Looking for Books to Help Daughter with Loss of Cats

"When a Pet Dies" by Fred Rogers (of Mr Rogers neighborhood ) I thought was awesome. you can probably get it at library and pay zero. amazon.com has a copy for just $6 though..so I imagine local bookstore might have in stock.

Yes! "The Tenth Good Thing About Barney", by Judith Viorst. My mom got it for me when I was about your daughter's age for the same reason and I still remember it as a wonderful book almost 30 years later.

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Tenth-Good-Thing-Abo...

I'm sorry for your sake too to hear about your cats. I understand how much they become a part of your family. This book may help you as well.

The local library has many books discussing deaths and if they do nothave it in the building they can order it from inner-library loan and have it in a few days. Ask at the desk where and what you are looking for and they will help you. It is amazing how small children already know and understand death and they are looking to you for the guidence on how to handle situations-so be brave and take them thru the process-we are with you and so are your kids! I know this from years ago when mine were 2 and 4-they were very strong and I am sure I leaned more on them rather than them on me. People and pets alike are missed when they are gone and the kids know this. Go in Peace and ask at the library to start.

I can't remember the exact name, but the book is entitled "Freddie the Leaf" or "Fall of Freddie the Leaf" or something very similar to that. It's wonderful for times such as this.

There's a great book called The Tenth good thing about Barney. My parents gave it to me when my cat died. Its very sweet and sad. I think it helps.

Hi A.,
We had a rough 6 months last year, our neighbor passed away. A couple of months went by and our beloved dog passed away. A month went by and in a terrible tragedy a little friend from playgroup passed away. My daughter was just 4 and close to all of them. I was at my wits end with knowing what to tell her or how to help her with her emotions (mine were upset too). So, I had access to my employers EAP. I called them, told them what was going on and asked for advice. They had a great idea!

Call the local library. Ask for the Children's Librarian. Then tell her what is going on and ask if she can suggest some books and get them together for you. Then go borrow them for a week or so.

The EAP person said that children learn more through story telling, so reading about it helps a lot. And not to be surprised if they don't act like you think they will. The questions will come out at variying times.

I have to say that it really seemed to help. She also put these things together: Neighbor is in heaven. When our dog died, she said, well, now Jerry won't be so lonely and he can take care of Zeus. When our little boy friend died, she ended up saying, Zeus will be happy to have a little friend again too. It breaks your heart, but it is faith.

Good luck, I hope reading lots of books helps with you, but it was sure great advice for us.

My favorite book for this subject is called "The Next Place" by Warren Hansen. Granted, it is not specifically about pets passing, but about passing on in general. It is such a peaceful and comforting book!

Your vet might have some suggestions, or the public library. Another source might be one of the hospice grief counselors. I know that they deal primarily with the death of a human companion, but seem to help with any death issuses.

Look for "The 10th Good Thing About Barney" at the library.

Hi A.,

We have only had one cat, but the first time a dog passed away after I had kids I found a great little book called "Dog Heaven." I've seen that they do have one for "Cat Heaven" too. Granted you aren't quite there yet but you can have it on hand.
Also Google "Rainbow Bridge Poem" it is a wonderful poem that tells the story about how when our pets pass away they wait for us on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. But the best part is it talks about how healthy and happy they are there so hopefully she won't dwell on them being old and ill.

Good Luck.

Lori K

Get the children's book Cat Heaven by Cynthia Rylant. We checked it out at the library when we had to put our first cat, that was 16, to sleep. Our other cat, who was also 16, was just put to sleep 2 weeks ago, so I ordered the book from Barnes and Noble so we could just have it always. It will make you cry, but feel better at the same time.

Call your local library if you have a card they can mail the books to you at no cost.