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Recommended Reading

A collection of works to help you HEAL your heart

We have selected the books listed here for you. You will find books that cater to all age groups and backgrounds as well as professional and educational works.

Please contact us if you would like assistance in choosing a book.

A Special Place for Charlee: A Child’s Companion Through Pet Loss A Special Place for Charlee: A Child’s Companion Through Pet...

Gr. 3-6, younger for reading aloud. Floppy-eared Charlee (feminine for Charlie) was already part of the family when narrator Mark was born. Boy and pup grew up together and were best friends and playmates. Years later, when Charlee needed to...

 Children, Guide, Pet Loss & Bereavement  Debby Morehead Published On July 1, 1996
Crossing the Rubicon: Celebrating the Human-Animal Bond in Life and Death Crossing the Rubicon: Celebrating the Human-Animal Bond in Life and...

A gentle, helpful guide to surviving losing a loved animal companion. The interviews with experts, vets and shared wisdom from those who've lost a pet and survived to celebrate their beloved animal's life will help you find validation by knowing...

 Adult, Pet Loss & Bereavement, Professionals  Julie A. Kaufman Published On October 10, 1999
Koko’s Kitten Koko’s Kitten

Koko the gorilla uses sign language to talk to her handlers. When she asks for a pet, her handlers search high and low for the perfect companion.

 Children, Family, Illustrated, Pet Loss & Bereavement, Pre-school Published On June 1, 1987
When Your Pet Dies When Your Pet Dies

Affirming a pet owner's struggle with grief when his or her pet dies, this book helps mourners understand why their feelings are so strong and helps them overcome the loss. Included are practical suggestions for mourning and ideas for remembering...

 Adult, Guide, Pet Loss & Bereavement, Self-Help, Young Adult  Alan D Wolfelt PhD Published On April 1, 2004
Cat Heaven Cat Heaven

A joyous celebration of a cat's journey after a happy life on Earth by Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant.
"The way to Cat Heaven is a field of sweet grass, where crickets and butterflies play!" With a gentle, playful rhyme,...

 Cat Lovers, Children, Illustrated, Pet Loss & Bereavement, Pre-school  Cynthia Rylant Published On August 1, 1997
Repairing the Heartbreak of Pet Loss Grief: 3 Phases of Healing after Losing Your Best Friend Repairing the Heartbreak of Pet Loss Grief: 3 Phases of...

When you lose a pet, you lose a family member. It takes a piece of your heart you cannot get back.

A pet is not just a dog or a cat: a pet is your companion, your best friend. They...

 All Ages, Educational, Great Gift, Guide, Pet Loss & Bereavement, Self-Help  C. Jeffrey Published On March 8, 2022
Charlotte’s Web (Trophy Newbery) Charlotte’s Web (Trophy Newbery)

Don’t miss one of America’s top 100 most-loved novels, selected by PBS’s The Great American Read.

This beloved book by E. B. White, author of Stuart Little and The Trumpet of the Swan, is a classic of children's literature that is "just about perfect."...

 Children, Great Gift, Pet Loss & Bereavement, Young Adult  E. B. White Published On April 1, 2012
So Sorry for Your Loss: How I Learned to Live with Grief, and Other Grave Concerns So Sorry for Your Loss: How I Learned to Live...

A searching, heartfelt exploration about what it means to process grief, by a bestselling author and journalist whose experience with two devastating losses inspired her to bring comfort and understanding to others.

Since losing her mother to cancer in...

 Adult, Great Gift, Inspirational, Pet Loss & Bereavement, Young Adult  Dina Gachman Published On April 11, 2023
My Pet Remembrance Journal My Pet Remembrance Journal

This grief workbook & keepsake journal is recommended for anyone who wants make sense of their grief and to create a keepsake of their beloved pet. It was designed to help sort out feelings through writing about your relationship and...

 All Ages, Great Gift, Guide, Journal, Pet Loss & Bereavement, Self-Help  Enid Traisman Published On August 10, 2010
It’s Okay to Cry: Warm Compassionate Stories That Will Help You Find Hope and Healing After the Death of a Beloved Pet It’s Okay to Cry: Warm Compassionate Stories That Will Help...

Its Okay To Cry contains warm, compassionate stories that help people to find hope and healing after the death of a beloved pet. Twenty-four people who have lost pets including dogs, cats, birds and working animals share their stories. Included...

 All Ages, Inspirational, Pet Loss & Bereavement  Maria Luz Quintana Published On April 1, 2000
The Grieving Brain The Grieving Brain

NPR SciFri Book Club Pick

Next Big Idea Club's "Top 21 Psychology Books of 2022"

Behavioral Scientist Notable Books of 2022

A renowned grief expert and neuroscientist shares groundbreaking discoveries about what happens in our brain when we grieve, providing a...

 Adult, Educational, Great Gift, Pet Loss & Bereavement, Professionals, Self-Help  Mary-Frances O'Connor Published On February 1, 2022
The Legacy of Beezer and Boomer: Lessons on Living and Dying from My Canine Brothers The Legacy of Beezer and Boomer: Lessons on Living and...

