Losing My Best Friend

Book excerpt: "Remember me with tears and laughter. Remember me though it hurts to do so, because the pain you have is equal to the love we shared. There is no goodbye if you carry me in your heart. Remember all the joy we shared, because there was so much of it for both of us." Herbie Longfellow Alderdice Are you a dog owner who is in the process of losing your best friend to illness? Or have you lost your beloved friend and you are struggling to get over them? Pet bereavement is tough. Not everyone sympathises with you. Jeannie Wycherley chose to write this book after the loss of her beloved boy, Herbie, because she was hurt by the repetition of the phrase, "he was just a dog." She realised that her grief transcended that tired notion - one tritely rolled out by people who think they're being helpful and supportive, failing to realise the guilt and shame many pet owners already experience when they are locked deep in mourning. 'Losing my Best Friend: thoughtful support for those affected by dog bereavement or pet loss' offers practical advice about what to do when your dog passes away, including tips on helping your children or other pets cope with the loss, designing your own ceremony to celebrate your dog's life, and creating memorials. In these pages Jeannie Wycherley has created a loving tribute to Herbie, and delivers support with a light and loving touch that validates what you're going through.