Healing Your Heart After Pet Loss: Honoring Your Grieving Journey

by Tracie Barton-Barrett

244 pages, Paperback

Published March 22, 2026

About the author

Animals have always had my heart. They connect us to the best parts of ourselves as well as to each other, teaching us how to be truly human. My deepest intention is to celebrate this important bond we have with them.

As a Licensed Clinical Professional Mental Health Counselor with a specialty in pet loss, workshop facilitator, and former psychology instructor, my life's work has been to honor this important bond with these fabulous beings. In my counseling practice, I also see fellow Creatives, mental health therapists, Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs) and educators, holding space for their therapeutic journey. When not writing, I'm enjoying life to the fullest by traveling, horseback riding, enjoying the outside, dancing, singing to music in the car, or playing the piano. On a daily basis, a song, movie, or TV show quote will come to mind, celebrating other Creatives' work!

Reviews

[Leslie Manning · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly do not know anyone who hasn’t lost a pet. I can still be brought to tears over the death of my furbabies, even from twenty years past. So it’s about time we have a book that helps us get through these tough moments. The book is split into parts with guided journal entries at the end of each chapter. I find this refreshing, as it was put together by a certified counselor, which makes the reader feel like they can trust the advice that will help them heal and move forward. My favorite chapter is “My Identity–Who Am I Now Without Them?” I think this hits the nail on the head, not only allowing oneself permission to grieve for their pet, but helping us guide the days, months, and even years that follow. Everyone grieves differently, but knowing how to redefine ourselves with this absence is critical to moving forward. I believe in the Rainbow Bridge, a place where all animals’ spirits thrive forever. Even if you don’t believe what I do, this book can be a treasure to help you get through some of the most difficult moments after losing your furbaby. It can also help you remember your pet for what they meant to you while on this earth.