Many books have been written to help people deal with the loss of a parent, a spouse, a sibling or a friend. Although not as common, we have identified several books which have been written specifically to help pet owners prepare for and cope with the loss of their beloved animal companion. A number of these books have been written specifically to help children cope with the loss.

1. Good-Bye My Friend (by Mary and Herb Montgomery)
Offers consolation at the time of death and comforts the pet owner throughout the grieving process. Feelings common to loss are explored: denial, sadness, anger, guilt, etc. Practical suggestions are offered on such matters as finding outlets for grief, helping children deal with grief, and selecting a memorial. A dedication page for inscribing the pet's name makes the book ideal for giving to anyone who has lost an animal friend.

2. A Final Act of Caring (by Mary and Herb Montgomery)
Explains the euthanasia procedure in comforting, non-clinical language and offers guidance at a time when painful decisions must be made. Also covered are ways to pay last respects, help children deal with the loss, and memorialize a cherished animal.

3. Your Aging Pet (by Mary and Herb Montgomery)
Discusses the changes that come with age and ways to meet the needs of older animals. Suggestions are made for simple adaptations that enable animals with arthritic joints and other age-related problems to enjoy months and maybe even years of contented living.

4. For Every Dog An Angel (by Christine Davis)
A magical little book for those who have found their forever dog and for those who hope to....

5. For Every Cat An Angel (by Christine Davis)
A magical little book for those who have found their forever cat and for those who hope to....

Pet Loss Support Books 1, 2 and 3

Pet Loss Support Books 4 and 5

6. I Remember (for children) (by Mary and Herb Montgomery)
This memory book provides a gentle guide for looking back at a pet's life from the joyful beginning to the sad farewell and to all that lay in between. Space is provided for photos or drawings, for recording memories and feelings, and for celebrating the many ways a particular animal was so special.

7. Forever in My Heart (for Adults) (by Mary and Herb Montgomery)
This memory book provides a gentle guide for looking back at a pet's life from the joyful beginning to the sad farewell and to all that lay in between. Space is provided for photos or drawings, for recording memories and feelings, and for celebrating the many ways a particular animal was so special.

8. The Souls of Animals (by Gary Kowalski)
Animals are not inanimate objects devoid of feeling and intellect but thinking, sentient individuals with a spiritual life. This book was voted a “Reader's Favourite” by the Quality Paperback Book Club. A very enlightening read.

9. Goodbye, Friend (by Gary Kowalski)
This book takes you on a journey of healing, offering warmth, guidance, and practical advice on how to deal effectively with death by honoring your animal companion's life. A superb and comforting book for both adults and older children.

Pet Loss Support Books 6 and 7

Pet Loss Support Books 8 and 9

10. Sunflower Mountain (by Kathleen Foster-Morgan)
A wonderful little book which helps us teach children of all ages the reality of loss and the importance of grief as a normal part of life.

11. Coping With Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet (by Moira Anderson M.ED)
Written with compassion and understanding....truly required reading for any pet owner. This “must read” book answers your questions about pet loss bereavement.

12. Death of a Pet (by Guideline Publications)
Questions and Answers for children and animal lovers of all ages. A great little book to help answer some questions our young children ask. (i.e. Why do animals die? Why do I feel guilty? When will I feel happy again?). A wonderful resource, especially for ones experiencing a loss for the first time.

13. Yours, Mine and our Children’s Grief (by Elva Mertick MSW, RSW)
A wonderful explanation of how grieving a loss impacts us. Outlines how pre-school, older children and adolescents grieve and how we can recognize and assist them through the process. A valuable book for everyone, whether suffering the loss of a pet, a parent, a grandparent or any other significant loss.

Pet Loss Support Books 10 and 11

Pet Loss Support Books 12 and 13

14. Teach Me How To Lose (by Tom Easthope)
This book addresses death and non-death issues in a sensitive and thought provoking and sometimes humorous manner. Written from the heart, this book will leave you with a powerful message of hope.

15. Seasons of the Heart (by Tom Easthope)
Just as the seasons come and go, sometimes with gentle predictability and at other times with unprecedented vengeance, so do the dimensions of loss. Because grief respects no individual’s desire or need to feel in control, knowing what to expect can eliminate some anxiety and allow a smoother transition. You are invited to share in Seasons of the Heart.

16. Kids Grieve Too!! A Handbook For Parents (by Tom Easthope)
Our children can suffer many losses throughout their lives, be it a parent, a sibling, a friend or a family pet. This handbook gives parents the tools to help their children through this difficult journey by providing answers to many of the questions their children may ask  when they suffer a loss. A must read for every parent!

Pet Loss Support Books 14, 15 and 16 17. Teach Me How To Lose Audio Tapes (by Tom Easthope ) A wonderful narrated set of 6 audio tapes by Tom Easthope (Grief Therapist) dealing with all aspects of acknowledging and dealing with grief. Tom sensitively deals with topics such as divorce, loss of a child, loss of a job, as well as the loss of a pet. A must for anyone going through a personal loss and dealing with the struggles of grief and sorrow associated with their loss. Available in late 2009 on DVD. How to Lose Audio Tapes 17