A free childhood grief and pet loss support resource designed to help parents explain death honestly, support grieving children, and create safe, compassionate conversations after losing a beloved dog or cat.

For many children, a pet is more than an animal.
They are comfort, routine, unconditional love, and emotional safety.

When a beloved dog or cat becomes sick or dies, children deserve honesty, support, and the opportunity to say goodbye.

This free guide was created to help families navigate childhood grief gently — without confusing phrases, fear-based explanations, or minimizing loss.

Inside the Free Guide:

✔ What to say when a child’s pet dies
✔ Honest language that helps children feel safe
✔ Phrases to avoid during pet loss
✔ How children grieve differently than adults
✔ Ways to help children process grief and goodbye
✔ Gentle support ideas for families navigating pet bereavement

Children often understand more than adults realize.

Saying a pet “went to sleep” or “went away” can unintentionally create fear around sleep, separation, illness, and death.

Gentle honesty helps children feel emotionally safe, included, and supported through grief.

Created by Jennifer Dooley

Founder of Heads and Tails Photography and Hearts & Halos

With over 17 years of veterinary experience and a decade photographing beloved pets and legacy sessions, Jennifer created this resource to help families navigate pet loss with honesty, compassion, and emotional safety.

Her work focuses on preserving the bond between people and the animals who change their lives forever.

If your pet is nearing the end of life and you are in Atlantic Canada,  Hearts & Halos sessions provide a calm, compassionate way to preserve the love and connection you never want to forget.