Pet loss has grown as an area of concern, with greater awareness of this kind of grief. Pet ownership itself is at an all-time high; half of all UK households own a pet, and 63 percent of all U.S. households, equating to more than 69 million US households. Company and affection are the number one benefits from pets, and three-quarters of dog owners consider their pet as a child or family member. Small wonder that losing a companion animal can be devastating. It can upset a young family, present children with their first experience of death, and may also be an unwelcome rite of passage for teenagers. For older people, it can mean the complete disruption of their daily lives - at least 40 per cent rely on a pet for daily exercise. For some, pet loss evokes unresolved mourning issues from earlier losses and can have serious emotional implications. Subjects in this sympathetic and comprehensive book include: stages of grieving; when mourning mask deeper problems; dealing with those who don't understand; helping children cope; considering euthanasia; missing: when pet loss isn't death related; special loss: losing a service dog; remembering a pet; and when to get another pet.

Author Biography

Robin Grey is a counsellor and psychotherapist who works with people who have experienced loss. He is co-author of Men and Depression (Thorsons, 2002.)