The death of a beloved dog can be one of the most painful times we face. When we feel deep love for our furry companions the loss of them is often as agonizing as the loss of a human loved one.

During times of this particular grief, a source of comfort can be found in books on the subject. If you are experiencing the loss of your four-legged family member, the following books can help guide and support you as you make your way through the intense sorrow.

The Staggering Loss of Your Dog: Some Ways to Get Through by Sarah Whitten-Grigsby

At the top of the list of pet loss books is this compassionate guide to navigating the loss of a treasured dog. Reverend Sarah, an Interfaith minister with a specialty in Animal Ministry, begins by telling of her own experiences with loss. Her journey may parallel your own in many ways and reassure you that you are not alone. Sarah deeply understands the agonizing journey as you watch your dog decline and come to a place where the dog’s suffering has visibly begun and in many cases we must make the decision for euthanasia.

Sarah is founder and president of ONE MORE DAY Foundation, placing homeless hospice dogs in loving, forever homes and providing support with their medical expenses. Her volunteers, called Fospice Guardians, are amazing angels who continue to appear when ONE MORE DAY posts a hospice dog in need. The small-but-reputable non-profit rescue is located in Sarasota County, Florida, where Sarah lives with her husband and currently two fospice dogs and a fospice cat.

The Staggering Loss of Your Dog offers guideposts and practical advice as well as the emotional reassurance that there are millions of us who share the reader’s experience with this particularly poignant loss. Whatever you are feeling, even if it seems extreme, is usual with the loss of your canine companion. (And the same with the loss of a cat that you love, or any other non-human beloved.)

Sarah was devastated by the loss of her first dog and wants to reassure you that many of us have walked the same path. Comfort and practical steps are given in the book with the primary message one of loving solidarity.

With a different approach from most, The Staggering Loss of Your Dog makes an excellent gift and stands out as one of the best pet loss books available.

The Loss of a Pet by Wallace Sife

Wallace Sife focuses on dealing with our emotions during the loss of a pet.

Goodbye, Friend: Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who Has Ever Lost a Pet by Gary Kowalski

Gary Kowalski offers comforting layers of advice for the mourning pet owner with many rituals, poems and words of encouragement.

When Your Pet Dies: A Guide to Mourning, Remembering and Healing by Alan D. Wolfet

This compassionate guide validates the feelings of deep grief pet owners feel when facing pet loss. Strategies are suggested for coping with grief, memorializing the pet and finding a healing path forward.

Pawprints in the Stars: A Farewell and Journal for a Beloved Pet by Warren Hanson

Hanson’s book is filled with poetry and blank spaces for you to write your feelings and stories. This is an excellent method for pet owners to reminisce and come to treasure the memories.

For Every Dog an Angel by Christine Davis

Honoring dogs, this book features beautiful illustrations and a heartwarming narrative.

Losing My Best Friend: Thoughtful Support for Those Affected by Dog Bereavement or Pet Loss by Jeannie Wycherley

Featuring a comforting tone, this book gives solid advice for the pet-bereaved.

Rescuing Sprite: A Dog Lover’s Story of Joy and Anguish by Mark R. Levin

This autobiographical story seamlessly documents the elation of pet ownership and the inevitable suffering that comes with the dog’s decline and death. Levin gives us the crucial means to finding solace in the wake of the loss of his dog.

Heart Dog: Surviving the Loss of Your Canine Soul Mate by Roxanne Hawn

Hawn concentrates on her love for a particular companion animal and her subsequent loss. This helpful book provides solace for the broken-hearted.

I Will See You In Heaven by Jack Wintz

Written philosophically but warmly, this book shares biblical verse and true events to assure us that our dogs will await us in Heaven.