The purpose of this book is to provide a resource to help animal owners work through the pain following the loss of their pet.  In our society, there is often a message that there must be something wrong with anyone who feels despair or “falls apart” over the loss of an animal. Because of this message, the “survivors” of animal loss are often left feeling alone and “crazy” because they are having such a strong reaction to their loss. As a psychotherapist of many years helping clients cope with a number of issues, I have frequently been told in the utmost of confidence that “ I felt worse about the death of my dog than I did about the loss of a family member.” When these words were uttered, it was almost always with a sense of shame and guilt.

In the past few years, it has been recognized that the feeling of loss experienced when a beloved pet dies can be as intense as, or even greater than, as that experienced when a human acquaintance dies. With this recognition, thankfully, those suffering from the loss of an animal companion no longer need to hide their grief or feel shame as they continue to mourn. In addition, a number of helpful and supportive resources for dealing with these feelings are now available. At the end of this handbook I have provided a selected list of  these sources. Some are other publications while others are actual telephone contacts or web sites. 

It is my hope that this book will offer some help to all those who are mourning, have mourned, and will be mourning the loss of their animal companion(s). I have lost and mourned many animals in my lifetime, and I know from first hand experience how painful this loss can be.  I also know from having attended as a “patient” as well as having organized my own grief groups how helpful it is to know you are not alone. I think the recognition of the legitimacy of the  devastating feelings surrounding animal loss is very important. Experts agree that the loss of a child is one of life’s most traumatic events. For many animal owners, their pets are their children. Fortunately, there are now many counselors who work in the area of pet loss providing both individual and group bereavement counseling.  This book is not, nor is it meant to be, a substitute for these types of therapy. Rather, it is intended as an aid and supplement based on my own personal and professional experiences in dealing with the death of a beloved pet. Ultimately, everyone mourns at a different pace, so consider this book a guide and not the final word.