Table of Contents
Foreword Victoria M. Nicholls 9
Introduction: What This Book Is About, and Who It Is For 11
Part 1 Preparing for Pet Loss
1 Preparing Your Heart and Mind for Loss 17
2 Talking to Your Vet about Possible End of Life 20
3 Resources Needed When Preparing for the Loss of a Pet 23
4 Creating an Advance Plan for Your Pet's End of Life 30
5 Considering Euthanasia for Pet Behaviour Problems 34
6 Finding the Right Time to Say Goodbye 37
7 Coping with Fears and Emotions 41
Part 2 The Transition
8 Euthanasia 49
9 Natural Pet Death 58
Part 3 Coping after the Death of Your Beloved Pet
10 Taking Care of Your Pet's Remains 63
11 Coping with Loss from Other Types of Separation 71
12 A Bridging Story 75
13 Coping with Grief after Pet Loss 77
14 Guilt in Pet Bereavement 84
15 Anger in Pet Bereavement 88
16 Shocking Mental Images 90
Part 4 Self-Care throughout Pet Loss
17 Taking Care of Yourself during the Grief Process 95
18 When to Seek Professional Help 100
19 Setbacks and Preparing for Poignant Dates and Anniversaries 103
Part 5 Other Aspects of Pet Loss
20 Children and Pet Bereavement 107
21 Caring for Grieving Animals 113
22 Phenomena in Pet Bereavement 121
23 Reflecting on the Qualities of Your Pet 130
24 Opening Your Heart and Home to Another Pet 135
In Closing: Towards Inner Peace and Settlement 144
Epilogue: Supporting Someone Else through Pet Bereavement 152
Resources 154
Acknowledgements 157
About the Author 159