3 Amazing Children’s Books That Help With Pet Loss

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

The loss of a pet is undoubtedly one of the hardest things for a child to experience. To help youngsters through this hard time, a book may be able to help explain and heal.

On the first day of Grade Two, I ran home, excited to tell my pet rat, Shorty, about all the new friends I had made. Usually Shorty was waiting on at the door to her cage, eager to greet me and share some after school snacks. But that day Shorty wasn’t waiting for me.

I opened the door, and found her laying in her bed. She wasn’t breathing. My young mind understood she was gone, but I did not have the words to process this. Even now, 30 years later, it is hard to write about.

The loss of a pet is undoubtedly one of the hardest things for a child to experience. Children often develop strong bonds with their pet, to them it might be more than a goldfish or a hamster. They may regard their pet as a friend, or someone to share secrets with. The loss of such a special friend can be devastating and hard to comprehend. Other children seem to recover fairly easily from the loss of a pet, they accept it’s death and move on. Sometimes parents worry that the child has not dealt with their feelings.

In my years as a classroom teacher, I have had many students come to school upset about the loss of a special pet. For situations like those, I keep a box of books about losing a pet. The books let students know they aren’t alone in their grief, that other people have experienced loss as well. The books also help give the children a framework for dealing with their grief. Here are some of the books I have found to be the most helpful.

Dog Heaven by Cynthia Rylant

ADVERTISEMENT

Popular with both children and adults, this book is filled with colorful pictures and text imagining what heaven would be like for a dog. It’s a little fanciful, with God standing at a large machine pumping out biscuits in fun shapes for dogs. There is also a section where the dogs who have died come back to earth for a visit. For some that is a comforting thought, for others, it may cause confusion. Either way, parents know best.

Saying Goodbye to Lulu by Corinne Demas

ADVERTISEMENT

A little girl does everything with her best friend and dog, Lulu. They explore the neighborhood, play and every night cuddle up with a good book before bedtime. Lulu grows older and begins to slow down. The little girl must face the difficult reality of losing her friend. Over time she realizes that Lulu will be carried forever in her heart.

The Tenth Good Thing About Barney by Judith Viorst

ADVERTISEMENT

This book is my personal favorite. The book is narrated by a young boy, whose cat, Barney has just died. He begins to prepare for Barney’s funeral by preparing a list of ten good things about his cat.

The story goes through the first nine things the boy can think of. But he becomes upset when he can’t think of the tenth. At the funeral, the boy understands that the tenth good thing about Barney. Barney is in the ground, helping grow flowers. Which, the boy understands is a pretty nice job for a cat.

Parents need to take their cues from the child’s behavior, and act in the way that is best for the child, and every child is different. These books each have a slightly different focus, and will help open a discussion with your child about the loss of a special pet.

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

Black Lory

The Black Lory is loved for its friendly and playful personality that contrasts their dark appearance. Learn more about the traits of this unique breed!

SuperZoo 2017 is On – and We’re Digging P.L.A.Y. Adorbs Canvas Bag

One of the best things about Superzoo is seeing so many quirky little products. P.L.A.Y. has some of the cutest toys and bags that are ''totes'' adorbs!

Filefish

Filefish are a curious species of saltwater fish. They are characterized by their rhomboid shaped bodies, thick, sandpaper-like skin and small, fleshy fins.

Best Harnesses For Your Pomsky

Harnesses can help pet parents keep their Pomskies safe (and stylish!). Here are our picks for the Top 10 Harnesses for your Pomsky.

Gen Y Dogma: 4 Rules For Having The “Big (Custody) Talk” With Your

It’s not fun, but it’s got to be done. Christina Peden talks about having the “what happens to the dog if we break up talk” with your…

Bits of Bacon Dog Treat Recipe

Valentine’s Day is a few weeks away and I went a little overboard at the baking supply store. I got a few new cookie cutters I couldn’t wait to t…

PetGuide’s Best New Dog Travel Product of 2018: K9 Sport Sack

K9 Sport Sack ensures you get to make most out of your time with your precious pet, without compromising on comfort or style.

Adoptable Dog of the Week-Harley

Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Harley, a one year old Basset Hound and Terrier mix with unique facial markings from Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

East Siberian Laika

The East Siberian Laika is a Russian-type dog that retains many of the traits it inherited from its wild ancestor, the wolf.

Karelian Bobtail

The Karelian Bobtail is a rare, beautiful, and unique feline breed. These cats are extremely friendly and they enjoy the company of people and other pets.

Snappers

Snappers are generally non-aggressive fish that do well in very large saltwater community tanks. Most live in rocky or coral reefs, and come in many colors.

Golden Oldies: Paddling With A Senior Pooch

Don''t leave your dog out of your outdoor adventures. Even elderly dogs can enjoy an active lifestyle out on the water, as long as you''re prepared.

Tetra

Tetra are a species of tropical fish extremely popular in the aquarium trade. There are over 150 different species of tetras, most have small bodies.

Understanding Asthma In Cats

This human affliction can also leave your cat short of breath - and it''s a serious health risk. here''s what you need to know about asthma in cats.

Top Hoppin’ Pet Fashion for Rabbits

If you want to squee, all you need is a bunny sporting an adorable outfit. But it''s not just giggles - welcome to the flourishing world of rabbit couture!