Coping with the death of a canine family member is one of life’s most difficult experiences. Fortunately, in recent years, more attention has been given to the important topic of pet loss and several good books are available.

Last year was a sad one for our family. Three of our beloved dogs passed away. Teddy, our gentle Shepherd cross, died in his sleep. He had lived with degenerative myelopathy for several years.

At Fifteen-and-a-half years of age, Amorak, our beautiful and trusting Siberian Husky, ran out of steam. This normally energetic and agile dog could no longer stand and much of her love for life seemed to be gone. Since she was in some discomfort, and her condition would only get worse, we decided, after consulting with her veterinarian, that humanely ending her life was the right choice.

Approximately a month after Amorak was euthanized, I found Nanaimo, our Husky cross and faithful companion for close to 14 years, suffering a seizure in the fenced-in yard. We rushed Nanaimo for veterinary attention. Nanaimo suffered several more seizures and, despite a courageous battle, passed away a few days later in the veterinary hospital.

In the course of eight months we had lost three dogs who had been cherished members of our family for many years. With these losses we experienced a variety of emotions as we traveled through the grieving process. I felt that learning more about coping with the death of a pet would help me and my family deal more effectively with the painful, and inevitable, deaths of our companion animals.

Reading several books on pet loss and related topics was very beneficial. I learned many things about pet loss - including the fact that I am still grieving for Teddy, Amorak and Nanaimo.

The wonderful, loving relationships we experience with our companion animals make us better human beings. While it is a sad occasion when an animal family member dies, it is a tribute to that animal to commemorate her passing with a positive memorial. Some people make a donation to an animal shelter or humane society in memory of their pet. Others plant a tree in remembrance of their animal companion or, when they are ready, provide a loving home to a companion animal in need. For each of our dogs who have died we planted a maple tree in the yard. These trees are living memorials to our cherished and much loved family members who will live forever in our hearts.  When the memories are no longer painful, we will help to remember our beloved animal companions by framing photographs of them and displaying them in prominent locations in our home and by making photo albums containing photographs of them. We will continue to help animals in need. We recently adopted another dog in need of a good home. We named him Tenaak after TEddy, NAnaimo and amorAK.

Goodbye, Friend: Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who Has Ever Lost a Pet
The Loss of a Pet
Pet Loss: A Spiritual Guide
Coping with Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet
When Your Pet Dies: Dealing With Your Grief and Helping Your Children Cope
Pet Loss: A Thoughtful Guide for Adults and Children
Separate Lifetimes
The Final Farewell: Preparing for and Mourning the Loss of Your Pet
Good-bye My Friend: Grieving the Loss of a Pet
Final Act of Caring: Ending the Life of an Animal Friend
Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates

For Every Dog An Angel
My Pet Died
A Dog Like Jack
Dog Heaven
Cat Heaven
The Legend of Rainbow Bridge
A Special Place for Charlee: A Child’s Companion Through Pet Loss
Sunflower Mountain
Barn Kitty
The Fall of Freddie the Leaf: A Story of Life for All Ages
The Dead Bird