"When dogs go to heaven, they don't need wings because God knows that dogs love running best." From that simple beginning, this book paints a picture of a place filled with canine joys. There are good-natured geese to bark at, angel children to play with, and dog biscuits to munch. Even strays have wonderful homes and lots of love in dog heaven.

It's been over twenty years since I lost my first and favorite dog, and I identified with this book as if the loss had been yesterday. I can't think of a better way to say farewell to a good and faithful friend than to share this book as a memorial.

44 of 44 found the following review helpful:

A true comfort  Mar 31, 2001
By Nancy
I am middle-age, and recently lost my beloved companion of 12 years, a golden retriever mix. I look through this book at some point everyday - it lightens my heavy heart at such a difficult and sad time - it is a children's book, but I recommend it to anyone at any age who has lost a beloved pet - the drawings are precious - and it makes me feel good to look at the book and hope and believe and picture my kind and gentle spirit Maeve in 'dog heaven', whole, young and healthy again, running and playing in the beautiful sunshine, and I love to read the part where they come back to check on us and make sure that we are ok - or check out a favorite spot in their yard. Somehow this comforts me - and can even bring a smile to my face for a moment, replacing the many, many tears.

50 of 51 found the following review helpful:

What a wonderful book!  Dec 26, 2002
By mahikahn
My husband and I recently lost our 14 1/2 year old Husky. She was our baby and we've been shattered. A dear friend gave this book to me and it has provided so much comfort. It may have been written with children in mind but it provides peace to all adults. This book helped us so much that I've ordered it for a friend of mine who just lost her dog. This will help anyone coping with the loss of a beloved canine family member.

22 of 22 found the following review helpful:

I keep giving my copy away!  Dec 22, 1999

Cynthia Rylant writes an amazing book that helps people of all ages with the loss of a beloved dog. I gave this book to my 78 year old grandmother who was having a difficult time dealing with the loss of 2 dogs in 3 months. She found parts of it comforting, especially the part about the dogs occasionally returning to their backyards to check-up on their owners. I have read this to children who have lost a dog, and given it to friends. Everyone feels that although it is difficult to read while grieving, something in the text refers to their dog alone. Cynthia Rylant wrote it with their dog in mind.

18 of 18 found the following review helpful:

From a Veterinarian's Perspective  Mar 26, 2001

This book was recommended to me by a friend who's a dog trainer. She said I couldn't read it without having tears in my eyes. This is quite true. This and Ms. Rylant's CAT HEAVEN are wonderful books that we keep available on a "borrow" basis for clients with young children who have lost a beloved pet. All have thanked us for making these books available, and report that they have been helpful to children dealing with the loss in a way that allows them to feel that their pet is in a happy place, and maybe even still "watching over" its "family" . The text and illustrations are excellent for the ages of the children this book is intended for. Many of the parents state that it made them feel better just to read it to a child. My 8 year old daughter read it to my 6 year old son after two of our own elderly dogs passed on last summer. I highly recommend it for children under 10 and their families, for its upbeat, colorful approach to acknowledging the concept of a "doggy afterlife".

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