2 comments about Animals in Spirit: Our faithful companions' transition to the afterlife.

1. This book is helping me cope with the loss of my cat. It explains so well why animals choose their passing, why they are here in our relationships, and best yet that they are still around us after passing.



2. Penelope Smith's most recent book, "Animals in Spirit", is a beautiful, heartfelt, and sensitive guide to animals' perspectives on the death and dying process, as well their experiences in the spiritual dimension after leaving the physical body. In sharing her communications with her own animal companions, those of her clients, and in the wonderful contributions of experiences from many other animal communicators and their clients, Penelope addresses the experience of death from the animals' viewpoints, and also sensitively discusses the grief process for the animals' human companions. I especially loved the section on reincarnation, and the various ways that animals may choose to return to their people in a different body. This book made me laugh, cry, and rejoice at the variety and depth of animal wisdom concerning death. It opened my heart to deeper places of love and trust that love never dies, and to the knowledge that the energy of the connection with our animal friends is eternal.
   
   I would highly recommend this book for anyone who has loved and lost an animal. There is a wonderful exercise for helping people to connect with the spirits of their animal friends who have died, as well as a beautiful grief and memorial ritual contributed by animal communicator Barbara Janelle. Throughout, the heartwarming communications from the animals to their human friends assures us that death is most often a natural transition for animals to a different state of being, without the fear and cultural baggage that we humans so often associate with it. In this, the animals are our teachers, as they show us how to accept the death process as a part of the eternal continuum of life.
   
   My favorite passage in the book is at the very end, in a poetic inspiration that came through Penelope, which states, in part: "Flow with spirit, ever-changing in its guises. See the wildflowers bloom and die and give their seeds to the Earth. Nothing ever really dies or fades. Everything dissolves into unity and flows into another sea or shower or puff of air". As I experience the love and connection with my own animal friends, both in form and in spirit, I am so grateful for all that the animals have to teach us about love, life, and death.

5 comments about The Loss of a Pet.

1. Dr. Sife, is a wonderful man full of compassion. love and knowledge and heartfelt feelings for the Loss of a Pet. To read his book, is to know his heart and soul for he, has experienced the same in that we all bond and unify with our animals. God Bless you Dr. Sife!



2. I highly recommend this book for anyone grieving the death of a beloved pet. Dr. Sife gives very helpful information about the grieving process, and most important, reassurance that the pain one feels is very real, and not to be dismissed by anyone. Very well-written, insightful, with numerous photos. I would have been lost without this book.



3. I ordered this book the day after my two dogs were euthanized for some extra support. It is very informative and helpful. I think it would even help deal with the grief of a human relative or friend aswell. I would suggest it to someone in grief with a pet definately.



4. I operated a professional pet sitting service for eight years and this is the book that I always recommended to my human clients when their beloved companions made their transition to heaven. Dr. Sife writes with such compassion that he draws the reader in to assist with their anugish. Dr. Sife suggest many helpful things. From the very important stages of grief, to planning a memorial service, to offering to the reader ways to bare their grief until healing can come. Many books on pet grief are written but Dr. Sife's was pionner in this field. He is a practing therapist with a degree in counseling psycholoy, (Ph. D.). He specializes in pet berevement. He is also the founder of The Association of Pet Loss and Berevement.
   My best friend and I just have suffered a terrible tragic loss of Solomon, a young feline companion that died very suddenly from choking. The Loss of A Pet is a lifeline for our broken hearts. One final note: The Chapter on our pets going to heaven is so comforting. Thank you Dr. Sife for helping the reader travel down this dark road.



5. This book was very helpful to me during a trying time I had not too long ago. Do yourself a favor and buy it. I also read and highly recommend 'How to Roar: Pet Loss Grief Recovery' by Robin Jean Brown and 'Goodbye, Friend: Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who Has Ever Lost a Pet' by Gary Kowalski.

5 comments about Saying Good-Bye to the Pet You Love: A Complete Resource to Help You Heal.

1. Finally, a well written and very helpful book on grieving the loss of your pet. Dr. Greene shares a nice mix of pet owner stories and wonderful, proven exercises to help you move through your own emotions.
   
