From Library Journal
While some people recover relatively quickly from the death of a pet, many suffer intensely and often need assistance in coping. A drama therapist and hypnotherapist, Antinori's aim is to help those who go through a variety of possible phases and validate their feelings. After trying to explain why the loss hurts so much, she deals with the power of memories, tributes, euthanasia, burial, cremation, and phases of the grieving process. Her relatively thorough exploration of this topic includes discussion of the meaning of relationships with pets. The pet as an extended parent to the owner will likely seem extreme to many. Her voice, which is clear and lovely, occasionally seems condescending and tinged with forced empathy. Her tendency to talk so much about her own experiences makes the tapes seem based far more in catharsis for herself than she admits. A major flaw comes in the telling of her acquisition of Yoko from a pet store. When her veterinarian tells her that the animal is an unhealthy, defective puppy, she ignores his advice. Glorying in her purchase of this sick pet tends to make her seem less than credible. A small, helpful, but not all-inclusive booklet of various services and counseling resources is included. Only libraries that lack material in this area should consider.ACarolyn Alexander, Brigadoon Lib., Salinas, CA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From AudioFile
An actress turned therapist chronicles her feelings about the loss of her beloved dog, Yoko. Antinori expresses the grief process through original poetry and shares important resources. She also encourages listeners to take their own paths in experiencing grief. Antinori reads with sensitivity and compassion, clearly indicating she is close to the subject matter. Sounding wistful, she describes all the happy years with Yoko. Her sentimentality may be too palpable for some listeners, but those in similar circumstances will probably relate to her emotions. A.G.H. (c) AudioFile, Portland, Maine
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