information in this guide. 
  • Only Gone from Your Sight by Kate McGahan
    For those who have a belief in heaven and the afterlife, this and other books by Kate McGahan (formerly a hospice nurse for many years) may provide some solace.
  • Coping with Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet by Moira Allen
    Moira Allen is another pioneer in the field of pet loss research and writings. This book contains a lot of valuable information on just about every aspect of pet loss and grief, as does her website (see below). 
  • Surviving Pet Loss by Dawn Murray
    Ms. Murray is well-known and highly respected in the UK and elsewhere internationally, and has written this little pocket-guide which is filled with much wisdom around the loss of one's beloved animal companion. 
  • The Pet Loss Companion by Ken Dolan Del-Vecchio & Nancy Saxton-Lopez
    Mr. Dolan Del-Vecchio and Ms. Saxton-Lopez are both family therapists who collaborated on this book and continue to provide pet loss support through other avenues (see a link to their weekly podcasts below).
  • Children and Pet Loss: A Guide for Helping by Marty Tousley
    Although this was written a number of years ago, the basics of this little (18-page) guide are still very relevant today. Marty Tousley has a website with a section on pet loss that may also be helpful (see below). I might mention that this guide may be found on her website for a lower price, or contact Ms. Tousley directly.


Books on Aging Pet / Quality of Life

  • When It's Time to Say Goodbye by Angela Garner
    This title by bereavement specialist and former nurse Angela Garner explores many of the difficult aspects of preparing for the death of one's pet and the various options around euthanasia, natural death, and after-death arrangements. Not an easy topic, by any means, but it can be empowering to learn as much as possible about these various aspects of losing an animal companion before it becomes necessary to make these tough choices.
  • Facing Farewell by Julie Beck DVM
    This is shorter guide but still very comprehensive in covering the decision to euthanize one's pet due to old age/infirmity, or because of a life-limiting illness or injury. It includes many questions that the pet guardian should be prepared to ask their veterinarian when contemplating euthanasia, and the book includes guides and tracking worksheets for determining signs of pain and overall quality of life. 
  • Geriatric Dog Health & Care Journal by Mary Gardner DVM
    Concise guide to assessing quality of life in an older dog. This booklet by veterinarian Dr. Mary Gardner includes a number of helpful trackers including a health journal, cognitive health assessment, caregiver assessment, and more.
  • Geriatric Cat Health & Care Journal  by Mary Gardner DVM
    Similar to the above but geared specifically to geriatric felines. 
  • Quality of Life Journal/Dog Edition  by Marena Goehring
    This is a very simple, easy-to-use quality of life journal that can be used for any type of pet. There are many similar versions of this online that are available for free, but this is a nice little booklet to use if you prefer something pre-printed. 
  • 60 Creative Activities to Cope with Pet Loss by Susan Day
    This booklet of easy-to-do projects might be particularly helpful for children and families who are grieving the loss of a beloved pet and are looking for creative outlets that can be done individually or together. Activities include drawing, painting, writing, and making pet tributes out of photos. There are also journaling prompts to describe how the various activities made you feel.


Books on Lost/Stolen Pet

  • How to Find a Lost Cat by Kim Freeman
    I cannot personally speak to how effective the various suggested strategies are in this book, but it seems comprehensive with a lot of useful ideas and myths about recovering a displaced cat that the pet parent may not be aware of. I keep it on my shelf "just in case."
  • How to Find a Lost Dog by Karin TarQwyn
    Although this is by a different author than the above book on finding a lost cat, this book is also very comprehensive with many tactics that can be used when trying to locate a lost/missing dog. The over-riding message in both of these books is to avoid giving up and losing hope too soon. Many displaced pets are found weeks or even months (or longer) after they have gone missing. 


Pet Remembrance Books

  • My Pet Remembrance Journal by Enid Traisman
    This was written for adults but could be appropriate for teens as well. Some of the prompts around the pet's actual death may be triggering. 
  • Remembering My Pet - A Kid's Spiritual Workbook for When a Pet Dies by Dr. Nechama Liss-Levinson and Rev. Molly Phinney Baskette
    This book does have a religious/spiritual undertone but generally invites the child to explore their own beliefs and ideas about death and the after-life of their pet. The few prayers offered in the book (as suggestions for a burial ceremonial) be easily tweaked as needed. The various activities are lovely ways for a child to remember their pet and process its passing.


General Books on Grief

  • It's Okay That You're Not Okay by Megan Devine
    This is a helpful book for validating that it is truly okay to grieve for as long as we need to, and that grief is not something to be "fixed," but rather we learn how to carry it.
  • Healing Grief, Finding Peace by Dr. Louise LaGrand  
    This is a lovely little book with 101 ways to help cope with loss. While these strategies are not specific to pet loss, the majority of them can be easily adapted to pet loss. 
  • Grief Recovery for Adults by James LaVeck
    This is another non-pet specific book that contains many helpful strategies for loss in general. Much of what Mr. LaVeck recommends can also be found in my Pet Loss Grief Workbook and other materials. 


Other Resources

I have included a few other types of resources that you may find useful. Please note that the following suggested resources are listed for educational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of any information, product, or service offered by these or other third party websites. If you have any questions with regard to these or other third party services, please contact them directly. Also, if you find a resource that is particularly helpful and you would like to share it with others, feel free to contact me and I will be happy to consider adding it.


Pet Loss Hotlines


Videos & Podcasts


Online Communities & Support Groups


In-Home Pet Hospice / In-Home Euthanasia Services


    Miscellaneous Resources





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