FOREWORD

I am delighted to write the foreword to this very special book, both as a veterinarian and as an owner who has experienced the challenges of pet bereavement.

The loss of an animal, regardless of the attachment, is something we have to deal with as veterinary surgeons on a regular basis. Most vets have a practical approach to death: some become emotionally detached, some wear their hearts on their sleeves, but all of us will be affected at some level.

Supporting owners through these sometimes difficult times can be equally daunting. Many of us will never have received bereavement counselling as undergraduate students, although fortunately that has changed within the veterinary school curriculum of today. However, it can be challenging to really “understand” bereavement until we are forced to the other side of the consulting table. Unfortunately, the loss of an animal, whether from euthanasia, illness, or accident, is both inevitable and harrowing for all involved.

When I said goodbye to my constant companion for 12 years (my faithful running partner, on-call late-night protection unit, giver of unconditional love and keeper of secrets), I finally understood the term “heartbroken”. His name was Frisby, and to me he was the best dog in the world. When I had to say goodbye for the first time as an owner rather than as a vet, as a client rather than employee, as a distraught mum rather than detached professional, I did so from the other side of the consulting table. Frisby left this world with his head on my knee in the sunshine, surrounded by people who loved him. From the other side of the consulting table I was proud to be a vet.

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal.

— Anon

In her book, Angela embraces some difficult areas that are often not spoken about but will be familiar to many. The section on how to help children through pet bereavement is particularly poignant. This book is a vital companion to anyone who cares for or works with animals and provides an armoury of skills to guide and support you through testing times. There are a number of activities to help people through specific areas of difficulty, and this book will be indispensable to those who find themselves facing loss—before, during, and after bereavement.

The contents are based on Angela’s own professional experience as a pet bereavement specialist, and have been developed over years of supporting people through loss, with the addition of very personal stories where appropriate.

Victoria M. Nicholls, veterinary surgeon, BSc (Hons), BVetMed, Cert AVP (EM), Cert AVP (ED), BAEDT, MRCVS