The Loss of a Pet

Not having children, the pain of losing such a loving animal was beyond my expectation of grief. When I researched the list of books on pet loss, I was looking for facts on how to deal with this agony and pain. Dr. Sife's introduction and chapters on this subject matter was a validation that what me and my husband were feeling and going through were normal.

Dr. Sife's case histories throughout the book were very helpful in applying what other people have experienced and what we were going through.

For anyone who has recently lost a pet and is looking for some insight on the feelings they are experiencing, I highly recommend this book. He is very factual. If you are looking for a spiritual or religious aspect, this is not the book. Although Dr. Sife does touch on this subject in a chapter, the basis for the book is the psychological aspects of losing a member of your family.


Extremely helpful at a very emotional and vulnerable time!   July 29, 1998
28 out of 28 found this review helpful

As an RN, MA, I was devastated at the loss of my beloved pet.Dr. Sife's book helped me enormously to understand the grief processas it relates to pet loss. It is written in a compassionate and very knowledgeable way. If you only can buy one book on pet bereavement, this is it. And if you have lost a pet, or know someone who has, this book will help you. I also highly recommend that you visit the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement website, which organization Dr. Sife is President of. Grief over the loss of a pet is a normal response, and Dr. Sife makes this very clear. END


A huge help   October 19, 1999
21 out of 21 found this review helpful

I just lost my dog two weeks ago. He was 16 years old. I'm heartbroken. I started reading this book a few days ago and it immediately began to help me. It's so hard to deal with the loss of a pet because so many people do not understand. This book lets you know that everything you're feeling is normal and Dr. Sife really and truly does understand. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who just lost their pet.


The Loss of a Pet   May 20, 2000
Lillian (New York, USA)
14 out of 14 found this review helpful

This is a must read book for anyone who is agonizing over the decision to put their beloved pets to sleep or anyone who has lost a pet. This book helped me understand the process and the emotions that went along with losing my beloved cat. I highly recommend it to anyone who is a pet lover.


This Book Helped Ease my Pain   October 16, 2000
Sandra M. McNicholas (Chicago, IL United States)
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

I was experiencing such a deeply intense grief after the death of my beloved cat that I searched for a book that would give me support. After reading just the first page, I felt a wave of peace and comfort, realizing that I was not alone in feeling so deeply about the loss of a pet. This is a very practical guide for working through your grief. I highly recommend it for anyone who has just lost an animal companion.