   Best of all, for us, was her suggestions on how to respond to others who may not share as strong a bond with pets. Her simple paper-pencil assessment helped us understand where we fell on the continuum from pets are animals to pets are family members. Our 14 year dog was definitely a family member to us!
   
   Her book provided us comfort, humor, and a sense of peace about not having to defend our grief over the loss of our dog. We highly recommend this book to anyone whose pet recently passed away, and to those with dogs and cats faced with the tough decision about putting their pet down at the vet due to a serious medical condition. Get it, read it, and allow yourself to celebrate your pet's life and its positive impact on you.



2. I found this book in a program that offers courses for R.N. continuing education. What a wonderful book! We have had many pets over the years. With three kids in the family, we've loved frogs, lizards, fish, cats, dogs and a horse. My horse is 25 yrs. old now and that's why this particular book caught my eye. I think it is very well thought out and written. I give thanks to Lorri Greene and Jacquelyn Landis for addressing the love that we have for our companions and how to help them-and us- to go on when their time comes. My daughter is in Vet school. I'm giving this to her. Good Book!



3. I got this book soon after I lost my 10-year-old Persian male soul mate, and it really helped me through a time of great sorrow. There are exercises to do that help you work through your grief and help you to understand your feelings. I highly recommend it for anyone dealing with the loss of a pet.



4. I ordered this book and waited for it eagerly, based on "Search Inside" reading I did on Amazon. I hoped the chapter devoted to guilt experienced by "animal guardians," as the author considerately calls pet owners, when euthanasia or an accident precipitates a pet's death would speak to me. Therefore I was surprised to find the book more clinical than inspirational. I also found it emotionally distant from its subject...which perhaps is to be expected, considering that it was written by a psychologist. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone suffering from deep grief over a lost pet.



5. Being in the mist of animal grief right now I just recently got this book. One of the things the author says is why one is grieving is to not look at the animal's toys or photos until later. Well the first thing I wnat to do is to have their photo out. She seems to contradict herself when she says there is no right or wrong way to heal then she says don't do this or that. I found the book trite, unfeeling ,and cold. I am sorry I bought it. I will return it and get "The Loss of A Pet" instead.

5 comments about The Soul of Your Pet: Evidence for the Survival of Animals After Death.

1. animal communication does not end at "death" as death is not an end but a continuing journey- he did not do much with animals other than traditional pets, but it is a good first step-phyllis fischer, senior pastor, church of the angels



2. My beloved calico cat of 17 yrs. was put to sleep on 8/17/06. I still miss her dearly and my heart aches as if it happened yesterday. I felt that we had a strong connection and that she would come back to visit me, if just to let me know that she was ok. To date I have not seen her, in my dreams or otherwise. This book shows that just because you don't see your pet doesn't mean that it isn't around or its spirit doesn't exist. I know that one day I will be reunited with my beloved Pretty Girl and all the other pets that have come and gone through my life.



3. I recently lost my Beloved Blue Tick, Chester. I bought this book and several others on loss of a pet. I did not find any comfort or meaning to this book. In fact, it was a waste of money. It is print after print of animal ghost stories. Very disappointed.



4. I applaud the author for collecting stories and publishing this work. He has broken some new ground, and I hope that more books on this topic emerge. If the author should pursue further research and publish more (and I hope he does), he should employ a good editor to proof the manuscript for semantic clarity.
   
   Regarding content: Personally, I would have preferred a bit more focus on the subjective experience of the people involved. How were they feeling at the time, and how did the experience affect them emotionally and spiritually? Of course I realize the author wanted to be as scientific as possible, simply reporting the occurrences along with names, dates and places.
   
   There is another book which may be of interest to people interested in animal souls. It is titled "Animals as Teachers and Healers," by Susan Chernak Mcelroy (1998). This one concerns living animals - both pets and wild. It tells many stories of human/animal interactions that turned out to be quite meaningful to the people involved. It's one of my favorites.



5. This book helped to ease my broken heart. For anyone that has lost their beloved pet,The Soul Of Your Pet is a treasure. It made my heart smile again instead of crying myself to sleep at night. I recently passed it on to friend that just recently lost her puppy baby. She commented on the strength it has given her to move forward as well.

