Book Review: When you have to say goodbye: loving and letting go of your pet

Last fall, I got a copy of a new book written by Dr. Monica Mansfield DVM entitled "When you have to say goodbye: Loving and Letting go of your pet."

The book is a 30 page, fully illustrated children's book that is designed to help children deal with the loss of a loved pet.

Losing a pet is a difficult experience for anyone -- but can be exceptionally difficult for children. This book is designed to help children cope with the loss.

This isn't a book about rainbow bridges.  It's' about explaining that pets die earlier than humans -- and sometimes there are diseases that veterinarians can't cure, and times when a pet's body just stops working.

It's about understanding that it's ok to cry, or even feel angry.  But that it's important for children to talk about their feelings, and how things like writing poems, drawing pictures, or writings stories or looking at pictures of your pet will help you remember the good times with your pet, or making a picture, or a special place for your pet's favorite toys, or planting a flower in your yard can help a child honor and remember your pet.

You can get more info about the book, author and illustrator and the book's website.

It's a cute book that, although I'm not a parent, I think could help a child deal with a very difficult experience in a child's life. The book sells on Amazon for $8.95 -- and I think would be a great addition for any veterinarian office or for a family that is dealing with the loss of a pet. As pets continue to become closer and closer to family members, this is a book that I think will provide value for many families for years to come.

Comments

[VetNewsNetwork]

Thanks for sharing, Brent. Dr. Mansfield did a great job with this book and we are very happy that she is part of our Veterinary News Network group!

[Discount Pet Supplies]

This is a wonderful book, beautifully written. It is great for kids but really adults would get a lot out of it also. I loved the story so much that I purchased 3 & donated them to my Vet's office to give to grieving families. I wish I had this book when I had to put my dogs down.The illustrations are also wonderful. I can't say enough good things about this book!

[Chester NY House Cleaning]

This is a terrific children's book and resource for both parents and kids, to help them navigate through the difficult, yet normal feelings regarding pet loss! Definitely a worthwhile read!