When You Have to Say Goodbye: Loving and Letting Go of Your Pet - by Monica Mansfield

About the Book

"A child's bond with a beloved animal is a powerful one. The loss of a pet due to illness or trauma can be a troubling time in a child's life. "When You Have to Say Goodbye: Loving and Letting Go of Your Pet" gently describes the why's surrounding end-of-life issues with animals and details valuable ways for children to move through this experience in a positive fashion."--

Book Synopsis

A child's bond with a beloved animal is a powerful one. The loss of a pet due to illness or trauma can be a troubling time in a child's life. "When You Have to Say Goodbye: Loving and Letting Go of Your Pet" gently describes the why's surrounding end-of-life issues with animals and details valuable ways for children to move through this experience in a positive fashion. Written by veterinarian Dr. Monica Mansfield, the book's compassionate wording is brought to life by the poignant yet charming artwork of Lennie Peterson. The loving bonds between children, their animals, and family are illustrated throughout.

Review Quotes

"This is a terrific children's book and resource for both parents and kids, to help them navigate through the difficult, yet normal feelings regarding pet loss! Definitely a worthwhile read!"
Dr. Robi Ludwig - Psychotherapist and National TV Commentator.

"Thanks to Monica Mansfield and Lennie Peterson, When You Have to Say Goodbye is a delightful, well written and well illustrated book that fulfills a need and should be in every veterinarian's waiting room."
- Alexander de Lahunta DVM, PhD, Emeritus Professor

"This book belongs in every veterinary practice, library and school system in the country. A child's love for a pet lasts a lifetime. This book is instrumental in helping navigate a very difficult period in a child's life."
- Sue Curtis, Executive Director - Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association

"This is well written and very thoughtful. It is an excellent, well illustrated book that can help a child through the painful process of saying goodbye to a beloved pet. This book should find its way into the hands of all children who experience this painful but sometimes necessary experience of life, creating more sensitive, loving and understanding adults when life hands us other disappointments, loss and grief.

Congratulations to Dr. Mansfield and Lennie Peterson on a wonderful work.

Dr. Jim Humphries, President Veterinary News Network
Founder of the American Society of Veterinary Journalists

"I am glad to know there are books like 'When You Have to Say Goodbye: Loving and Letting Go of Your Pet', that help kids understand the process of grieving for these family members. It's an important book."
- Sarah C., The Daily Pretzel