Book
The Grief Recovery Handbook for Pet Loss
Grieving the Loss of a Beloved Animal Companion
By Russell Friedman, Cole James, and John W. James
About This Book
People who have never emotionally bonded with a pet often have trouble understanding the degree of pain such a loss can inflict. This is one of the most common examples of disenfranchised grief — grief that others fail to recognize as emotionally significant. The most common suggestion offered is to ‘just get a new pet,’ but when a pet owner hasn’t taken recovery action for their previous loss, the next relationship is often far less fulfilling. Cole James joined John W. James and Russell Friedman in authoring this book, bringing another perspective to the table — including his own experience of losing his first dog without closure. As with the other books, this isn’t just a book to read. It offers a solid action plan for saying goodbye to what was unfinished in the relationship with your animal companion.
Who This Book Is For
Anyone grieving the loss of a pet — dogs, cats, horses, birds, or any animal companion. Also essential for specialists running Pet Loss programs.
What You’ll Learn
- Why pet loss grief is real, valid, and often dismissed by society
- The unique bond between humans and their animal companions
- Why ‘just get a new pet’ is harmful advice
- The same proven action steps adapted for pet loss
- A practical plan for saying goodbye to what was left unfinished
- How unresolved pet loss affects future relationships with animals
