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When a Pet Dies
In this useful book from the First Experience series, the affable star of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood helps children share feelings of the loss of a pet while offering reassurance that grieving is a natural, healing thing to do.
"A sensitive and sensible first book about death." The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Filled with warmth and reassurance,...When a Pet Dies assures youngsters that no matter how badly they feel when they lose a pet, in time their hurt will ease, and they will be able to remember with fondness the happiness they shared.Booklist
Fred Rogers and Jim Judkis live in Pittsburgh, PA.
"A sensitive and sensible first book about death." The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Filled with warmth and reassurance,...When a Pet Dies assures youngsters that no matter how badly they feel when they lose a pet, in time their hurt will ease, and they will be able to remember with fondness the happiness they shared.Booklist
Fred Rogers and Jim Judkis live in Pittsburgh, PA.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
9 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
About the author
Fred Rogers
121 books751 followersFred McFeely Rogers was an American educator, minister, songwriter, and television host. Rogers was the host of the television show Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, in production from 1968 to 2001. Rogers was also an ordained Presbyterian minister.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 9, 2018
Back in 2008, I put this book on my to-read list, thinking that one of our cats would pass away soon. I wanted to read this book with our girls to help them understand about what the death of a pet means and that it is okay to be sad.
Almost miraculously, though, our cat survived and is still hale and hearty today. But a puppy we adopted several months ago as a companion for my mother-in-law ran in front of a car a few days ago and was killed instantly. Our household was inconsolable for a few days and I rushed to put this book on hold.
It was a good book that explains in gentle terms about death, in the way that only Mr. Rogers could. The book is designed for younger children, but our girls still appreciated the opportunity to talk about the puppy and how much she meant to them.
I am sure that we will adopt another puppy, but we talked about how this particular puppy will always be special to us. The photographs depict the variety of emotions a child might experience and it helps to validate such emotions. Overall, we appreciated the content of the book, even if it was a bit young for our girls.
January 2018 update: It's hard to believe that my old boy lived so long, but we finally had to put our old cat to sleep this week. Looking back at this review, I know that he had his ups and downs, but he managed to stay by my side for a lot longer than any of us expected him to.
He was well into his 20th year and was not the most loved pet in the house (except by me!) He was a big cat, but it was hard to keep weight on him in recent years. Considering his age, I fed him pretty much anything and everything he loved, especially the high calorie Temptations treats, Stella and Chewy's nuggets, and salmon oil lickables.
He was a little stinky (even though I brushed him a lot and bathed him occasionally), he sometimes pooped or peed on his (waterproof blanket-covered) bed, and he sneezed a lot (gross cat boogers). He was never very cuddly, but would sleep in the crook of my arm. He enjoyed attention from anyone, especially in his old age, but he did have a few incidents when he peed on other people.
But he was my world traveler and followed me from my first operational duty assignment in the Air Force to my last and then some. He lived in five states and Japan, and was my cat through and through.
I miss him. Goodbye, Chuck the cat.
Almost miraculously, though, our cat survived and is still hale and hearty today. But a puppy we adopted several months ago as a companion for my mother-in-law ran in front of a car a few days ago and was killed instantly. Our household was inconsolable for a few days and I rushed to put this book on hold.
It was a good book that explains in gentle terms about death, in the way that only Mr. Rogers could. The book is designed for younger children, but our girls still appreciated the opportunity to talk about the puppy and how much she meant to them.
I am sure that we will adopt another puppy, but we talked about how this particular puppy will always be special to us. The photographs depict the variety of emotions a child might experience and it helps to validate such emotions. Overall, we appreciated the content of the book, even if it was a bit young for our girls.
January 2018 update: It's hard to believe that my old boy lived so long, but we finally had to put our old cat to sleep this week. Looking back at this review, I know that he had his ups and downs, but he managed to stay by my side for a lot longer than any of us expected him to.
He was well into his 20th year and was not the most loved pet in the house (except by me!) He was a big cat, but it was hard to keep weight on him in recent years. Considering his age, I fed him pretty much anything and everything he loved, especially the high calorie Temptations treats, Stella and Chewy's nuggets, and salmon oil lickables.
