It can be difficult knowing where to start when it comes to helping your child through the loss of your family pet, and quite often parents can be juggling the emotions of their own grief while trying to support their children the best way they can.

Picture books can be a a great help with these conversations. They can assist children to understand what is happening in language appropriate for their age, and reading them together provides the opportunity for the family to connect and support each other through these difficult times.

The only issue with picture books is that it’s not always easy to get hold of them when you need them, and sometimes we don’t have much notice before we have to say goodbye.

Something you might not have considered are downloadable picture books which can be used with a tablet, pc or e-book reading device.

Here are 5 beautiful books that are available for immediate download right now:

1. I’ll Always Love You

I'll Always Love You by [Wilhelm, Hans] — In this gentle, moving story, Elfie, a dachshund, and her special boy progress happily through life together. One morning Elfie does not wake up. The family grieves and buries her. The watercolor illustrations, tender and warm in color and mood, suit the simple text perfectly.

2. Dog Heaven

Dog Heaven by [Rylant, Cynthia] — In Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant’s classic bestseller, the author comforts readers young and old who have lost a dog. Recommended highly by pet lovers around the world, Dog Heaven not only comforts but also brings a tear to anyone who is devoted to a pet. From expansive fields where dogs can run and run to delicious biscuits no dog can resist, Rylant paints a warm and affectionate picture of the ideal place God would, of course, create for man’s best friend. The first picture book illustrated by the author, Dog Heaven is enhanced by Rylant’s bright, bold paintings that perfectly capture an afterlife sure to bring solace to anyone who is grieving.

3. Cat Heaven

Cat Heaven by [Rylant, Cynthia] — “The way to Cat Heaven is a field of sweet grass, where crickets and butterflies play!”

With a gentle, playful rhyme, Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant explores all the ways our beloved cats enjoy Cat Heaven, as she did for dogs in the bestselling companion book, DOG HEAVEN. Her shining artwork illustrates a world of peace for cats in Heaven, where no tree is too tall for exploring, where there is no lack of angels’ laps for sleeping.

If your child wonders where his or her kitty goes after a happy life on Earth, they can rest assured that all cats “know where the angel cats fly. They’ll run past the stars and the moon and the sun . . . to curl up with God in the sky.”

4. Sassie’s New Home

Sassie's New Home by [Albright, Erin] — A whimsical, moving story for children who have lost a beloved pet.
A pet’s death can be difficult to handle, especially for kids. Inspired by the questions the children in her life asked when her own dog died, author Erin Albright crafted a heartfelt story about what happens when our best friends go on to Heaven.
This comforting tale is perfect for families dealing with a pet’s death, and veterinarians, therapists and school counselors will find it helpful to have on hand to help console young children who lose a pet.

5. The Forever Dog

The Forever Dog by [Cochran, Bill] — No one knows exactly what kind of dog Corky is, but if you ask his owner, Mike,
the answer is simple: “He’s my dog.”
Mike and Corky are best friends; they do everything together. In fact they even make a plan. Mike tells Corky that they will always do everything together—forever.
It is their Forever Plan.
And it works well. From one year to the next Corky is right there with Mike.
Until one day, when Mike comes home from school and Corky isn’t there . . .
The story of how Mike comes to accept Corky’s death forms a simple, poignant portrait of a special friendship that both celebrates the joys of owning a pet and becomes a heartfelt guide for anyone who is coping with the loss of a loved one.

The above books are all available for purchase and download onto the Kindle app at amazon.com.au. The images and descriptions have all been taken from the site.

*This post is in no way endorsed or associated with Amazon.com or it’s affiliates.

Sunset Vets Palliative and End of Life Care

Sunset Vets is a dedicated in-home palliative care and euthanasia service for pets. Our veterinarians are available to support families with end-of-life care 7 days a week by prior appointment. Get in touch for more information about how we can help.