Dog Heaven

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Summary: Dog Heaven
Review: Although I do not have a dog myself, I cried when I first read this book. I discovered "Dog Heaven" when a friend's childhood pet died years ago, and since then I've given 3 away to other friends who've lost their pets. As dogs bring out the child in all of us, this beautiful, colorful, and reflective book is perfect for adults. It's a wonderful way to send a hug and a shoulder to lean on when one loses a canine member of their family.

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Summary: Comforting to Think about Where our Sasha is now
Review: This is a great book for kids and adults alike who may be grieving the loss of a beloved dog. The illustrations are charming, and the sentiments are great. (God makes dogs special treats in heaven, and they play with angel children, who need their company.) I have given this book to an adult friend who also lost a pet, and she found it very comforting too. We still miss our Sasha dog, but this book helped our family through a rough time.

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Summary: Great book
Review: 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.

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Summary: Comfort For All Ages
Review: I came upon this book just after having lost my beloved Oreo. Nothing anyone said brought me comfort nor gave me peace. Then, seeking solitude in my local bookstore, "Dog Heaven" appeared...as if from heaven! There I was, a teacher in my 40s, on the floor, smiling AND crying while reading a "childrens'" book! This book's beauty (both via illustrations and Rylant's simple, yet touching words) brought me closer to closure over Oreo's death and comfort in knowing Rylant is right - Oreo's in a wonderful, peaceful place and someday I will see her again. I now own my own copy (of course!) and have a supply on-hand for friends who are struggling with the death of a beloved dog. Everyone I've given it to loves it and finds peace in its reassuruing words. Thank you Cynthia Rylant!

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Summary: How to help a 2 year old AND a 40 year old deal with grief.
Review: My son found "Dog Heaven" at the book store last year after we had put our 16 year old Golden Retriever to sleep. He obviously couldn't read yet, but something drew him to the book.

After just a few pages, my husband and I were both in tears. Nothing quite so perfect has ever been written! I fully agree with the other reviewers who state that although it's a children's book, it is VERY helpful for adults as well.

Our son has a much better acceptance and understanding of loss than most children his age, and thinks it's just wonderful that Odin is in Dog Heaven and goes fishing with Grandpa. He, at the ripe old age of 3, has been able to comfort us during times of sadness, because "It's okay, he's in heaven, mommy! He's not sick anymore!"

Our 13 year old Chocolate Lab will most likely not be with us for much longer, as her health is rapidly deteriorating. Because of this book, I know that we'll be able to deal with the loss as a family far better than before.

As a pet owner and an animal rescue worker, I urge anyone who has lost a beloved dog to read "Dog Heaven".

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Summary: TEACHER RECOMMENDS!
Review: 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.

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Summary: A very sweet image of Heaven!
Review: 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!

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Summary: Thinking of Murphie....
Review: 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!

Rating:
Summary: Very Touching
Review: 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.

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Summary: Reminding me of Gretchen...
Review: When I was 6 years old, my German Sheperd, Gretchen died. So at my school library I found this book. I read it with my mom. For weeks I would check out that book, just to remind me of Gretchen. She had been very sick and had a stroke. The doctors could do nothing, but put her to sleep. It was a hard and difficult time for me. But it was nice to think that she was safe and sound in Heaven.