Use it alongside a child at home, in counselling, in school pastoral support or during a bereavement session when a much-loved pet has died, gone missing or had to be put to sleep. The workbook gives children gentle prompts for talking, drawing and naming feelings after losing a dog, cat or other animal companion.
A child gets space to make sense of pet bereavement in a way that feels personal rather than clinical. It is especially suited to younger children who miss a pet, feel confused about death, or need a printable grief activity book after the loss of a dog, cat or other animal.
The workbook begins by inviting the child to write about themselves, their family and their pet, including the pet’s name and nicknames. Drawing spaces and simple fill-in prompts help children take part even when they do not have many words for what has happened.
Early pages explain, in child-friendly language, why animals do not live as long as people and why pets may die from illness, old age, accident, or sometimes become lost. It also acknowledges difficult decisions made by adults and veterinarians, which may help children who are coping with euthanasia or sudden pet loss.
There is careful attention to saying goodbye, memories, memorials and feeling words. Parents, carers, counsellors, social workers, play therapists and school staff could use the pages slowly across several conversations, letting the child colour, decorate, ask questions and place stickers after completing hard emotional work. Developed and illustrated by Katie Nurmi.
