Surviving Pet Loss

This book has helped me through the worst time ever. Practical advice, sensitively written and in small chapters which are easy to follow in the hardest moments of grief. I would recommend it to anyone struggling following the loss of a beloved pet.

This little book is like a supporting, guiding light that I can turn to any time for help, during my grief after losing my 14 and a half year old dog, Gracie. I feel like I’ve been set adrift on my own in a boat, with no oars or sail, alone and frightened with no comforting companion by my side, and no clue what to do, or where I’ll end up. Losing my girl is a pain I’ve never felt before, and I turned to Dawn, and her book, to help give me some direction. I’m taking it one day at a time, and most days I cry and feel sadness, but am also celebrating Gracie’s life and cherishing our memories together, and this book reaffirms how important it is to do that, and keep our pets alive in our hearts, minds and lives. They deserve to be remembered every day, and we don’t have to “move on” or “let go” of them, they will always be with us forever. I talk to Gracie every day as usual, because I know she’s still with me. Her pictures are in every room in our home so I see her every day, and I keep her things out just as they were left, because they bring me comfort and sometimes a tear to my eye; other times a smile on my face. I also made a memory jar, for myself and everyone who knew Gracie, to write little memories about her in, so on days when I feel low, I can pick one out and read it and remember her fondly with joy. I also have a keepsake box of some of her things, and I was blessed to be able to say goodbye to her as she peacefully went to sleep in my arms, and then bring her home, and she’s resting in the garden she loved so much, where I can sit next to her and have our usual morning coffee together. Dawn’s book helps me see that all these things are normal and healthy and help in the grieving process. I also especially drew strength from Dawn’s own stories of her pet losses in the book, which allow you to empathise and understand that all of us dog / pet lovers, will eventually have to say goodbye, and suffer for the love we give these brilliant, beautiful, clever, loving, loyal and joyful little furry humans that become part of the family, and fulfil our lives forever. (written by Gracie’s Mummy, Kate Lawson)

This is a really easy to read book with helpful advice on how to deal with the physical and emotional side effects that can arise following the loss of a much loved pet. It explains each stage of the grieving process and offers helpful tips to help ease and address them. The core message being that grief is unique to each individual and there is no right or wrong way to grieve. The poems are beautiful and will provide much comfort during difficult times. The personal accounts also give an insight into the depth of love the author has for all animals. If you are struggling in your grief, following the loss of a pet, this book aims to help you understand those feelings and navigate you towards a place of acceptance.

Having recently lost my beloved dog I have struggled with the physical pain of his absence in my life. I recognise myself in the pages of this book and have taken a great deal of comfort from the advice it provides. Accepting that what I am feeling is normal has made me stronger. I would urge others who like me are struggling with pet loss to read this book. It is very well written providing the reader with a greater understanding of the grieving process. The author sharing personal experiences brought the book to life for me. I cried at the poems but could not stop myself from laughing at the antics of Presley.

This is a great easy to read little book, it covers so many aspects of losing a pet, so many thought provoking snippets and good solid advice.I like the way it is split into mini chapters including how to help children of all the differing ages to cope with the loss of their pet as well as how different the experience can be when you live alone or are elderly etc.The book is written simply and compassionately and I would recommend it for anyone who is likely to have to face this difficult event in our lives (or have friends and family who will be).The stories of the authors own pets are enlightening and endearing and the selection of poems are beautiful.This book 'is the bomb!'

Talks about dogs aging and illness types of grief. My dog was poisoned deliberately on the Fri and had to be put to sleep on the Monday... obviously I couldn't prepare for her aging death and illness cos it was unexpected. Sorry to waffle on. It wasn't a good book for me. But other people it's possibly good. Anyone wants the book let me know u can have it ,

A wonderful book, comforting and practical to help those who are trying to cope with losing a pet. It is small enough not to be overwhelming but packed with information, advice, explaining the grief process and certainly helps to understand all the mixed and raw emotions. It feels like it’s written by a best friend supporting you through the most difficult time.I also liked the beautiful poems section which reflected so many emotions and thoughts for bereaved pet parents.Thank you, x

I found this book very useful as we’d just lost our 19 year old dog. It helped me and enabled me to help and understand my partner’s grief

Absolutely loved this book .It allowed me to understand my thoughts and emotions that I’ve been through with the passing of my beloved pet.This author certainly writes from the heart and explains things so well it was like a novel I just couldn’t put it down.So enlightening and helpful just when I needed it.