Only Gone From Your Sight: Jack McAfghan's Little Therapy Guide to Pet Loss and Grief

by Kate McGahan, Jack McAfghan

LET THE VOICE OF YOUR BEST FRIEND GUIDE YOU TO THE OTHER SIDE OF GRIEF.

What happens when we die? How will you prepare? Why do some of us have to suffer? Why don't some people understand? You've waited so long to connect with your best friend, to receive a sign or maybe a dream. This is your opportunity. Canine Jack will answer all of your questions --and many more you haven't yet thought to ask. Learn how to communicate with those on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. You will find that you will be able to face transitions courageously, rid yourself of guilt & blame, learn how much you are loved and strengthen your faith in the fact that life never ends and that love never dies.

Our favorite four-legged grief counselor, Jack McAfghan, guides you gently and honestly through all aspects of pet loss and grief. Jack will prepare you, teach you to make peace with the decisions you may ultimately have to make and help you to understand that the end of this life is not the end of life at all. Learn the secret language that will help you communicate with your pets no matter where they are. This little book will help you know how to make the right decisions, stay strong in your time of loss, and ultimately to move forward by using the power of your love instead of the limits of your mind.

CONTENTS:
~Facing the Inevitable
~Anticipatory Grief
~Not Just a Pet
~No Life Without Loss
~Death: Feared & Misunderstood
~End of Life Decisions
~Preparing for the Passage
~"THE APPOINTMENT"/ Euthanasia
~Aftershocks
~The Process of Grief
~Ashes and Memorials
~Waking from the Dream
~Shock/Denial
~Fears and Tears
~Anger
~Complicated Grief
~Bargaining
~Who to Blame
~Suicide
~Depression
~There is no Death
~You Can Heal What You Feel
~Acceptance
~Growing Pains
~Anniversaries
~The Language of the Heart
~The Gift of Grief
~Dreams: Meeting Places of the Soul
~Signs from the Afterlife
~How to Tell the Children and Comfort Your Remaining Pet
~Life Beyond Grief
~Only Human: Why Others Don't Understand

EDITORIAL REVIEWS:
"LOVE LIVES ON... My heart is full and my soul dog Jade dances with joy every time I read a new book by Kate. This book #4 is a powerful read full of information on the stages of grieving and more. I revisited ALL of my losses while reading, both 2-legged and 4-legged. This book will help you with any loss, including loss of yourself while you journey through grief. You will come out on the other side of grief with a broader understanding of yourself and others in the process. Kate and Jack discuss all the hard truths of grief and pain of the heart in this book.
This book expands upon book #1, "Reflections". Kate pours her years of knowledge as a hospice grief counselor and social worker out to us. She tells us “how it is” in a firm and loving way. The book flows. It validated me, I know that “I did right” in all my experiences with those I love who’ve transitioned. Read it slowly, take your time, but read it." ~Sharon Hockinson

"NOT JUST A PET LOSS BOOK: This amazing book will help you through the stages of grief as only Kate McGahan and her beloved Jack McAfghan can. I thought I had already come so far in my grief over the death of my husband less than 2 years ago when my old dog died less than 3 months ago. I was right back in that dark place. This little book helped me see the stages of grief and helped me understand what I was feeling and what I was going through. I learned it is OK to not be OK for a little while.

Genres: Nonfiction, Dogs, Self Help

209 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2018

About the author

Kate McGahan has been a hospice counselor and clinical social worker for 35 years. She began writing the Jack McAfghan pet loss series in 2015. She has many more books and other genres forthcoming. She has a way of bringing stories to her readers in an entertaining and thought-provoking way. Intensely spiritual, she sprinkles subtle seeds of faith to strengthen the reader's spiritual path.

You will not be the same after reading her books because she will be teaching you while you think she is just entertaining you. When we grow we heal. Kate's books will change the way you think. You will never look at life or loss or love the same way again.

Reviews

[Sara Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently had to put my cat, Frank, to sleep. He was almost 14 years old, and this was really my first experience with losing a pet. I was devastated. I could hardly function. For that first week without him, especially, it was so hard. This book was a great comfort to me, and I really appreciated it. I would lie awake at night unable to sleep for how heartbroken I was, and then I found this book and started reading it when I couldn't sleep. It was the only thing that would make me feel remotely better. The author truly understands how heartbreaking it can be for a pet lover to lose a pet, and this book will open the door for healing.

[Olivia S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very healing. It was recommended to me by a pet loss support group, and I am so grateful I read it. It gave me a new perspective on Indigo’s death, and it helped me find a path to navigate this grief.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healing for those with broken hearts

This 4th book is a continuation of how we can see things in a new way and learn to heal.
Having to go through loss and grief is something all of us will experience. This book is a guide to help us understand that death is not the end. Love goes on for ever and I’m so grateful to Kate and Jack for showing me that Love never dies.

[Kimbo Baggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grief sucks. I had no idea how bad it could be. Well… now I know. After 3 days of not eating and crying so hard my face hurt I knew I needed help. This book has helped me process what is happening, and I’m learning to accept that Love Lives On. My grief is still new, less than two weeks, I turn to this book anytime my emotions take over. I can’t recommend it enough.