5 comments about Grieving the Death of a Pet.

1. An excellent book to help with the grieving process. Wonderful real life examples of others who have experienced the same overwhelming pain and how they were able to deal with their loss. I would recommend this book for anyone who has lost a pet and is experiencing on-going depression.



2. I have been waiting for Betty Carmack's book all of my life. My feelings have never before been so validated. Throughout childhood, I have had numerous little creatures: hamsters, birds, dogs, turtles, and mice. Now after 45 years, I can finally grieve the loss of those precious creatures without anyone calling me foolish or overly sentimental. No one will ever again tell me that "little boy's don't cry." Little boys cry--right along with the rest of humanity--at the loss of one of these precious companions.
   
   Betty Carmack's decision to let the "experts" be those who have actually grieved the loss of a pet gives her book more validity than if she had quoted from a thousand researchers. We hear the stories of these people and their companion animals through all the stages of grief. Pets are not just "nice things to have a around." They are the truest and most steadfast listeners to all of life's pains and joys. When they die, they leave a hole in our hearts. For some people, their cats or dogs or lizards are their closest companions. Such companions are never too tired to listen. No matter what we look like, whether bathed or not, shaven or not, they hear all that we are and hope to be, uncluttered by "unfinished business" in human relationships. True, they cannot take the place of another human being. Likewise, no human can ever offer the degree of unconditional love that animals, fish, and birds can.
   
   "Grieving the Death of a Pet" is a triumph. It is a gift, given by an expert who was humble enough to let the very people she comforts be our comforters, the very people who know best what we feel and why. How can I thank someone for giving me back my feelings and childhood memories? Thank you, Betty Carmack. Thank you for the gift of your book and the gift of you.



3. This book is a touching and insightful look at how people grieve when their beloved pet passes on. Many overlook how pets have helped people get through tough times, and given unconditional love to their owners. I've seen dogs that help heal (in the sense that they give lots of attention and love) people with acute and/or chronic illnesses.
   
   By the same token, many people grieve over the loss of their pets, particularly those who have been in the family household for over five years. Why else would children want to place their animals' remains in a special place in the backyard? Ms. Carmack not only shares people's heartfelt stories, but also gives good insight on just what is needed to get through those tough times. I gave this book to one friend who had lost a cat that he owned for twelve years, and he said that reading it really made a difference to him on that struggle.
   
   To complain that this book doesn't fit a certain person's view on Christianity doesn't do the book justice. Just because pets aren't mentioned in Scripture doesn't mean they aren't important to people and healing. And to discount pets as instruments of God is very sad and lacking insight.
   
   Thankfully, this book doesn't recommend spending thousands of dollars in pet cemeteries. BUT, that's up to the owner and none of other people's business, no?



4. FOr the reviewer who does not beleive animals go to heaven. Well why not? Didnt God create animals as well? Why would He discriminate against the most innocent creatures on earth by not letting them into heaven. I just lost my cat whom I considered to be my child and I dearly hope that when I get to heaven that she is waiting there for me. It just shows how egotisitcal human beings can be. I hope others that lose a beloved pet do not share this persons view and look forward to reuniting with their special pet one day.



5. My nine-year-old Great Dane just died, and I am devastated. My sister sent me this book because she said that she knew the author and she thought it might help me cope with the loss of my lovely girl.
   
   I am about halfway through this book, and it is actually making me feel worse. The reason that it is making me feel worse is that included in this book are stories where the pet owners -- out of their sheer stupidity, ignorance, and irresponsibility -- actually caused the death of the pets that they should have been protecting.
   
   One pet owner caused their German Shepherd to get heat stroke. Another couple put their friendly Rottweiler to sleep because he had bitten other dogs, and they were afraid he would bite a child. There are numerous other alternatives to euthanasia in circumstances such as those. Even the author caused the death of her first dog by actually pulling her dog overboard into a fast-moving river and then let go of him, causing him to drown. The author never should have jumped in the river herself let alone pull her dog in.
   
