When grieving, it can feel as though nobody understands what you are going through. Reading a book that deals with the concept of grief can help you feel seen and heard during an already difficult and lonely time.
A good book can also be a helpful tool to deal with the emotions you are experiencing and navigating the murky waters ahead.
Below is a list of books and articles that I hope you find helpful during this tough time and aid in your journey through grieving the loss of a beloved pet.
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Books for Adults
From personal stories to religious connections and even signs from the other side, stories surrounding the loss of a pet connect all of us together.
- The Loss of a Pet: A Guide to Coping with the Grieving Process When a Pet Dies by Wallace Sife Ph.D.
- Cold Noses At The Pearly Gates: A Book of Hope for Those Who Have Lost a Pet by Gary Kurz
- Goodbye, Friend: Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who Has Ever Lost a Pet by Gary Kowalski
- The Souls of Animals by Gary Kowalski
- When Your Pet Dies: A Guide to Mourning, Remembering and Healing by Alan D Wolfelt PhD
- Losing My Best Friend: Thoughtful support for those affected by dog bereavement or pet loss by Jeannie Wycherley
- Repairing the Heartbreak of Pet Loss Grief: 3 Phases of Healing after Losing Your Best Friend by C. Jeffrey
- The Rainbow Bridge: Pet Loss Is Heaven's Gain by Niki Behrikis Shanahan
- There Is Eternal Life For Animals: A Book Based On Bible Scripture by Niki Behrikis Shanahan
- Will I See Fido in Heaven? by Mary Buddemeyer-Porter
- I Will See You in Heaven (Cat Lover's Edition) by Friar Jack Wintz
- I Will See You in Heaven (Dog Lover's Edition) by Friar Jack Wintz
- Animals and the Afterlife: True Stories of Our Best Friends' Journey Beyond Death by Kim Sheridan
- Weep Not for Me: In Memory of a Beloved Cat by Constance Jenkins
- Codi's Journey: An Inspiring and Heartwarming Story About an Amazing Best Friend by Jeff Maziarek
- Bill at Rainbow Bridge by Dan Carrison
- Rescuing Sprite: A Dog Lover's Story of Joy and Anguish by Mark R. Levin
- Signs From Pets In The Afterlife: Identifying Messages From Pets In Heaven by Lyn Ragan
Children's books
Grief is hard for everyone, and trying to navigate your own grief while also trying to help your children understand and process their feelings as well can be overwhelming.
Thankfully, there are many literary resources geared towards children to help us bridge that gap when our own words are hard to find.
- Lifetimes: The Beautiful Way to Explain Death to Children by Bryan Mellonie
- Sammy in the Sky by Barbara Walsh
- The Goodbye Book by Todd Parr
- When a Pet Dies by Fred Rogers
- The Tenth Good Thing About Barney by Judith Viorst
- Saying Goodbye to Lulu by Corinne Demas
- Dog Heaven by Cynthia Rylant
- Cat Heaven by Cynthia Rylant
- Jasper's Day by Marjorie Blain Parker
- I’ll Always Love You by Hans Wilhelm
- The Rough Patch by Brian Lies
Journals and Workbooks
Writing forces our brains to slow down and process our thoughts in order to translate them to the page. Journals and workbooks are a great way to try processing our grief when it feels too overwhelming to think about.
My Pet Remembrance Journal by Enid Traisman
And I Love You Still... A Thoughtful Guide and Remembrance Journal for Healing the Loss of a Pet by Julianne Corbin, Ph.D.
The Kingdom of Heart: A Pet Loss Journal by Patty L. Luckenbach
Online articles
P.S. I Love You More Than Tuna by Sarah Chauncey
The first illustrated gift book for adults grieving the loss of an animal friend, https://www.morethantuna.com/about/
Anticipatory Grief: Fearing The Loss Of A Beloved Pet
seniorpaws.vet/anticipatory-grief-fearing-the-loss-of-a-beloved-pet
Over 5o+ Pet Loss Articles
Know of another resource?
Leave a comment below to share a great book or journal you've found with others who may need it, too.
