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Children and Pet Loss: A Guide for Helping is a practical tool for physicians, veterinarians, teachers, counselors, parents, grandparents and others who are in a position to help children cope with the loss of a pet. It is intended to help readers understand children's attachment to their pets and the significance of their loss, to understand the child's concept of death, to recognize how children grieve, to encourage the child's successful grieving, to know when and whether to suggest getting another pet, to recognize loss as a valuable lesson about life, and to know which books are recommended for grieving children.

Children and Pet Loss: A Guide for Helping by Marty Tousley, RN was nominated "for Excellence in the Category of Short Book" by the Dog Writers Association of America on February 9, 1997.
What others are saying about Children and Pet Loss: A Guide for Helping:

If a veterinary clinic were to only purchase one book to help parents understand how the loss of a pet may affect their children, I would recommend this one! It is written in booklet form and is only 20 pages in total (including the cover). The information included in this booklet, however, is extremely concise and easy to read and understand. This guide will help readers to understand a child's views on attachment, concept of death (at various ages) and gives suggestions about the different ways children may express grief. Suggestions are also offered to encourage a child's successful grieving. The booklet includes a listing of book titles for reading to and by children. Children and Pet Loss: A Guide for Helping is a truly important tool in helping children deal with the loss of a pet.
-- Terry L. Hickey, President, Halton/Peel Pet Loss Support Group, Ontario, Canada.


Although my veterinary schooling provided very little education and training on the techniques of dealing with pet loss, my 15 years in veterinary practice and my eight years of involvement with a pet grief support group have given me a very clear understanding of the strength of the bond between humans and their companion animals. Helping clients with children who've lost a pet is an especially challenging task. In a concise and readable manner, this unique booklet encourages and enables the open discussion of a very difficult subject. Children and Pet Loss: A Guide for Helpingis an outstanding reference for veterinarians to provide to their clients. 
-- Jim Flegenheimer, D.V.M., University Veterinary Hospital, Tempe, Arizona

Children's attachment to their pets can be closer than we realize. Children who've lost a pet need to grieve. Behavior in school as well as the ability to focus on schoolwork can be affected by the pain of a child's loss. Teachers are in a unique position to help children understand and talk about the separation, anger and pain they may be feeling when a special pet dies. This informative, well written booklet provides teachers with the tools to do just that. 
-- Norene M. Taylor, Fourth Grade Elementary School Teacher, Saint Paul's Catholic School, Leesburg, Florida


The loss of a pet is often a child's first experience with death, and a parent's first opportunity to explain it. Frequently parents are unsure of how to most effectively talk to their children about this sensitive subject. Clearly and simply written, Children and Pet Loss: A Guide for Helping is the perfect ‘how-to' for adults helping children cope with the death of a pet. It guides the reader through all aspects of pet loss, including its specific impact on children of different ages.
-- Kathleen O'Brien Kobberger, RN, MS, CS, Psychotherapist, Short Hills, New Jersey

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