   I just can't finish this book because I can't read any more stories where pet owners caused the death of their pets. I am very sensitive in that regard, and I think other animal lovers are the same way. I would never put any of my pets in harm's way like the author did. I know accidents do happen, but many of these people could have and should have been better informed and made better decisions concerning the safety of their pets. Many of these people set the stage for an accident by making a series of bad decisions. This just angers me at a time when I already feel sad.
   
   Furthermore, this book has not told me anything that I did not know already. The author spends a great deal of time letting the reader know that it is okay to grieve over the loss of a pet. It wouldn't have even occurred to me that it wasn't all right to grieve the loss of a pet. You would have to be heartless not to do so.
   
   If you are grieving the loss of a pet, seek comfort in your friends and family and find a different book to comfort you.

5 comments about Blessing the Bridge: What Animals Teach Us About Death, Dying, and Beyond.

1. Blessing the Bridge is a book that everyone with a four legged companion should read. I purchased this book as my long loved companion of 14-1/2 yrs was what I thought close to crossing the bridge. Knowing that this was going to be difficult for both of us I knew I must prepare myself and her for the letting go. Reading this book gave me insight to talk with her and let her make the decision. We are three months later and she lays beside me as I write, snoring! What I recognized from reading this book is that I will rely on my baby to let me know when she believes it's time to let go. Allowing her to slip into a deep peaceful sleep as she crosses the bridge of serenity. By no means will it be a smooth ride when the time arrives, but this book will give you insight and a sense that you both made this decision together.
   I previously had to make a decision 8 years ago for my 15 year old and had I been aware of this book I certainly would have read it then to help us both through the decision making and letting go process. This is a book that will give you hope and a sense of acceptance that both you and your four legged friend can share. A must for all who one day will learn the true meaning of letting go.



2. This book really helped me through the dying process of my beloved dog of 10 years. He had cancer and toward the end when there was nothing medically possible for him, I came to accept he wouldn't be around much longer. This book helped me to see that death is a natural process for animals. They accept it as part of their life. There are many things in the book that one can do to help this process. I highly recommend this book. It brought me comfort during this difficult time and after his passing I refer to it often.



3. A great book for those who are in pain from the loss of a pet. Has a wonderful spiritual side.



4. I bought this book from Amazon back in 2003 when I was doing a study at Vermont College on Animal Bereavement. This book was and is like a gift from the heavens. Every night one hears these heart wrenching stories on the evening news of the dark side of the human heart. How deeply rewarding to read Rita Reynolds's book, "Blessing The Bridge" and to know without reservation that The Creator does indeed have angels, in human form, caring for the lost sheep. I would also submit to the reader that this book is a security blanket of sorts. Ms. Reynolds has been at the side of so many of her animal companions as they took their final breath. Therefore it is very much a solace for those of us that are in grief for our companions'. Get this book! It will linger with the reader long after the last page is closed and it is placed back on the shelf.



5. Rita Reynolds runs the animal sancutary Howling Succeses in Afton, Virginia. This is a place where the aged, infirm, and abandoned of the animal world find loving kindness and comfort for as long as they remain in this world. Rita is able to commit her life to this work because she has the heart and soul that are open to the loving and beautiful moments of this world; the takes them in and gives them back in beautiful ways.
   
   In her book Blessing the Bridge, Reynolds talks about her lifelong love for animals as friends and teachers. Her gentle, humble vision has opened the doors of her souls to animals and, really to God's Creation as a whole work rather than a bunch of stuff for us to use at will and at our convenience.
   
   Rita's book is about the sanctity of all life. Her book lifts up the grandeur of ordinar life because it celebrates life as a holy phenomenon.
   
   Seen in this way, the book speaks to the nature of all relationships. It lifts up and illuminates our relationship with the animal world and our relationships with each other. All life is sacred and interdependent.
   
   As I was re-reading Chapter 1 the other day, it occurred to me that Rita's loving her pet dog Oliver's cancer as a part of Oliver--that is, not treating the disease as a separate thing, an opponent or even an enemy but as a part of the whole being known as Oliver--could be seen as a metaphor for forgiveness and acceptance in human relationships. Bad experiences, shortcomings, disappointments in relationships--all these things can be embraced as teachers that open doors of hearts that ultimately open the way to God's gracious love.
   
