Grief/Loss Links and Resources
A plethora of resources exist on grief and loss support related to animals but only a small number have a Christian focus. Being listed here does not necessarily imply endorsement, however, I offer this list hoping people might find among them something that is useful in some way.
Websites
Books
“Grieving The Death Of A Pet”
Betty J. Carmack, RN, PhD
Augsburg Fortress Publishers (January 2003)
ISBN-10: 080664348X
ISBN-13: 978-0806643489
Betty Carmack is a recently retired nursing professor, from the University of San Francisco, who started the first pet loss support group in the nation 25 years ago at the SFSPCA. It is still in operation today. An Episcopalian, she has a private counseling practice, facilitates workshops on pet memorials and is involved in the veterinary hospice movement. Her website can be found at bettyjcarmack.com/index.html
“Who Says Animals Go To Heaven? A Collection Of Prominent Christian Leaders' Beliefs In Life After Death For Animals”
Niki Behrikis Shanahan
Publisher: Pete Publishing (June 1, 2008)
ISBN-10: 0972030158
ISBN-13: 978-0972030151
www.eternalanimals.com
“Paw Prints in Heaven?: Christians and Pet Loss”
James L. McClinton PhD
Publisher: iUniverse, Inc. (July 22, 2004)
ISBN-10: 059532228X
ISBN-13: 978-0595322282
“Will I See Fido In Heaven?”
Mary Buddemeyer-Porter
Eden Publications (January 1, 2005)
ISBN-10: 0974627739
ISBN-13: 978-0974627731
www.creatures.com
Helpful books not necessarily from a Christian perspective:
“Angel Whiskers: Reflections on Loving and Losing a Feline Companion”
Laurel E. Hunt
Hyperion (February 14, 2001)
ISBN-10: 0786865784
ISBN-13: 978-0786865789
“Angel Pawprints: Reflections On Loving and Losing a Canine Companion”
Laurel E. Hunt
Hyperion (February 9, 2000)
ISBN-10: 0786865776
ISBN-13: 978-0786865772
“My Cat Saved My Life”
Phillip Schreibman
Dogs Bark Publishing (April 1, 1998)
ISBN-10: 0968327303
ISBN-13: 978-0968327302
Christian books on grieving for children:
“A Time for Everything: For Kids Who Are Missing Someone They Love”
International Bible Society
Helpful books for children, not necessarily from a Christian perspective:
“When a Pet Dies”
Fred Rogers (PBS’ Mr. Rogers, an ordained Presbyterian minister and vegetarian)
All God’s Creatures Go To Heaven
N.A. Noel and A. A. Nolfo
Noel Studio (October 1, 1996)
ISBN-10: 0965253104
ISBN-13: 978-0965253109
“Dog Heaven”
Cynthia Rylant
Blue Sky Press (September 1, 1995)
ISBN-10: 0590417010
ISBN-13: 978-0590417013
Videos
Christian Counseling Center
Pet Loss Recovery Services
Box 210128
Auke Bay, Alaska 99821
(907) 787-7123
Email: counseL@ptialaska.net
Contact: W. Benjamin Young
Besides giving local counseling to children and adults dealing with pet loss, they have produced a videotape. The tape encourages parents to direct their child through a healthy pet loss recovery. There is a Christian portion built into this teaching program.
Cost: $24.95 plus $3.99 postage and handling.
Memorials