When a Pet Dies (First Experiences)

After my children watched as our neighbor's dog was struck by a car and killed in the street outside our house, I turned to my old friend, the library, to help me find ways of answering their questions. When a Pet Dies was one of my favorite books from the bunch that search yielded.

This book handles the death of a pet in Fred Rogers' characteristically gentle and straightforward manner. I didn't end up reading this book to my kids because it didn't really address the questions they had after this particular incident, but I'm keeping it in mind for when we need it (a day I know is coming, as much as I don't like thinking about the loss of our two elderly cats. Chances are, I'll need the book as much as they do when the time comes.).

Recommended by Abby T., supplied by Pam W.

1980s photographs aside, the text of this book holds up wonderfully. Mr. Rogers' plain-spoken and compassionate language makes it easy to discuss the topic with kids; he is direct (metaphors can be confusing) but infinitely gentle.

"But even when a pet has had the very best care, there comes a time when it might be too sick or too badly hurt or maybe just too old for you, or anyone, even the vet, to be able to keep it alive."

This book deals with the difficult situation of a pets death. It helps children to work through their emotions and presents grief in a factual, relatable, and easy to understand way. It also helps to place the focus in remembering the good things about your pet, instead of just your grief. Although the idea of a pet dying really depresses me, I thought this book was really good. It used real pictures, and reassured it's readers that feeling sad and confused is normal and absolutely acceptable. Even though I experienced the death of a pet for the first time a couple years ago, I myself would have liked to have this book to read.

Ages: 4 and up
Source: Pierce County library

Really good at describing the emotions involved, very relatable.

This book is helpful when a young child first experiences the loss of a pet, often their first big loss or death experience. True to his nurturing style, Fred Rogers provides accurate information in a meaningful and gentle way that is appropriate for young children.

Ages 3-6
Source: Pierce College Library

This book is written by Mister Rogers who was a children's learning show in the eighties. He explains all of the different emotions a child might go through at this time. It has real pictures of children with their pets and family. It is written for easy readers to understand and relate to. This is a good book for this touchy subject.

As usual, Mr. Rogers makes dealing with the loss of a pet simple to expail to a child. The books stars with the child and the pet having fun and goes on to explain that sometimes pets get sick. Sometimes they can be fixed, but sometimes they cannot. Then the book goes into a comforting aide for children who's pets cannot be fixed.