   Rita Reynolds is a beautiful person. Her prose reflects her spirit. See for yourself:
   Chapter One: Creating a Sanctuary
   
   In the midst of a routine day I gathered my dog, Oliver, into my arms, and held his soft, small body close to mine There is a strong possibility, I explained, that the cancer growing inside you will eventually cause us to be separated from each other. As the word separated left my mouth, his face rose to mine. Although blind, his eyes danced, shining with life. I sensed that he was seeing on another level, within and through me. You will change worlds and I will have to remain behind, but I will always love you. Oliver turned his head downward as my words and tears cascaded over him. A knowing flowed between Oliver and me that in truth we could never be separated, and that everything was perfect, even the cancer.
   
   But I had not always felt so. When I had heard the diagnosis three months earlier, I had immediately made Oliver's cancer an enemy. That cancer was the monster that would tear my dear friend of eight years away from me. Later, in a reflective moment I realized that by declaring war on the cancer, I was making all of Oliver's cells the whole basic structure of his body my enemy as well. From that moment, rather than cursing his cells, I began loving and blessing them, even the cancerous ones, hoping this approach would cure him. But what if he died anyway? I asked myself in doubtful moments. Would I have accomplished anything at all, or wasted energy, time, and emotion? Was I entrapping myself in false hope, blind faith, and utter stupidity? I wondered if I was setting myself up for a hard and terrible disappointment.
   
   Oliver's tumor was in his bladder. The medical prognosis was that the cancer would not respond to surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. After introspection and prayer, I decided to begin my own integrative therapy for Oliver. My intuition, always my best guide, directed me to use sound and music therapy, color and light, supportive nutrition, and the prayer support of friends and family. At the same time, I also realized that it might just be Oliver's time to go.
   
   As we proceeded with these alternative healing methods, I began to realize that everything I was doing for Oliver was appropriate for possibly curing his physical condition, while at the same time helping him through his dying if that would be the outcome. I was no longer attempting a cure-or-nothing approach, which would imply success versus failure or winning versus losing. I had ended my battle against the cancer.
   
   No longer was this therapy focused on my little dog alone. Now, Oliver and I were moving in tandem through a mutual and inter-supportive healing on infinite levels. As with so many of the animals who had been in my care, I was once again learning when and how to let Oliver go, making sure I did so with unconditional love, grace, and peace.
   
   We walked through our healing, step by step. Nothing long range. I felt compelled to give up all my goals, including healing him. My job was simply to offer Oliver my full participation and accept each moment as perfect, no matter what was going on. It was easier for Oliver, he had no expectations. But I also knew Oliver and I were not alone. There was a boundless, pure spirit that led us with love. Oliver shone with that love.
   
   But when finally faced with the certainty of Oliver's impending death, I once again struggled with my emotional attachment and inevitable sense of failure. I questioned everything. Was the pain I saw cross his face only momentary? Would it pass, and then we would still have more time together? Or was it his way of asking for compassionate release? I could not decide, so I turned within and prayed for help. The guidance came and I knew Oliver was ready to leave.
   
   The day before Oliver died, he laid his head on my foot as I wrote down my thoughts about him. He communicated to me, Don't begin missing me yet. Share this moment with me, everything is as it is meant to be. And if you let me, I will guide you for all the moments to come.
   
   I will, I responded, out loud, knowing he was pleased. And so Oliver's life on Earth ended well. My friend and teacher joined me in this lifetime as a honey-colored terrier named Oliver. Through his living and dying, he taught me there is no such thing as life versus death, or success versus failure. Love given and received, moment by moment, is all that really matters.

5 comments about Miracle Dog: How Quentin Survived the Gas Chamber to Speak for Animals on Death Row.

