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Heart Dog: Surviving the Loss of Your Canine Soul Mate
The death of any dog is hard. The death of a Heart Dog – a canine soul mate – is much, much worse … Even if you’ve experienced pet loss before, losing your canine soul mate is different. Typical grief advice isn’t nearly enough. Heart Dog answers all the big questions about canine soul mates, offers practical ideas for coping with each day’s dose of grief, and provides inspiration for finding your place in the world after such a profound loss. Others have survived the grief. You can too. Let Heart Dog be your guide.
- GenresSelf HelpDogsNonfiction
112 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2015
68 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 14, 2015
I am glad I read this book.
I am even more glad to have it, waiting on my book shelf. Ready to help me when that monster called grief, will show its ugly face again.
I read it with two questions in mind, was Viva my heart dog? am I wallowing? I got my answers, but more importantly, I also found things I could have done differently that would have helped me coping with the grief. Something I never expected would happen.
Grief is immensely personal, and I remember how I also wanted to own it. Find my way. Not listen to others. Being stubborn about that nobody could help me, and how I persisted on drinking the cup empty alone.
In her book, Roxanne never tells me what to do, instead she gives me the feeling I am not alone, and makes suggestions along the way. She is never wallowing about her own loss - Roxanne's loss of her own heart dog, Lilly - in the book she is the gentle voice saying "I get it", and "here is what you could try to make it easier on yourself".
Together with the fact the book is short and to the point - I wouldn't want to read a huge volume about grief, while grieving - I know now I have a new best friend, waiting patiently on my bookshelf for me to reach out to for when I would need it again.
I am even more glad to have it, waiting on my book shelf. Ready to help me when that monster called grief, will show its ugly face again.
I read it with two questions in mind, was Viva my heart dog? am I wallowing? I got my answers, but more importantly, I also found things I could have done differently that would have helped me coping with the grief. Something I never expected would happen.
Grief is immensely personal, and I remember how I also wanted to own it. Find my way. Not listen to others. Being stubborn about that nobody could help me, and how I persisted on drinking the cup empty alone.
In her book, Roxanne never tells me what to do, instead she gives me the feeling I am not alone, and makes suggestions along the way. She is never wallowing about her own loss - Roxanne's loss of her own heart dog, Lilly - in the book she is the gentle voice saying "I get it", and "here is what you could try to make it easier on yourself".
Together with the fact the book is short and to the point - I wouldn't want to read a huge volume about grief, while grieving - I know now I have a new best friend, waiting patiently on my bookshelf for me to reach out to for when I would need it again.
March 5, 2021
A tremendous resource on my journey forward!
I can relate to the author's experiences and insights. I lost my little Heart Dog over a year and a half ago and I wish I had this book the last few years of my Westie's life as he was having health issues and became deaf and blind. My doggie soul mate passed and I have had times afterwards I felt I could not breathe without him.
This book is just what I needed then and just what I need going forward. I have read a bunch of books on grief and loss and this one explains so much of why my Heart Dog's death has affected me so very deeply. I have had many pets I loved dearly, dearly. This dog's spirit is my spirit and we are still enmeshed even though I know he left his body his soul is still part of my soul.
I recommend this book for folks who are heart sick and searching for any kind of solace. There are a lot of good ideas to help you in this book. I will keep this book next to me and refer to it often in the days to come. I need this book to survive. Peace and love everybody!
I can relate to the author's experiences and insights. I lost my little Heart Dog over a year and a half ago and I wish I had this book the last few years of my Westie's life as he was having health issues and became deaf and blind. My doggie soul mate passed and I have had times afterwards I felt I could not breathe without him.
This book is just what I needed then and just what I need going forward. I have read a bunch of books on grief and loss and this one explains so much of why my Heart Dog's death has affected me so very deeply. I have had many pets I loved dearly, dearly. This dog's spirit is my spirit and we are still enmeshed even though I know he left his body his soul is still part of my soul.
I recommend this book for folks who are heart sick and searching for any kind of solace. There are a lot of good ideas to help you in this book. I will keep this book next to me and refer to it often in the days to come. I need this book to survive. Peace and love everybody!
August 11, 2015
This is an amazing book. I would recommend it to anyone who has loved and lost a special pet. The book's target audience is for dog lovers but I think it could be helpful to anyone, regardless of the species of pet.
March 9, 2023
It's been a hard couple of days, and this brought me some comfort today. 3 xx
July 31, 2017
Nothing groundbreaking or new here, but very comforting. I feel less insane for grieving so hard for my sweet Cricket.
May 23, 2021
I am so glad this book exists and that I found it a couple weeks after losing the love of my life, my beautiful dog Orson.
Hawn touches on all the ways this grief can manifest, and how unpredictable it can be. Unlike other books on this subject that describe the traditional stages of grief, Hawn seems able to articulate exactly how I’ve been feeling, in all its complexity.
This book is validating and elucidating. It’s not taken away my grief, but it has made me feel less scared by its immensity and more able to see a way through.
