Grief Lending Library

An essential part of the Academy, the Kim Peterson Memorial Grief Lending Library houses an extensive collection of books and resources for all ages, available for check out.

Located at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway (3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines), the library is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm.

Use the below categories to assist with your search.

  • Alzheimer's Disease
  • Anticipatory Grief
  • Children and Terminal Illness
  • Children's Books
  • Death of a Child
  • Death of a Partner
  • Death of a Pet
  • General Adult Grief
  • Helping Teens and Children
  • Professionals
  • Spanish Language
  • Sudden Death
  • Teen Books

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Search Results for Death of a Pet

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Title Author Description Category Topics Location
Cherished: 21 Writers on Animals They Have Loved and Lost Abercrombie, Barbara (New World Library, 2011)

Because “grieving for an animal can be a pretty lonely place,” Barbara Abercrombie created this joyful, poignant, funny, and smart collection of commiseration. The essays highlight the sometimes surprising things animals add to a household — and how their loss reverberates.

636.088 A
Coping with Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet Allen, Moira Anderson (Moira Anderson Allen, 2007, 2011)

A wonderful, helpful book filled with information and guidance. Treats this serious subject with sympathetic feelings. An excellent guide allowing us to understand that we are not alone with our grief. Anyone who has a pet should read it.

155.9 A
Finding the Words: how to talk with children and teens about death, suicide, funerals, homicide, cremation, and other end-of-life matters. Wolfelt, Alan D., Ph.D., C.T. (Companion Press, 2013)

Simplified and suitable methods for talking to children and teenagers about sensitive topics with an emphasis on the subject of death. Honest but child-appropriate language is advocated, and various wording and levels of explanation are suggested for different ages when discussing topics such as death in general, suicide, homicide, accidental death, the death of a child, terminal illness, pet death, funerals, and cremation.

155.9 W
Going Home: Finding Peace When Pets Die Katz, Jon (Random House, 2012)

Jon Katz addresses the difficult but necessary topic of saying goodbye to a beloved pet. Drawing on personal experiences, stories from fellow pet owners, and philosophical reflections, Katz provides support for those in mourning.

155.9 K
Goodbye, Friend: Healing Wisdom for Anyone who has Ever Lost a Pet Kowalski, Gary (New World Library, 1997, 2012)

From the moment pets come into our lives, we know the day will arrive when we have to say farewell. Still, we are never emotionally prepared for it. Kowalski takes you on a journey of healing, offering warmth and sound advice on how to cope with the death of your pet.

636.088 K
Healing Solutions for Pet Loss Summers, Kenda (Self Published, 2020)

 A road map for those of you who are heartbroken, lost, feel alone, and full of sadness over the loss of your beloved pet. This book is filled with healing information and provides a deep understanding of what you are going through.

155.9 S
It Must Hurt A Lot Sandford, Doris (Multnomah, 2014)

When Joshua's puppy is killed by a car accident he learns that some surprises come wrapped in the "package" of loss. We encourage adults to talk about these gifts with children. Sensitive, caring adults are made not born. The book is written for children ages 5 - 11 years.

  • Death of a Pet
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Not Just a Fish Hemery, Kathleen Maresh (Centering Corporation, 2000)

PARENT COUNCIL REVIEW® 'A young child struggles with his grief over the death of his fish. He is especially upset when others comment 'it was only a fish.' Then to add to his distress, his father flushes Puffer down the toilet. A wise aunt suggests a memorial service, and the story ends with a healing eulogy. A wonderful story for young children grieving over the death of a beloved pet.'

  • Death of a Pet
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Pet Loss: A Thoughtful Guide for Adults and Children Nieburg, Herbert and Arlene Fischer (Harper Perennial, 1992)

A practical guide and an emotional support for adults and children who have had a pet die.

  • Helping Children
155.9 N
Pet Parents: A Journey Through Unconditional Love and Grief Ellis, Coleen (iUniverse Publishing, 2011)

To help pet parents everywhere, she opened the first standalone pet funeral home in the United States in Indianapolis. In this guidebook, she helps pet parents, veterinarians, death-care professionals and others celebrate the special bonds we share with our animal companions.

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Remember Rafferty Johnson, Joy (Centering Corporation, 1991)

Ages 6-96. About the unique grief felt by children when a pet dies.

  • Death of a Pet
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Saying Good-bye to the Pet You Love Greene, Lorri A. and Jaquelyn Landis (New Harbinger Publications, 2002)

Until now, not much help has been available for those who have lost a pet. Saying Good-bye to the Pet You Love, written by a psychologist with twenty years of experience as a pet bereavement specialist, helps you understand the very special human-animal bond, which, in turn, can help you deal with your terrible loss.

155.9 G
Talking With Children About Loss: words, strategies, and wisdom to help children cope with death, divorce, and other difficult times Trozzi, Maria (Perigee, 1999)

Through stories and thoughtful analysis, Maria explains how to handle the difficult job of talking with children and adolescents about loss. Includes information about divorce, Death of a Pet, death of a family member, the disabling of a sibling and more.

  • All Losses
155.9 T
When Your Pet Dies: a guide to mourning, remembering, and healing Wolfelt, Alan D., Ph.D. (Companion Press, 2004)

This book affirms the pet owner's grief and helps you understand why your feelings are so strong. It also offers practical suggestions for mourning—expressing your grief outside of yourself—so that you can heal. Ideas for remembering and memorializing your pet are also included.

155.9 W