Acknowledgements

I am greatly indebted to the following individuals for their invaluable input into the production of this book:

Victoria M. Nicholls, BSc (Hons), BVetMed, Cert AVP (EM), Cert AVP (ED), BAEDT, MRCVS, who so kindly took the time to write the foreword for this book, and for sharing her moving poem about her dog, Frisby, as well as her amazing encouragement and support.

Anna Haines, BSc (Hons), MSc CAB, Full Member of The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors, Animal Behaviour & Training Council (ABTC), and Registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist, for her expertise on animal behaviour in the chapter on “Coping with Euthanasia for Pet Behaviour Problems”.

Kevin Brown, BSc, PhD, BVMS, MRCVS, for his professional input in one of the activities.

Susan Smith-Wild, MASC (Relax), Professional Relaxation Therapist, for the relaxation and breathing exercises and for sharing her personal stories and experiences.

To the following for taking the time to read and give feedback on the various drafts: Eleanor Mestraud, BA (Hons) English & French (and for sharing her personal stories), Christine Gloag, and Chrissy Holmes.

To the following for their valued contributions: Melinda Hill for sharing her beautiful tribute to Mia, and for her incredible support for this book including professional proofreading of the final version; Hildreth Grace Rinehart, Director of Education and Equine Facilitator at Patch of Diamonds Ranch, for her moving story about Raja; Deirdre Chitwood, for sharing her thoughts on her beloved cat’s end of life; Liz Ive, for sharing her personal thoughts and her poem; Lauren Jepson, for allowing me to include her childhood poem; the heartfelt contributions from my colleagues and friends at The Donkey Sanctuary: Heather Ross, Janneke Merkx, Claire Shapcott, Valentina Riva, Kate Pitts, Sara Whelan, and Amy Cripps; Rachel Dore, for her feedback on one of the activities; Ghislaine Silvers, for sharing her unique way of remembering her lovely greyhound, Nelson; and Mark Everitt, for kindly agreeing to share his personal story.

The Template Foundation, for its very special insights into the relationship between human and animal life.

My husband, Rob, and my close friends and family, for encouraging me in this quest.

NOTE: A number of the stories cannot be personally acknowledged, as they are taken from my experience of working with many people going through pet loss over the years. Whilst names and circumstances may have been changed to maintain confidentiality, there is no doubt that each and every person whom I have supported will have in some measure helped create this book. I am grateful to all who cared enough for their beloved pets that they grieved deeply for their losses.