I recommend this book to anyone who’s lost their canine best friend, as well as for loved ones who may be struggling to understand this kind of pet grief.
Hawn touches on all the ways this grief can manifest, and how unpredictable it can be. Unlike other books on this subject that describe the traditional stages of grief, Hawn seems able to articulate exactly how I’ve been feeling, in all its complexity.
This book is validating and elucidating. It’s not taken away my grief, but it has made me feel less scared by its immensity and more able to see a way through.
I recommend this book to anyone who’s lost their canine best friend, as well as for loved ones who may be struggling to understand this kind of pet grief.
February 9, 2022
The Loss of my First Soulmate
I don't normally write reviews for books and this one is very difficult for me. This book has absolutely helped me grieve the loss of my soulmate, Kea. It made me realize that I'm not alone and validated how I feel in a way that nothing or no one could have. At first I felt weird for feeling so devestated over a dog and felt that no one understood, just the validation alone has helped me to accept my level of grief.
This book contains tips on how to move through your grief, has great advice on how to view the time you had with your dog, and just lets you know that you're not alone. Everyone grieves differently but buying a candle and lighting it for her everyday to allow myself a moment to think about her and just cry has been an immense help.
I cannot thank the author enough for writing this and I cannot express how much it has helped me through the loss of Kea. She has made me who I am today.
I don't normally write reviews for books and this one is very difficult for me. This book has absolutely helped me grieve the loss of my soulmate, Kea. It made me realize that I'm not alone and validated how I feel in a way that nothing or no one could have. At first I felt weird for feeling so devestated over a dog and felt that no one understood, just the validation alone has helped me to accept my level of grief.
This book contains tips on how to move through your grief, has great advice on how to view the time you had with your dog, and just lets you know that you're not alone. Everyone grieves differently but buying a candle and lighting it for her everyday to allow myself a moment to think about her and just cry has been an immense help.
I cannot thank the author enough for writing this and I cannot express how much it has helped me through the loss of Kea. She has made me who I am today.
December 4, 2015
Very enlightening!
I like this book the more I think on it. I am suffering through a heart dog grief no doubt. Tootsie is my canine soul mate. Lost her 11/6/2015. She was not actually sick...but became crippled slowly. Then she slid down fast. You understand the rest. Thank you ,so much for your words and great way of expressing your experience. It will help me for a long, long time as I now understand the depth of my love, and hence the pain of my grief.!
I like this book the more I think on it. I am suffering through a heart dog grief no doubt. Tootsie is my canine soul mate. Lost her 11/6/2015. She was not actually sick...but became crippled slowly. Then she slid down fast. You understand the rest. Thank you ,so much for your words and great way of expressing your experience. It will help me for a long, long time as I now understand the depth of my love, and hence the pain of my grief.!
May 16, 2018
Thank you for writing this book!
We just lost our Heart Dog on Monday and the shock is almost overwhelming. It really helps to know we are not alone and that it’s ‘okay’ to feel hurt this much. Beau Beau Bodine was heaven sent and we were lucky to share our lives with him for these short 9 1/2 years. Your book help us to understand that this will never go away but that’s okay. We will make it through. - Ron, Beau’s puppy daddy.
We just lost our Heart Dog on Monday and the shock is almost overwhelming. It really helps to know we are not alone and that it’s ‘okay’ to feel hurt this much. Beau Beau Bodine was heaven sent and we were lucky to share our lives with him for these short 9 1/2 years. Your book help us to understand that this will never go away but that’s okay. We will make it through. - Ron, Beau’s puppy daddy.
June 28, 2018
Helped me understand my grief
My 12 year old schnauzer, Blossom, passed away from CHF 4 weeks ago. She was my Heart Dog. She was everything to me. I have two other dogs that I love, but Blossom was my soulmate. She knew when I was sad and licked the tears away. This book helped me understand that we love our dogs but there is one we call Heart Dog. I learned some ways to deal with my grief and I have so much to work on. I recommend this book to anyone who lost their dog.
My 12 year old schnauzer, Blossom, passed away from CHF 4 weeks ago. She was my Heart Dog. She was everything to me. I have two other dogs that I love, but Blossom was my soulmate. She knew when I was sad and licked the tears away. This book helped me understand that we love our dogs but there is one we call Heart Dog. I learned some ways to deal with my grief and I have so much to work on. I recommend this book to anyone who lost their dog.
July 29, 2015
If you are grieving the loss of a heart dog, you may not want to read this book in public, and be prepared with a box of tissues. I followed Roxanne's blog for a while before Lilly's illness, and lost my heart dog shortly before Lilly was gone. I saw a lot of Fly in Lilly... Love you girlie, and always will.
December 23, 2017
My heart dog, Buffy died two months ago. Buffy was most and in every way, my heart dog. Reading Roxanne's words made me feel less alone. I found myself in her grief, in her emotional process. Grief hurts when you hear it's just a dog, or keep busy and you will be fine. The loss of a heart dog, like my Buffy is deeply painful. I'm grateful to have found comfort in. This book.
