[.ca] Dog Heaven (ISBN 0590417010)

A very sweet image of Heaven!:
I got this book for my 6 year old son to read for school (to earn AR credits). At the time, he had been very anxious about death, having lost one pet when he was 3 and having another who was very old. We also had two older neighbors die in the past year. He had often had deep worries about death and dying. I was almost afraid for him to read it - worrying that it would bring out those feelings again. But I am so glad he did read it. The comforting way Dog HEaven is depicted was JUST what we needed. He did ask me if this was real - non-fiction, as he put it. I told him that nobody who is living today has ever been to heaven, so people just have to guess what it is like, and this is what the author believes it is like. That did the trick. When our second dog passed on, it was very helpful to the children to remember the ideas in Dog Heaven. They were happy that Penny would be able to be with our other dog - Edison; and they had a good time thinking about Edison "showing Penny around in heaven". And also, thinking about our neighbor being there to give biscuits and throw balls to Penny. It should be on the bookshelf of every family who has a dog!

Very Touching:
I'm glad I didn't read the review of Publishers Weekly prior to reading Dog Heaven. I probably would have passed. Instead of just enjoying what the book has to offer at face value, the reviewer seemed hung up in Dogma . Dog Heaven is very touching, and deals with the passing of a loved pet in the most loving way. Heaven should be a place where all (pets or humans for that mater) are surrounded by love. This book is what we most wish for our pets, and a reminder that life doesn't necessarily end when put to sleep. I plan on always having a copy or two to pass along to those who have lost a loved one.

Thinking of Murphie....:
I bought this book over a year ago when my best friend of 16 years slept away. I was desperately searching for some comfort and ordered this book along with another one. I read this book at least twice a day then, and still do frequently now. It has beautiful illustrations and provides wonderful yet simple explanations of where our beloved pets go. A must for a child who has lost their pet. A must for anyone who has lost their treasured companion. I have the tissues handy now!

TEACHER RECOMMENDS!:
I have given this book to countless children (and adults) who are grieving the loss of a furry friend. Being a teacher, I am quite often faced with a student who experiences the loss of a beloved pet. If you believe dogs go to heaven, this book offers wonderful comfort in allowing children to imagine what it might be like for their dog in heaven. I would recommend this book to almost any parents trying to ease some of that heartbreak for their child and quite possibly themselves.

Great book:
This is a sweet book which I initially bought due to my love of dogs. I wanted to share that love with my children and teach them about God as well. Recently our dog passed away and my 4 year old was having a hard time dealing with it. This book helped her to think of Moose being in a special place where he doesn't hurt anymore, he can run and have fun.