Dog Heaven: A Book of Hope for Children Who Have Lost Their Pet / A Visit to an Animal Paradise
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
Is there a heaven for Dogs? Discover the answer in this heartfelt story by Lucky. The book provides comfort to children dealing with the loss of a pet, explaining that pets go to Dog Heaven where they are joyful, satisfied, and healthy. Inspired by the author's personal experiences with their beloved pet Luna, the story offers a reassuring perspective on pets' afterlife and is suitable for all ages.
Discussion points
How do you think the dogs feel in Dog Heaven?
What do you imagine Dog Heaven looks like?
Can you think of a happy memory you had with your pet?
What are some ways we can remember our pets after they are gone?
If you could send a message to your pet in Dog Heaven, what would you say?
Tip: Role play these questions
Share your own feelings and memories about pets you have loved and lost to create a supportive atmosphere.
Encourage your child to draw a picture of Dog Heaven as they imagine it, helping them to express their thoughts and emotions visually.
Listen attentively and offer comfort, showing understanding and empathy towards their feelings of loss.
Suggest creating a small memorial or scrapbook about their pet, which can serve as a therapeutic activity and a tangible way to remember their companion.
Read the book together at a quiet time, allowing space for any emotions or questions that arise during the reading.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Coping with grief
Explanation: The book provides a comforting narrative about pets living happily in an afterlife, which helps children process their feelings of loss and sadness.
Real-World Application: Children can use the story's perspective to navigate their own feelings of grief when they experience loss, whether it's a pet or another form of loss, helping them understand that it's okay to feel sad and that healing takes time.
Example Lesson: Concept of an afterlife
Explanation: Through imaginative depictions of an animal paradise, the book introduces the concept of an afterlife in a way that is accessible and reassuring for young children.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop their own ideas about what happens after death, providing them with a framework that can offer comfort in times of loss.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: By recognizing the pain the character feels from losing a pet, children learn to empathize with others experiencing similar emotions.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be supportive and understanding towards friends and family who are grieving, fostering a nurturing and empathetic approach towards others' feelings.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of life’s cycles
Explanation: The storyline presents the natural cycle of life and death, teaching children to accept these as part of the world.
Real-World Application: Children learn to embrace life's changes and transitions, understanding that each phase, including endings, is natural and integral to life.
Example Lesson: Hope and reassurance
Explanation: The portrayal of pets being happy and free in Dog Heaven offers a hopeful outlook that can reassure children about the well-being of their lost pets.
Real-World Application: This can provide solace and reduce anxiety about the fate of their pets, enabling children to come to terms with their loss in a positive and healthy manner.