[valerie anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic little book that will help anyone who has suffered a loss, whether that loss be a four or a two legged loved one. Everything is explained by the author, much of it through the eyes of her dog Jack, in an empathetic and understanding way. The words resonated inside me, striking a chord and taking me to a place I so needed to be. I cried many times while reading but good, healing tears and I truly believe this gem of a book is a wonderful healing tool. Read it and heal your hearts.....as I did mine.

[Laura Yolanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have read in my life!

I have had many losses in my life, until the one I had a month ago when my Lily Tushkit cat required me to help for her transition after 20 years of learning process.. all about inconditional love I thought I had the way to go through grief.....I wasn't, Lily of s still teaching me so much from heaven, this book was incredible and the best way Lily could be presenting me one more of her lessons.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book about grieving a beloved pet. I decided to read it because I helped my precious dog, Lena, pass on Sunday. She'd had mitral valve (heart) disease for five years and in the last six months it had progressed to advanced, intractable disease. Thankfully, we have a wonderful, committed vet who moved heaven and earth to ensure Lena was as comfortable as possible and had the medications she needed even when it wasn't easily obtained locally.

Only Gone From Your Sight was written by a pet lover who's also a hospice counselor and licensed social worker. It describes the various ways pet owners may suffer after the loss of a beloved pet, and also provides the perspective of the beloved pet who would not want their family to suffer after their passing.

I'm not a religious personal but there are some spiritual elements in Only Gone From Your Sight. I found those references soothing.

Until now, I'd felt "It's Okay that You're Not Okay" was my go to book to help me begin processing my grief after the loss of a precious pet, but I also found Only Gone From Your Sight very comforting.

Highly recommended for pet lovers.

[Alexia Graziano]

This little book was recommended to me after my dog passed away… it was short, sweet, and heartwarming… the perfect read to help navigate pet loss and bring a bit of comfort and peace to my heart.

[Kathy Riebeling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It covers everything you need to know to traverse the bumpy road of grief. I've never read anything like this. I lost my "heart dog" Zoey almost 3 yrs. ago. It was a very difficult time, but I got through it. So many people get stuck in their grief & this book is invaluable for help with that. I learned new things about myself, which surprised me. The author is so intuitive, delving into feelings you didn't think anyone else had - like she sees into your soul! Kate McGahan knows her subject matter so well & this book shows that. It changed me!

[Debra Emmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author completely understands what your going through and what your feeling. This has helped me with the loss of my little girl Coco on Dec.21,2019. Coco was 14 and a half. I highly recommend this book. DE

This author completely understands what your going through and what your feeling. This has helped me with the loss of my little girl Coco on Dec.21,2019. Coco was 14 and a half. I highly recommend this book. DE

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this would be universally helpful to most people. I might have found this more helpful in the initial weeks following the loss, but it was still helpful to read now, while still struggling, too. I most liked the chapter on dreams. At times in the beginning, it did feel focused more on people who have lost pets that have lived a long lifespan to natural causes, which of course is not all of our experience, but overall the author worked hard to include all scenarios and feelings.

[Katie (Murphy) Seaward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immensely helpful in dealing with the loss of a pet. Losing a special pet is losing a friend and a member of your family, and the grief I experienced rocked me. I deeply appreciated this book. After reading I bought extra and have already given one to a friend who experienced the sudden loss of their pet.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was skeptical due to the cheesy cover and premise, but this book has been extremely helpful as I learn to navigate my grief after unexpectedly losing my best friend and everyday companion. I was woefully unprepared for the sadness, anger, resentment, and extreme feelings to come. This book felt like it acknowledged every thought and feeling I have had during this time.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a gift from a friend. It helped her when her dog passed. It has helped with the process of grieving of my dog that I had for almost 17 years. Am I still grieving? Yes but slowly healing with the help of this book.

[Melissa Volpone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really helped me after I lost my perfect girl, Freya. had never been through real grief from a pet before and I needed the guidance. It's told from a very Christian perspective, which I don't believe in, but it provided so much comfort that the religious aspects didn't bother me much.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I needed this today, read it in one sitting and it’s a comfort.
Christmas is already a difficult time, trying to function to any degree without my reason for living has not got any easier.
This book will help anyone experiencing the same thing. It’s written in a really interesting way and if your dog was your everything it will be of use.
If you need this book I’m so sorry for your loss, give it a read it may bring you a little comfort x

[T. Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just what I need to heal my hurting heart...

A very helpful book for those of us who have "fur children" - I wish I had read this book during the last few years of my old doggie's life, but I am very grateful to have it now he has past. This book helps to heal the hurt. When you have a soulmate in dog form as I have, they'll always be with you even though you miss the doggie kisses and snuggles. I highly recommend this book! 💜

[Erica Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this beautiful series even only having read this one. It takes you on a spiritual journey to help you think about grief and loss. I want to read the authors other books but choosing this and yes I see it as a sign was perfect for me.

[Maryanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Balanced as life

What a wonderful book, a must read for all who have lost a beloved pet, fur baby and companion. It hit home, made me feel better about knowing my fur babies still are around, waiting to meet again.

[sheila smallwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this if you've just lost your pet helped me so much

Made me smile n cry lost my Beautiful girl a few months ago this book was bueatiful thankyou has opened my mind to another level

[brenda duwe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compassionate

This book will help you learn and geal at your own pace. I hope that I can help pass it on.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Pet Loss book i have come across. I have read 7 since January and DNF 2-3. I believe this really connected for me because it is written from the dog's prespective and that is exactly who i am missing with my whole heart...RIP Priya (April 2010-January 2025)

Chapter 3:
"Grief is an emotional roller coaster. You will have your ups and downs and moments of terror and brief moments of peace. You can only go as fast as the ride will take you."

HIGHLY recommend for those dealing with Anticipatory Grief and, or guilt from their end of life decisions. It is written from a dog's prespective. I cried A LOT of theraputic tears

The description of going throigh the stages of grief rapid fire when you wake up is spot on. I have had this for four months now...especially with pets generally being such a part of our morning routines. It is when i personally grieve my loss the most.

Chpt. 16
Very comprehensive info on the anger stage of the Grief Process. Mainly that the amger stage is a result of fear and the feeling of helplessness. Try to stay away from blaming or lashing out at those you love as ut is a phase. No big decisions until you are fully healed

Separate your trauma from your grief. The most basic example being the night your pet was euthanized will give you some PTSD that you need to process seperate from your grief. Your dog wants to be remembered for their happy & healthy times. Of course there are more extreme examples such as losing a pet due to a dog fight, fire, etc. That will be a very complex trauma to unpack.

"Sometines a tragedy needs to happen to keep a soul on schedule."

"You are your own storm. You are your own relief."

Author fives some tough-love on getting yourself out of the pit of despair. In their opinion if you sit too heavily and too long in the grief it affects your pet's spirit. The soul wont be able to move on to the next phase and, or give you any signs.

Chpt.28
Because the way grief changes us you may find you have outgrown some of your relationships particularly those who didnt show up for you during this time

Chpt. 29
"Dreams are the meeting place of the soul."

1-2 chapters about signs from the afterlife:
"Goose bumps are like truth detector machines."

[Susie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure why I chose to read this. But I did read it for free with Kindle Unlimited. It's part of a trilogy & I've not read the other two, nor do I plan to, at this time. This one is told by Jack McAfghan, Kate's now deceased beloved pet. I don't agree with some of the things said in this book WRT afterlife. But I think this could be very helpful & comforting for a lot of people. Although we've had to release other dogs to the Rainbow Bridge, this book is something I wish had been available in 2002, when we had to let our "Monty" go. He was like a soul mate to me & truly my shadow for 16 years. It was a very difficult time for me. This may also make a nice gift, if you know someone struggling with pet loss.

[Stephen Lu · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Healing that I started getting my weight back after reading

Tears poured out within one minutes after opening this book.
However this time the tears run for a beautiful purpose. Knowing my dear baby was only gone from my sight, I started focusing on the great life that we shared together rather than the final struggles. And my baby is still living inside my heart after crossing over, teaching me things that I didn't know before. Love Kate. Love Jack.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was exactly what I needed. What my SOUL needed...to begin healing (and learning) from the recent passing of my best friend German Shepherd of nearly 14 years.
This book was a gift that supported me in learning many lessons and in opening my mind and heart. My girl continues to shape me into a better person. Run free, sweetest Roxy, till our spirits meet once again.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

My lovely friend sent this to me, and I can’t express enough how much I needed to read this. The grief is still very much present, but the author has a way of speaking your internal thoughts in a non judgmental, matter of fact way, then presents the perspective from the pet, which comforts and acknowledges your feelings. Did I cry the entire way through this book? Yes. Do I feel relief? Yes

[Nancy Estensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unfortunately I needed this book to navigate the loss of my soul dog. I was struggling and this book was suggested to me. I feel it helped me to rid myself of guilt and deal with my grief through a different perspective. Would recommend if you’re struggling from a loss of a close pet.

[Betty Hays · Rating 4 out of 5]

very helpful book

This was a very nice book about the enduring love between humans and our pets. It offered up ways to get through the pain of losing our soul animal. It helped me to know that others are just like me, heartbroken and sad.

[Katy Schlappi · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone who is not religious or spiritual, it was hard for me to connect with some parts of this book. However, the overall message and even some specific chapters really hit home for me. I will continue to think of this book and its lessons as I continue on my healing journey.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won't lie, this was hard to get through, cried almost thru the entire book. BUT, was an amazing book and am so glad I found it since losing my little fur baby. It makes me feel like he is still around. I loved the parts where her dog is speaking to her, and giving his perspective. Highly recommend this book to anyone that has lost a special companion recent or not! Love doesn't die it just changes💔