The Loss of a Pet (Paperback)

~ (Author) "The human-pet bond is one that dates back to prehistoric times..." (more)
Key Phrases: beloved companion animals, pet bereavement counselors, intense bereavement, Case History, Courtesy of Hartsdale Canine Cemetery, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

If you snicker at the notion of a book devoted to pet bereavement, consider that that very lack of sympathy may have brought the book into being. Sife, a Brooklyn, N.Y.-based psychotherapist and the founder of the Association for Pet Bereavement, addresses the pet owner whose grief at a pet's death is largely misunderstood or even ridiculed by friends, associates and society in general. Although his topic easily lends itself to touchy-feely disquisitions, Sife is to be commended for offering information that is not only compassionate but concise, wide-ranging and, above all, practical. For example, he defines stages of grieving, interpolating case studies to demonstrate those instances where expressions of mourning mask deeper problems. He composes dignified rejoinders to those who launch a "perceived assault" on the reader's grief; explains why the rupture of a human-animal bond can be so devastating; offers specific techniques for dealing with anger; explores the special needs of children whose pets die; presents various factors involved in considering euthanasia, including such particulars as whether or not it is beneficial to remain with the pet until its final breath; and polls leaders of various religions. A superb contribution to a growing field.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Description

Understanding helps heal the hurt when you lose a pet

A cherished pet gives you boundless, unconditional love and occupies a special place in your routine, your home, and your heart. When your pet dies, that warm, special place becomes a sad, empty space. This book helps you understand:
* The grieving process, including typical stages of grief and techniques for coping
* Grieving for a missing pet, one you had to give up because of a change in life situation, and other difficult circumstances
* Children and the death of a pet
* Euthanasia, including important considerations
* Religion and the death of a pet, with articles by various religious leaders
* Aftercare facilities, including an extensive index of pet cemeteries, crematories, and memorial gardens


The Loss of a Pet, Third Edition has new expanded information, is filled with practical suggestions, resources, and most importantly, compassion and understanding. This important book helps you cope and reassures you that you are not alone.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Howell Book House; 3 edition (November 7, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764579304
• ISBN-13: 978-0764579301
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (49 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #104,528 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #16 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Death & Grief > Pet Loss
  #69 in	Books > Home & Garden > Animal Care & Pets > Essays

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Getting Help with the Grief, October 8, 2001

By	"pattiel" (Hatboro, PA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Loss of a Pet : New Revised and Expanded Edition (Paperback)

Three weeks ago, we lost our 8-year old Boxer, Taylor, to Lymphosarcoma. We took her to the very best Oncologists(several of them), spent thousands of dollars in trying to keep her with us for as long as possible, but in the end we knew it was time for us to let go.

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.

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Extremely helpful at a very emotional and vulnerable time!, July 28, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Loss of a Pet : New Revised and Expanded Edition (Paperback)

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

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A huge help, October 19, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Loss of a Pet : New Revised and Expanded Edition (Paperback)

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.