July 14, 2015
A must-have and a must-read for anyone with dogs
No matter the age or condition of your dog, this is a very good and easy read. Also a great gift to someone who's lost their dog.
No matter the age or condition of your dog, this is a very good and easy read. Also a great gift to someone who's lost their dog.
May 16, 2019
Good book at the right time
It felt good to read something like this after I lost my Heart Dog. I think I felt connected to author's thoughts, observations and suggestions.
Some people that wrote reviews were not happy with some parts of the book or book itself. I think that we all have different feelings, we like it don't like different things. Same with this book. It is motivational book but it is also very personal, and it connects well with people like myself who feel the same way. Sure it provides some answers to questions I had, or suggestions and options. I liked it
It felt good to read something like this after I lost my Heart Dog. I think I felt connected to author's thoughts, observations and suggestions.
Some people that wrote reviews were not happy with some parts of the book or book itself. I think that we all have different feelings, we like it don't like different things. Same with this book. It is motivational book but it is also very personal, and it connects well with people like myself who feel the same way. Sure it provides some answers to questions I had, or suggestions and options. I liked it
February 14, 2021
I lost my heart dog less than two weeks ago, and I was hoping this book would help me more than it did. It didn’t actually tell me anything that I hadn’t already figured out myself. It’s a very short read, and it may be more helpful to someone who is feeling like no one understands their grief. I’m lucky to have a lot of true dog lovers in my circle, so I’m not questioning how I feel at all - and so far no one has told me, “It’s just a dog.”
August 19, 2021
Very honest helpful book. Made a huge difference!
Really helped me in a very difficult time. She totally understood how devastating the loss of a soulmate dog can be. This book summed up everything I was feeling but couldn’t put into words. The loss of my dog has left me heartbroken. It was healing to have someone truly validate the seriousness of my grief and give me tools to move forward.
Really helped me in a very difficult time. She totally understood how devastating the loss of a soulmate dog can be. This book summed up everything I was feeling but couldn’t put into words. The loss of my dog has left me heartbroken. It was healing to have someone truly validate the seriousness of my grief and give me tools to move forward.
January 16, 2021
This book put words to the feelings I’ve had since losing Mac in October. It’s rare to find someone who gets the emotions and grief challenges a heart dog’s passing brings, but this book truly saw me. I’m incredibly grateful for the comfort it provided and recommend it to any dog mama who has experienced a loss.
March 11, 2021
Super helpful
I was so happy to find this book. It gave me comfort to know what I was feeling was valid and that I wasn’t alone. The suggestion in this book neither push you or tell you how to grieve. Only to let you know no matter where you’re it’s okay. It does give you suggestions on how to help! I will refer back to it several times in the future!
I was so happy to find this book. It gave me comfort to know what I was feeling was valid and that I wasn’t alone. The suggestion in this book neither push you or tell you how to grieve. Only to let you know no matter where you’re it’s okay. It does give you suggestions on how to help! I will refer back to it several times in the future!
March 10, 2020
I'm in so much pain, but I'm glad I read this book - the memorial ideas and action items give my Type A brain something to do with what currently feels like endless hurt. I needed someone to tell me that at some point I'll feel a little better. Thanks, Roxanne.
January 6, 2022
While I am not sure I adhere to the idea of an animal being my soulmate, the loss of my little chiweenie last July was truly and deeply painful. The words penned in this book were very helpful to me. Knowing that I was not alone in the level of grief I experienced provided exceptional comfort.
July 31, 2023
Book opened with some gatekeeping on what relationships qualifies your dog as a Heart Dog. I got as far as chapter 3 and it was mostly anecdotes. I read it expecting some grief support and counciling but did not get much of it.
June 5, 2024
I got this off a petloss resource list. And I actually read this knowing I had to let my dog go soon, and having some plans for ways to channel my grief was really helpful. Now that she has passed, I am experiencing many of the things she mentioned.
June 13, 2021
An invaluable read after the unexpected loss of my beloved dog. Would completely recommend to anyone who even thinks it might be helpful. I wish I found it sooner in my grieving process.
August 24, 2021
Over-simplified and a bit generalised. The book is well-suited to anyone who has not previously experienced a great loss. There were a few helpful tips, though.
August 31, 2021
Not what I expected - more like a long blog article than a book and not all that insightful or written with a unique perspective or voice.
May 1, 2022
Helps you cope and heal from the devastating loss of your Heart Dog
My Heart Dog, Daisy 🌈🐾❤️
09/04/2006 - 04/04/2022
My Heart Dog, Daisy 🌈🐾❤️
09/04/2006 - 04/04/2022
May 31, 2022
The author does a great job of relating her personal experience with grief.
October 30, 2022
Gave some helpful advice concerning the loss of your pet soul mate. It was nice to hear examples of others who have gone through it before.
May 1, 2025
It was fine.
November 13, 2022
There’s nothing super mind blowing in this book, but it was helpful to reassure and validate how difficult the loss of a heart dog is. I lost my heart dog 10 days ago and it still feels as devastating as the moment he passed the rainbow bridge.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews