5 Books for Kids On Losing a Dog

No matter what age you are, losing a dog is extremely difficult and sad. The death of a dog can be especially difficult and confusing for kids, as it is typically their first experience of losing someone they love. Parents can often struggle with how to make their children feel better when they themselves are also feeling so very sad about the loss. For some, books on losing a pet and picture books about dog heaven may be helpful tools to help your children cope with the loss. Below are a few books about losing a dog that may help your family.

Fairy Dog Heaven
by Patrese Fischer, Illustrated by Marcus Cutler

Patrese Fischer and her family found comfort in imagining what dog heaven must be like after they lost their beloved dog, Molly. In fact, it helped them so much, they decided to write down their ideas and create a children’s book called Fairy Dog Heaven. This heartwarming picturebook imagines the joy and fun dogs have when they go to heaven, from endless buffets, to "target practice" on their favorite fire hydrants and trees. > Buy Now

Saying Goodbye to Lulu
by Corinne Demas, Illustrated by Ard Hoyt

This is a sweet, straightforward children’s book about a little girl and her beloved dog, Lulu, who passes away. Though she is deeply saddened by Lulu's passing and misses her very much, over time the little girl discovers that the sweet memory of her beloved dog will live on forever in her heart. As time passes, the family adopts a puppy. “You’re not Lulu,” the girl whispers to him. “Still, I’ll love you, too.” > Learn More

I’ll Always Love You
by Hans Wilhelm 

In this picture book, a young boy’s dog passes away and he vows that he will tell every pet he ever has that he will always love him. The book helps young kids understand death and provides a valuable lesson that it is always good to tell a loved one, pet or human, that you will always love them. > Learn More

The Forever Dog
by Bill Cochran, Illustrated by Dan Andreasen

Many books about the death of a dog end with a new pet being added to the family, either right away or after a period of mourning. But for some families, another pet isn’t part of their future plans. The Forever Dog manages to end positively without the appearance of a new pet. Through his mom’s guidance, the little boy in the story realizes that his dog will always be with him and that the pain he feels is part of getting his dog settled in his new forever home — in his heart. > Learn More

When a Pet Dies
by Fred Rogers

This nonfiction book is a classic from the affable Mister Rogers of the show Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. This book helps children understand death and their feelings of loss while also offering reassurance that grieving is a natural, healing thing to do. The book says "there will come a time when your sadness and anger have gone away … a time when you can feel happy again about the good times you and your pet had together." > Learn More