Research shows that the loss of an animal companion can be more painful than the loss of a human family member. Yet little is known about this experience. This book explores this phenomenon and offers tips and strategies for navigating the lifelong journey of grief and healing we undertake after losing a cherished pet. Most books about pet loss focus on the short-term challenges of grief. Always in My Heart takes the long view, providing rare insight into the challenges and personal transformation many people experience in the months and years after saying goodbye to a special pet. You'll discover: ¿ Intimate stories about pets that reveal the lessons others have learned when traveling this road. ¿ A discussion of death and the overwhelming feelings of helplessness, guilt, anger, and sorrow that often follow in its wake. ¿ Creative ways to cope with your grief, including activities that will help you make meaning of your loss and honor your pet's memory.

¿ An opportunity to reflect on the lessons you've learned from your animals and how you might incorporate these lessons into your life. ¿ A vision for how the love you continue to feel for your lost pets can be a positive force in your life. Whether you're contemplating the imminent loss of a pet, grieving for an animal you've recently lost, or revisiting a loss that occurred years ago, Always in My Heart will help you reconnect with your joyful memories and tap into the life-affirming wisdom that emerges in the fullness of time. Always in My Heart is the second book in the Pet Chaplain® Learning Series, a four-volume set that explores pet keeping and loss in the modern West and offers instruction in interfaith spiritual care for pet loss. The series is the brainchild of Rob Gierka, EdD, who founded Pet Chaplain, a community service and educational organization, in 2004. For more than two decades, Rob and his co-author Karen Duke have practiced veterinary chaplaincy in community and clinical settings, and they've also taught veterinary chaplaincy to people around the world. Visit petchaplain.com to learn more.