When You Have to Say Goodbye: Loving and Letting Go of Your Pet

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0983103216 ISBN 13: 9780983103219

Publisher: Beanpole Books, 2011

A child’s bond with a beloved animal is a powerful one. The loss of a pet due to illness or trauma can be a troubling time in a child’s life. When You Have to Say Goodbye: Loving and Letting Go of Your Pet” gently describes the why’s surrounding end-of-life issues with animals and details valuable ways for children to move through this experience in a positive fashion. Written by veterinarian Dr. Monica Mansfield, the book’s compassionate wording is brought to life by the poignant yet charming artwork of Lennie Peterson. The loving bonds between children, their animals, and family are illustrated throughout.

About the Author:

Dr. Monica Mansfield knew she wanted to be a veterinarian since she was five years old, always attracted to animals and interested in how the body works. She grew up in Bowie, Maryland, and has several old family photos with the latest stray or injured animal she was helping rehabilitate. She devoured the writings of Dr. James Herriot as she grew, inspired by the heart and honesty of these books. The scenic Virginia Polytechnic Institute was her undergraduate college. The happiest day of her life at that time was when she received her acceptance packet to veterinary school, proceeding to hug the surprised postman. She attended Cornell’s New York State College of Veterinary Medicine for her D.V.M. degree, graduating in 1987. Dr. Mansfield currently works in a four doctor small animal practice in Massachusetts. This is her first children’s book, though her first book, a heartwarming veterinary memoir titled The Black Panties: Tales of Animal Mischief and Veterinary Intrigue,” was published in 2006. Dr. Mansfield considers the nurturing of children and animals among life’s most important goals.

Review:

"This is a terrific children's book and resource for both parents and kids, to help them navigate through the difficult, yet normal feelings regarding pet loss! Definitely a worthwhile read!"
Dr. Robi Ludwig - Psychotherapist and National TV Commentator.

"Thanks to Monica Mansfield and Lennie Peterson, When You Have to Say Goodbye is a delightful, well written and well illustrated book that fulfills a need and should be in every veterinarian's waiting room."
- Alexander de Lahunta DVM, PhD, Emeritus Professor

"This book belongs in every veterinary practice, library and school system in the country. A child's love for a pet lasts a lifetime. This book is instrumental in helping navigate a very difficult period in a child's life."
- Sue Curtis, Executive Director - Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association

"This is well written and very thoughtful. It is an excellent, well illustrated book that can help a child through the painful process of saying goodbye to a beloved pet. This book should find its way into the hands of all children who experience this painful but sometimes necessary experience of life, creating more sensitive, loving and understanding adults when life hands us other disappointments, loss and grief.

Congratulations to Dr. Mansfield and Lennie Peterson on a wonderful work.

Dr. Jim Humphries, President Veterinary News Network
Founder of the American Society of Veterinary Journalists

I am glad to know there are books like When You Have to Say Goodbye: Loving and Letting Go of Your Pet’, that help kids understand the process of grieving for these family members. It’s an important book.”
- Sarah C., The Daily Pretzel