The title is so misleading. I just put my cat down due to sudden illness, and parts of this book made me feel much worse. I agree with others that the part about his pet bull was absolutely heart-breaking and did NOT belong in a book for others dealing with loss and grief for their beloved pets. ( )

Didn't finish - too soon after losing Ethan, will read it later.

Written by Jon Katz, the author of the Bedlam Farm stories--this book deals with the loss of a pet, through his personal experiences of loss. What I particularly liked was his discussion of not just the loss but planning for the loss--so that when the time comes, which it will, there will be a plan. This could almost be an advanced planning or end of life planning for our pets. The stories are sweet and sad, and the advice well thought out. 4 1/2 out 5 stars. ( )

Having just lost a pet a couple of weeks ago, I have anxiously awaited the arrival of this book. I found it well worth the wait. One of his Katz's contentions is that people need to think about and prepare themselves for their pet's death before the time comes so they will know how they prefer to respond to serious illnesses, etc. rather than being forced to make hurried decisions in the vet's office. He also discusses how to know when it's time to euthanize and why owners should not feel guilty about making the decision. He emphasizes that we must be advocates for our pets; that pets think differently about death than humans; and that the death of a pet does not equal that of a human. But, he also talks a lot about how to deal with the grief that comes from the death of a pet and that it must not be ignored. It's definitely a tear-jerker of book, but it also has some humorous moments, too. And, it's not that long so it would not be intimidating to those who don't regularly read books. Highly recommended! ( )

This may be the most poignant book yet by Jon Katz.

Katz has the ability to separate his needs and feelings about animals from the needs and feelings of others. He explains his views and simultaneously recognizes and respects the differing views of others. ( )