Having just lost my best girl, I chose this book for some comfort and help with healing. I cried throughout. It was helpful to feel as though someone understood the deep pain that comes with the loss of a beloved pet.

Pets are Family has two parts: The first is a personal retelling of the author’s life with dogs. The second is full of resourceful ideas to cope with the loss of a pet, or how to help someone you love muddle through. The second half shines bright on its own for the sheer wealth of thoughtfulness. I particularly liked the section on suggestions of what you can do to help someone who has lost a pet, and what you should NOT say. The number of people who told me I should immediately go out and get a new dog bewildered me. It was a lovely to see pages of helpful ideas.

This wasn’t easy for me to read. The author’s pain was palpable, and it was difficult reading at a time that I was feeling extremely tender. That being said it helped me shed a lot of sad tears, and I do believe that it helped me release a lot of emotion that I would’ve otherwise kept bottled.

My thanks to NetGalley and Smith Publicity for allowing a digital ARC.

I found it hard to get through the beginning of this book as I found it to be mostly about the authors struggle with life, and I don't mean for this to sound harsh, but that wasn't why I requested the book. She does give some good insight as to carrying on after losing a beloved animal. I thank NetGalley and Smith Publicity for the advance read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own

I try not to read descriptions so I can dive into a book with no expectations. I did see the word grief when looking at the book again and thought this is perfect as I lost my Frankie on Saturday and her ashes just came back home. 0

I found the book unrelatable for myself. I appreciate that we have very different lives, but I could not relate enough to appreciate the message


I did, however, enjoy the joint birthday parties with the nephew. That's adorable.