1. Quentin is such an amazing little pooch! And Randy's honesty and sense of humor really comes through in his writing. And I enjoyed seeing all of the photos of Quentin in action. It really is a miracle that Quent survived and that he ended up in the hands of Randy Grim! Every dog lover needs to read this book and spread the word about all of the dogs who are needlessly euthanized while puppy mills continue to crank out thousands of sick, unsocialized pups. It's a quick read - I started and finished it yesterday.



2. Although a sometimes difficult read, this book brings hope and inspiration to any dog-lover or rescuer. For those not blessed with the companionship or love of a dog, this book will move you to open your heart. Making a difference doesn't have to mean bringing a stray into your family. This book shows help for these loving beings can take many forms - petitioning for changes from 'owner' to 'guardian', donations to local organizations, becoming educated on your city's animal control policies - Read this book and you will be moved to help in whichever way you can. Be moved to do small things with great love....



3. Miracle Dog: How Quentin Survived the Gas Chamber to Speak for Animals on Death Row is the heart warming story of Quentin and his guardian Randy Grim. Quentin is a very unique dog for a variety of reasons, perhaps surprisingly the least of which is that he miraculously survived fifteen minutes in the gas chamber while watching his fellow inmates die. Quentin's crime: his family moved to a home that didn't allow pets.
   
   Upon his reprieve, Quentin didn't choose to retire happily to a big backyard to dream about chasing rabbits. Instead, Quentin decided to become a spokesperson for all animals with the help of his guardian Randy Grim. Randy, as the president and founder of Stray Rescue of St. Louis, had always tried to do his part to protect and save animals where and when he could. However, as is so very common in such crusades, there were never enough funds for every helpful project or space to save every animal. That Randy hated the spotlight, made fundraising even more difficult. Quentin saw a true love, caring, respect, and passion for animals in Randy. Quentin also saw that, if pushed and prodded appropriately by just the right miracle dog, this man could help deliver Quentin's message that would save animals from the fate he almost shared with his cell mates in the gas chamber.
   
   Miracle Dog: How Quentin Survived the Gas Chamber to Speak for Animals on Death Row reminds us of the importance of a respect for life. Far too often, we forget what our animal friends do for us on a daily basis: greeting us happily after a hard day at work, wanting our company regardless of our appearance or financial situation, and urging us to play when we start to take things too seriously. This book reminds us of this gift of unconditional love and affection. After reading this book, you will definitely feel the intense urge to run to your nearest animal shelter and become the guardian of a new animal. Just be sure to really think out your decision, spay or neuter your new addition, and always remember to love and respect your new friend as he or she will love and respect you.



4. This was an excellent book. Randy Grim is an amazing person to be able to rescue and save so many dogs and I applaud him for "telling it like it is" even though so much of the abuse is very hard to read, even harder I'm sure for him to see and deal with. Quentin is truly a miracle dog, not only from a survival standpoint but in the way he lives and inspires everyone he meets, including other dogs. I would highly recommend it to everyone - we should all become guardians of our dogs and regard their care as a lifelong commitment.



5. The book was well written and definitely shows the horrors of what goes on behind the shelters in this country. Quentin was a miracle and how Randy saved him is nothing short of amazing. Through their events a change was made with the shelter orginizations throughout the country. Quentin and Randy were definitely meant to be together and their cause for animal rights is undying. I don't think one could of done what they did without the other. Very comical in many parts and hearbreaking in others. Worhtwhile reading. It opened my eyes.

1 comments about Bandit: The Heart-Warming True Story of One Dog's Rescue from Death Row.

1. Just like her other book, Animal Happiness, Vicki Hearne really makes you care for Bandit another animal outcast that she rescues. Hearne goes to court and fights for this dog. This is a great, heart-warming tale that any animal lover will fall in love with.

5 comments about When Only the Love Remains: The Pain of Pet Loss.

1. A beautifully written book of poems about the life, loss, and love of a sweet rabbit. Whether you are mourning the loss of a rabbit, cat, or dog, this book will allow you to laugh, cry, and most importantly cherish the memories of your lost friend.



