A Look Inside the Ebook…
The stories and photos compiled in this book are shared by pet lovers just like you. You will cry, laugh, and most importantly, understand when you read about:
· Little Duck, an abandoned duckling rescued by Kendra Bonnett and her siblings was finally strong enough to return to freedom but returned to visit in the spring with her own flock of ducklings, on page 8 in Chapter 1 – Loving, Losing and Letting Go.
· Abigail who helped her owner, Connie, deal with cancer (page 16). You will laugh with the owners of Muffie, Blackie and Frankie Muffie who defy all odds to get placed in the right homes with the right parents in Chapter 2 – What Pets Can Teach Us.
· Latte, a cat who died after being attacked in her own yard by an unsecured and unleashed neighbor dog. Latte’s owner’s original letter to the editor is reprinted on page 30 in Chapter 3 – Unexpected Loss of a Pet.
· Tyson was 21-years-old and had been with Michele since he was four-weeks-old. Michelle found him in the middle of the street in a mud puddle. He followed her everywhere and finally told her with a look that said, “it is time to say goodbye.” Chapter 4 – When Cure Turns to Comfort Care.
· Neezie was a dog of the heart for Darlene Arden a journalist, author and speaker. She so eloquently shares her story on page 48 Chapter 5 – Having a Beloved Pet Euthanized.
· Jasmine is one of the many pets of Maureen who started a blog for pet owners and lovers. You will also learn about the final gift to you from your pet on page 59 in Chapter 6 – Grief is Natural.
· Samantha, whose best friend Jessica used the energy healing method of EFT and even made a movie about using it to deal with pet loss on page 71 in Chapter 7 – Expressing Our Pain.
· Thumper, Prissy, and Dixie who were all very special animals who shared life with Kathleen. Due to unfortunate circumstances they all crossed the Rainbow Bridge before her. She consoles herself with the knowledge she will see them again. Chapter 8 – Guilt and Regret.
· Nuggett, an Appaloosa horse whose sweet alfalfa breath helped shape the life and career of Sarah. She is getting her master’s degree in social work, specializing in equine facilitated mental health and education services. This story and photo are found on page 86 in Chapter 9 –Pet Loss and Children.
· Djermag, who was also called “Little Terror,” and her Mom, Brenda, went to the Skilled Nursing Facility to interact with the clients there. She was so popular and everyone loved her. I also share about the difficult challenge of animals who outlive their owners in Chapter 10 – Pet Loss and the Elderly
· Riley, who laid on the couch next to severely disabled Elizabeth. After her death, he rarely jumped on the couch again. Elizabeth’s mother Lisa is writing a book about having older or trained dogs for their disabled loved ones, as well as the dangers to unborn babies from cytomegalovirus (CMV) on page 111 in Chapter 11 – Do Animals Grieve When a Companion Dies?
· Chip and Jessie are just two of the many pets who have brought joy to Carol. On the shelves in her living room, amidst the books she has read or should read, sit four wooden plates bearing the names of three dogs and one cat who shared her life and then passed away. You will want to read this story on page 117 in Chapter 12 – Memorials, Tributes and Rituals to Remember.
· A minister writes about her ole boy Camper, the dog with “lots of soul,” and her thoughts on heaven and the souls of animals on page 129 in Chapter 13 –
Do Animals Have Souls?
· Mick, not just any cat, was recalled in a poem by March Bracken, who expresses how sometimes well-intentioned friends say the wrong thing to those who have lost a pet. You will also find a list supplied by Rabbi Mel Glazer on “Unhelpful Responses You Will Hear From Others When Your Pet Dies and What to Do About Them” on page 138, Chapter 14 – Expressing Sympathy to Others.
· Donald Davis, a North Carolina storyteller and teacher said “Stories have the power to heal individuals following a significant loss because they enable us to keep alive, honor, and bless people [or animals] who are no longer with us. The story helps us process and understand our relationship with the person [or animal] whom we have lost.” Chapter 15 – How Sharing Stories Help Us Heal.