2010 Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards, 1st Place, "Life Stories"
2010 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, 1st Place, "Memoirs," Finalist, "Pets"
2010 National Indie Excellence Awards, 1st Place, "Animals/Pets"
2010 Nautilus Silver Award, "Grieving/Death & Dying"
...

 Dog Lovers, Great Gift, Pet Loss & Bereavement, Photos  Doug Koktavy Published On June 21, 2010
The Forever Dog The Forever Dog

No one knows exactly what kind of dog Corky is, but if you ask his owner, Mike, the answer is simple: "He's my dog."

Mike and Corky are best friends; they do everything together. In fact they even make a plan. Mike...

 Children, Illustrated, Pet Loss & Bereavement, Pre-school  Bill Cochran Published On April 3, 2007
Pet Loss and Children: Establishing a Healthy Foundation Pet Loss and Children: Establishing a Healthy Foundation

Explaining the concept of death to a child is a very difficult, confusing, and uncomfortable experience for a parent, educator, or therapist, and it is a topic that is often first introduced by the loss of a pet - sometimes...

 Adult, Educational, Pet Loss & Bereavement, Professionals  Cheri Barton Ross Published On February 27, 2005
When You Have to Say Goodbye: Loving and Letting Go of Your Pet When You Have to Say Goodbye: Loving and Letting Go...

A child’s bond with a beloved animal is a powerful one. The loss of a pet due to illness or trauma can be a troubling time in a child’s life. “When You Have to Say Goodbye: Loving and Letting Go...

 Children, Family, Illustrated, Pet Loss & Bereavement  Monica Mansfield Published On October 4, 2011
Paw Prints in Heaven?: Christians and Pet Loss Paw Prints in Heaven?: Christians and Pet Loss

Finally, Biblical insight for Christian pet owners struggling to cope with the loss of a beloved pet or explain it to a child. Paw Prints In Heaven? is a systematic study of The Bible that explains God's plan for animals...

 All Ages, Pet Loss & Bereavement, Religious  James McClinton Published On July 22, 2004
Going Home: Finding Peace When Pets Die Going Home: Finding Peace When Pets Die

In this invaluable guide and touchstone, New York Times bestselling author Jon Katz addresses the difficult but necessary topic of saying goodbye to a beloved pet. Drawing on personal experiences, stories from fellow pet owners, and philosophical reflections, Katz provides support for...

 All Ages, Guide, Pet Loss & Bereavement  Jon Katz Published On August 21, 2012
The Rainbow Bridge: Pet Loss Is Heaven’s Gain The Rainbow Bridge: Pet Loss Is Heaven’s Gain

Your pet has gone to Heaven, and is waiting to be reunited with you someday. As you read this book you will learn about: People who have seen their pets in Heaven through near-death, out-of-body, and deathbed experiences. You can...

 All Ages, Inspirational, Pet Loss & Bereavement, Religious  Niki Behrikis Shanahan Published On May 21, 2007
I’ll Always Love You I’ll Always Love You

A gentle and moving story about losing a friend, and the importance of always expressing your love.

Elfie the dachshund is the best dog anyone could every ask for. Every day, she and her owner explore and play together. And...

 Children, Family, Illustrated, Pet Loss & Bereavement, Pre-school  Hans Wilhelm Published On December 12, 1988
Remember Me As Sunshine, Love Notes From My Dog Remember Me As Sunshine, Love Notes From My Dog

Remember Me As Sunshine, Love Notes From My Dog, was created to honor and memorialize a beloved dog. A collection of dog poems I’ve written channeling our Vizsla, Boris, are matched to the unique personality of every treasured dog photographed....

 Dog Lovers, Great Gift, Inspirational, Journal, Pet Loss & Bereavement, Photos, Poetry

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Exclusive Members-Only Webinar:

A conversation on the human face of shelter and rescue work with Dillon Dodson

Join us for this exciting event
We are delighted to invite you to an exclusive members-only webinar featuring Dillon Dodson, veterinary social worker, Director of Social Work at the Toronto Humane Society, and Vice President of our partner organization, the International Association of Veterinary Social Work. This special event is designed to shine a light on the human side of animal welfare work in rescues and shelters.

Event Details
Date: Thursday, October 30th, 2025
Time: 7:00-8:00 PM, ET
Platform:  Zoom (registration required)

Celebrate Rainbow Bridge
Remembrance Day

Join the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement today and create a special online memorial for your pet. Enjoy 20% off a Silver or Platinum membership— offer ends September 7.

Discount is automatically applied at checkout

Rainbow Bridge
Memorial Celebration

In honor of Rainbow Bridge Memorial Day (August 28), we are offering a 20% discount on Silver and Platinum memberships throughout the entire month of August.

By joining us, you will have the unique opportunity to create a lasting online memorial for your pet, complete with photos and stories you can cherish.

This year the Association of Pet Loss & Bereavement (APLB) is participating in Giving Tuesday, December 3rd. Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement, unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. 

Please give generously. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those grieving the loss of their cherished pets.

This year the Association of Pet Loss & Bereavement (APLB) is participating in Giving Tuesday, on December 3rd. Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement, unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. 

Please give generously. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those grieving the loss of their cherished pets.