Memory Flowers, Pet loss books for children.

Last night I attended a launch for a new pet loss book for children, called Memory Flowers written by Donna Ellis. It is beautiful story about a family losing their pet dog "Charlie" and how as a family they dealt with the issues and the memory of a beloved family pet. The book is beautifully illustrated by Philippa Morton. The launch was a significant gathering of people who are concerned about pet loss. I met Dr David Foote, who is a vet that also does pet loss counselling, and I met Dr Tim Vivian another vet concerned about pet loss. He recalled a story where a upon the euthanasia of the pet, the child asked whether he would see the dog in heaven and before he could think of an answer the mother spoke up to say that they where Catholic and we don't believe that dogs go to heaven. I think this was a terrible thing for the mother to say to the child, the child's one comforting thought was denied by the mother. As a catholic I certainly believe there is room for belief in a heaven that contains our pets. There is a great book written by Jack Wintz " Will I see my dog in heaven" that outlines these beliefs. There was also a small speech by Dr Paula Barrett, A professor of educational Psychology, who explained that pet loss can be a very significant part of child's life and if handled correctly it provides transformational experience. I think Memory flowers would help children and parents do this.

 The launch was a great celebration of two women working together to produce a great resource. The location was the Raw Gallery a great little inner city spot to have a few nibbles with a glass of wine. I wish the book great success. For more information on the book see Memory Flowers .