Grieving My Pet: a Pet Loss Survival Guide for Teens

What if your pet was more than “just an animal”—what if they were your best friend, your secret-keeper, your safe place?How do you keep going when the house feels too quiet, the bed too empty, and the ache too big?And what if grieving them doesn’t look the way anyone else expects?Losing a pet hits differently when you’re a teen. It’s not just about missing a furry (or feathered, or scaly) friend—it’s about losing the one who loved you unconditionally through school stress, friendship drama, family struggles, and everything in between. That bond was real, and so is the grief.Grieving My Pet: A Survival Guide for Teens is the compassionate companion you need when the world tells you to “move on” but your heart knows it’s not that simple. Written by Grace Hartwood, who lost her own beloved beagle as a teen, this guide blends real stories from young people, practical coping tools, and creative ways to honor your pet’s memory—without judgment, timelines, or pressure to “get over it.”Inside you’ll discover:The Rollercoaster of Feelings – Why grief feels like emotional storms one moment and quiet sunshine the next.Tough Choices, Big Love – Understanding end-of-life decisions and learning how to find peace with them.Finding Your Voice – What to say when friends or teachers “don’t get it,” and how to set boundaries.Your Grief Toolbox – Creative activities like memory boxes, letters to heaven, art projects, and journaling that help transform sadness into connection.Growing Memorials – How to build living tributes, from memory gardens to keepsakes that carry love forward.Stories from Fellow Travelers – True accounts from teens who’ve faced loss and found ways to heal.Why this book is different:Written for teens, not adults. Every chapter speaks in a voice that understands the unique challenges of grieving while growing up.Validation without clichés. You won’t find “just get another pet” or “time heals all wounds” here. Instead, you’ll find honesty, comfort, and hope.Practical + emotional support. From handling hard days at school to making room for a new pet someday, this guide balances heart and hands-on advice.If your grief feels invisible to others, Grieving My Pet reminds you that your feelings matter, your bond was real, and you don’t have to walk this path alone.Because love doesn’t end when life does—it leaves pawprints on your heart that last forever.