Top 5 Books on Pet Loss and Grief

When you first found out that your pet had cancer, you probably spent some time educating yourself about it, right? Learning about the type of cancer your pet was facing, discovering what resources were available, etc.

But, when it comes to pet loss or anticipatory grief, many people don’t realize that educating yourself in these areas can help too. Understanding the rollercoaster of emotions, discovering tools to help you cope with the worst of the grief, finding reassurance that your feelings are normal – learning more about the grief process can help you in so many ways. And, it can often be the difference between a healthy response to grief and one that lingers or becomes destructive.

So, whether you are struggling with your pets illness and feelings of anticipatory grief, or if you have recently lost a beloved pet, here is my list for the top five books that can help:

1. The Loss of a Pet by Wallace Sife
A great, comprehensive resource on pet loss, this book takes a more clinical approach to grief and explains, in detail, the various stages of grief to help you know what to expect and how to better understand the intense emotions that are felt during each stage. It is also a great resource for friends, family and others to read, to help give them some insight into why pet loss can be so debilitating at times and to gain a better understanding of how to help someone coping with a loss. This book also features very good sections on the euthanasia process as well as the unique issues faced by children after the loss of a pet.

2. So Easy to Love, So Hard to Lose by Laurie Kaplan
I love this book because not only does it offer practical, down-to-earth advice and sound information regarding pet loss, but it is also one of the only books I’ve read that really addresses anticipatory grief and the often-intense feelings of loss that many pet owners face even while their pets are still alive. The book is written so that it can be used as a workbook for pet owners – featuring pages that ask pet owners to reflect on their feelings and ask thoughtful questions to help guide individuals through their feelings of grief and loss. It also includes sections about end-of-life issues and quality of life – to help guide pet owners in making decisions about euthanasia and how to prepare for your pet’s eventual passing.

3. Coping with Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet by Moira Anderson
This book is a comprehensive guide that addresses every aspect of pet loss and grief, written in a very clear and compassionate style that reminds pet owners that they are not alone in coping with the intense feelings of loss, and provides reassurance that they will find their way through their grief. It is a heartfelt, yet thorough, resource that feels as if it were written by a close friend who is gently guiding you through each stage of your grief.

4. Goodbye, Friend by Gary Kowalski
Written by a minister, this book takes a much more spiritual approach to dealing with pet loss and features sound, compassionate advice to help pet owners cope with the death of their beloved companions. Included are ideas for rituals and ceremonies, spiritual guidance and readings and poems to use for solace. The book also addresses animals' grieving; their life spans; their growth, illnesses and needs.

5. Bill at the Rainbow Bridge by Dan Carrison
Different from the other books listed, Bill at the Rainbow Bridge uses illustrations and a storytelling approach to helping pet owners face their grief. This is a heartwarming, poignant story that takes place at the Rainbow Bridge and involves a grief-stricken man coping with the loss of his beloved English Bulldog, Bill. It’s a beautiful story that provides comfort and hope that our after leaving this world, our pets are happy and safe in their new home at the Bridge, and it reminds us that the bond of love we share with our pets remains even after their death, and can never truly be broken.

To purchase any of the books mentioned above, please visit: http://fightcaninecancer.com/dogcancerbooks.html. A portion of your purchase will support dog cancer charities.