2. Emily's exquisite heartfelt feelings written in "When Only The Love Remains" continue to help me deal with the tragic death of my beloved 5-1/2 year old Golden Retriever Seajay several years ago. Thank you Emily as you encourage those who are experiencing the pain of loss of a beloved pet know that the love remains, forever in their heart. Jeri



3. For anyone who has loved and lost a beloved pet, I highly recommend "When Only the Love Remains" by Emily Margaret Stuparyk. Her words will heal a broken heart and connect your soul eternally with your pet's soul. She understands the pain of pet loss because she has experienced it. I was devastated at the loss of my bunny, a Dwarf girl named Cinderella Rubi, who lived for only two years. Emily's writing lifted my broken spirit like the wings of an angel and reflect hope and belief in the afterlife. I have learned that although my beloved Cinderella is with her Creator now, she left me a legacy of love that lives on as my inheritance. This love will continue to grow for I will always remember my precious rabbit friend. I treasure this book and also you, Emily.



4. My beloved kitty companion of nine years died suddenly on September 16, 2004 - as I write this, just three days ago. The totally unexpected loss of Sugarpuss is a terrible shock. Stuparyk's book was recommended to me that morning and I immediately ordered it on one day delivery from amazon (and I might add it arrived on the 17th as promised - thank you, amazon). I read most of it in one sitting, crying as in my mind I put my kitty in the place of Stuparyk's beloved rabbit, Poochie, who also died on September 16th several years ago. The poems are moving, especially the final one, which is also used for the title of the book. I very much identify with the poem where the author wishes for one more chance to hold her bunny alive again, which is what I feel about my Sugarpuss. I know I will go to this book again over the next several weeks. I would particularly recommend this book of poems for someone who feels grief but has problems expressing it, or who feels "funny" being so emotional over the loss of a companion animal.



5. The author could have been writing about my own pet. Her sincere, honest portrayal of her feelings touched me so much that I was able to write down my own feelings on paper about a much loved and missed pet. It was like she knew me and my pet. I could feel her pain of her loss--it matched mine. Her book gave me so many things to think about. I recommend this book highly and plan to share it with others who need help healing with the loss of a pet.

5 comments about Coping With Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet.

1. After 6 weeks of being unbelievably depressed and being unable to figure out why I couldn't get over the loss of my little kitty, I purchased this book through amazon.com. Reading it brought me relief almost overnight and helped me know that I was not alone.



2. This book was a beautiful source of comfort when Jim and I lost our beloved cat, Dori, to cancer. I had lost pets in the past, but it had been 15 years since my last pet passed away and I had forgotton how devasting the loss of a much loved pet like Dori could be. I received the book while I was trying to cope with the decision to let her go and it helped so much. I want to thank Moira for such an wonderful book! Debbie



3. This is a hard book to read, especially when you have lost a pet or know you are going to lose a beloved pet soon, but it is very useful. Everything about it is kind and understanding, from the abstract cover that does not feature a happy dog or cat to the chapters loaded with advice about all those tough topics we'd rather not think about, including saying goodbye, euthanasia, what to do with the pet's remains, deciding whether to get another pet, providing for pet care in case you die or become disabled, and what to do if you're forced to give your pet away. We don't want to think about these things, but sometimes we need to know. Allen, a writer and pet lover with a master's degree in counseling, has produced a reference every pet owner should keep around, just in case.



4. I purchased this book a few weeks after the loss of my beloved black lab Java at 13 yrs of age. The pain I felt the morning I had to make the dreaded decision was visceral and made breathing difficult. It was beyond anything I had experienced and simply numbing. The book offered amazing insight into the grieving process and assured me the emotions were expected, natural and eventually the pain would lessen. It also addresses the guilt we feel and our questioning of "could I have done more" or "maybe I made a mistake" which are quite powerful.
   
   This book is a must have guide for any pet owner. My prayers and thoughts are with all of us sharing the pain and loss of a beloved animal, both now and forever.
   
   -bob



5. My best friend died 1.5 years ago and I still miss her terribly - she was my 15 year old cat. This book was very useful to me during my time of intense mourning. While I know that her loss was a significant and horrible event in my life, recognition of the death of animal companions is not common in our society. This book helped me to see that I was not alone in my grief and that it was okay and normal to feel such grief. I actually purchased several books on this topic and found this one to be the best.