Cherished: 21 Writers on Animals They Have Loved and Lost [Paperback]

Barbara Abercrombie (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2011

Because “grieving for an animal can be a pretty lonely place,” Barbara Abercrombie created this joyful, poignant, funny, and smart collection of commiseration. Readers meet the cat who entered a neighbor’s window and got in bed with strangers, the dog who demanded down pillows, and even a coyote who became part of the family. The essays highlight the sometimes surprising things animals add to a household — and how their loss reverberates. Because these are such fine writers, each essay also reveals larger truths about life. Whether the reader is grieving a loss, cherishing a current companion, or simply relishing a tale well told, the message is clear: it is better to have loved and lost...

* All royalties will be donated to Best Friends Animal Society
* Includes stories by Anne Lamott, Jane Smiley, Jacqueline Winspear, Carolyn See, Mark Doty, and many others

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Pet owners everywhere will thank Barbara Abercrombie for pulling together this moving collection. The writing in these pages not only provides comfort but offers a master class in storytelling as well.”
— Jennie Nash, author of The Threadbare Heart

“Death is not always pretty, and the words that comfort aren’t always those that speak of rainbow bridges or angel choirs. Cherished goes to the gut, earthy and honest, offering no easy answers but an assurance that if loving and losing a pet leaves you feeling simultaneously crazy, bewildered, and weirdly blessed, you are not alone.”
— Rev. Gary Kowalski, author of Goodbye, Friend

“Animals warm and boost our spirits, and fill some of the dark and disconnected cracks in life. It’s wonderful to read the reflections of creative people sharing this experience, as these writers have done so beautifully and poignantly in Cherished.”
— Jon Katz, author of Rose in a Storm and The Dogs of Bedlam Farm

“These stories, more than anything, are about life, about tolerance and compromise. They are full of humor and tenderness for our beasty friends and us, their human cohorts.”
— Linda Hunt, actress

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: New World Library; 1 edition (April 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1577319575
• ISBN-13: 978-1577319573
• Product Dimensions: 5 x 0.7 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #431,310 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #74 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Pets & Animal Care > Pet Loss

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars If you have ever lost a pet... February 10, 2011

By Xina143 VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback|Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)

then you can relate to one of the stories in this book. If animals aren't your thing, if you've never had a pet, if you have never lost a pet than this book probably isn't for you, unless you enjoy reading about the pain of others. Now, I am not trying to be rude here, but this isn't a fun book. This isn't the type of book you sit down and read on a cold winter night with a cup of cocoa and a warm blanket.

We lost our little Dachshund, Missy, about a year ago. She as the first dog that I ever saw through the final stages of life, and it was hard. It was hard to see her in pain, hard to come to terms with the fact that pretty soon we had to make a decision for her sake, and hard to realize that there was a time when we were hanging on for us, but in the process we might have been hurting her. The writers that shared their stories in this book, all got that. They understand the pain one feels when you lose a beloved family pet and they were kind enough to share their stories with us.

I especially liked a story called, "Seamus and Spud." As I read the story I recalled moments with my little dog, and then something the author said in the story really stuck with me. I won't spoil it, because if you read it I think you will get it.

There are cat lovers, dog lovers, and a few stories about horses in this collection of stories. Each story touched my heart in some way, and reminded me that it was ok to occasionally still get sad about our little dog.

And in a book like this, that is what I want, to be touched, to know that the authors have a personal stake in what they are writing. If you have lost a pet, I can't say this book will heal you, but it will remind you that you aren't alone in your grief.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Expect the tears, it never gets easy...and it shouldn't. February 20, 2011

By atmj TOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback|Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)

I was fully prepared for a book that was to be bittersweet, so the tears on each chapter were not a surprise. What was a surprise was at the beginning there were a number of chapters where the author felt there was neglect. At first I was appalled. I didn't want to read about people that mistreated their pets! But, then I chided myself on that reaction, as hindsight is 20:20. Don't we all second guess our choices when there is no back-up plan? Once a pet has died, we all say, "Should have" more than once, despite the fact you have been assured you have made the best choices.

Being owned by cats most of my life and having been lent to dogs on occasion, I had no idea how powerful the bond is with horses. I can see where the bond would be powerful. However I do dispute that it is any more so, than for a cat or dog that has been a person's constant companion. I was also sad to think how difficult "disposing of a body" would be, when an animal is that large.

I was glad that one author talked about making the decision to euthanize a pet and then they immediately observed that the pet seemed to be acting better and started to rethink their decision. Each time I have opted to have a pet euthanized it was a decision I second guessed many times over right up to the end and after.
None of us really want that responsibility. Once I opted to wait to be sure it was the right decision and my 22 year old cat passed away under my bed. I fear it was slow and painful and blame my squeamishness for her discomfort. She died naturally and I can tell you, it is the worse decision I ever made.

This is a sad book no doubt and I can't say it has any answers, but it does offer a certain perspective, that we are one with all the others who have lost a furry friend. In a nutshell it never gets easier. However I have to say, the companionship of a wonderful companion, is so much worth the hole they leave in your heart when they leave. I would never trade away the years of love to avoid the pain.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Deeply touching stories February 14, 2011

By Reader

Format:Paperback|Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)

One does not have to be a pet owner to read this book. It is a selection of 21 stories written by authors who celebrate lives of their beloved pets. Each story is so beautiful and sincere that it is impossible to say which one is the best. Many are filled with humor and wit. Authors talk about their pets: cats, dogs, horses and even a pig that effected their lives and lives of people around them during beloved pets' lives and long after they are gone.

Some of the authors are less than perfect pet parents. Nevertheless, that does not mean they do not foster sincere and deep affection for them. Each pet story describes an animal with unique set of qualities that makes them so special it is understandable why they are so loved and missed once they are gone.

These stories are so beutifully written with raw human emotion that cannot leave reader indifferent. They are fit for any generation and can be read by both adults and children. I only wish there are more books like this on the market. Wonderful collection!