He was a little stinky (even though I brushed him a lot and bathed him occasionally), he sometimes pooped or peed on his (waterproof blanket-covered) bed, and he sneezed a lot (gross cat boogers). He was never very cuddly, but would sleep in the crook of my arm. He enjoyed attention from anyone, especially in his old age, but he did have a few incidents when he peed on other people.
But he was my world traveler and followed me from my first operational duty assignment in the Air Force to my last and then some. He lived in five states and Japan, and was my cat through and through.
I miss him. Goodbye, Chuck the cat.
February 25, 2014
After my children watched as our neighbor's dog was struck by a car and killed in the street outside our house, I turned to my old friend, the library, to help me find ways of answering their questions. When a Pet Dies was one of my favorite books from the bunch that search yielded.
This book handles the death of a pet in Fred Rogers' characteristically gentle and straightforward manner. I didn't end up reading this book to my kids because it didn't really address the questions they had after this particular incident, but I'm keeping it in mind for when we need it (a day I know is coming, as much as I don't like thinking about the loss of our two elderly cats. Chances are, I'll need the book as much as they do when the time comes.).
This book handles the death of a pet in Fred Rogers' characteristically gentle and straightforward manner. I didn't end up reading this book to my kids because it didn't really address the questions they had after this particular incident, but I'm keeping it in mind for when we need it (a day I know is coming, as much as I don't like thinking about the loss of our two elderly cats. Chances are, I'll need the book as much as they do when the time comes.).
July 12, 2023
Very thankful to my hero Mr Fred Rogers for creating this extremely straightforward and compassionate book about pet death. Really helpful in a difficult time.
February 2, 2023
sissi, i will miss you forever
December 15, 2025
Mr Rodger s is perfect for all generations and I had to buy for kids when I found them
November 18, 2024
This has some very good advice for coping with the loss of a pet. I wish this had been around when I was a kid. I was allowed to be sad for a week or so, then I'd get yelled at, made made fun of or punished if I showed any sign of grief afterwards. It was "just" a pet, so GET OVER IT.
There is one thing Fred Rogers writes that isn't true. He says that the grief goes away.
It never does. You just distract yourself constantly for the rest of your long, miserable life to keep from bursting out into tears in public. You overwork, take drugs, shop too much, try to kill yourself and fail ... and get another pet to save its life, since everyone else is trying to kill it.
Adopt, don't shop (if possible.)
No one will ever love you as much as a pet.
There is one thing Fred Rogers writes that isn't true. He says that the grief goes away.
It never does. You just distract yourself constantly for the rest of your long, miserable life to keep from bursting out into tears in public. You overwork, take drugs, shop too much, try to kill yourself and fail ... and get another pet to save its life, since everyone else is trying to kill it.
Adopt, don't shop (if possible.)
No one will ever love you as much as a pet.
April 17, 2012
This informational book was written to help families talk about the death of a pet with children. The information is factual, but still has an element of comfort and gentleness to it. In place of illustrations are actual photographs of families with their pets. The photographs are very dated but families can still relate to and see themselves in the photographs.
A recommend this book to families who have experienced the loss of a pet and who went clear information and suggestions for how to cope.
A recommend this book to families who have experienced the loss of a pet and who went clear information and suggestions for how to cope.
November 16, 2016
Exactly what you'd expect from a Mr. Rogers book. Honest, to the point, loving and gentle. I suggested this for a grandma to read to her grandkids, who are losing their dog this week. She shook her head furiously and said it was too heavy. I was disappointed in her, because I think in times like this, kids want to understand, not just be comforted.
The only issue I have with the book is that it needs to be updated. Loooooots of mullets and bowl-cuts in this book. If they could keep Mr. Rogers' words and add new pictures, this book could stay timeless.
The only issue I have with the book is that it needs to be updated. Loooooots of mullets and bowl-cuts in this book. If they could keep Mr. Rogers' words and add new pictures, this book could stay timeless.
April 11, 2018
If you say one of the best books you've ever read in your lifetime is a children's book, some people might be surprised. Of course, Mr. Rogers' enduring classic on grief and loss is not your typical book for kids. This gem is touching, real, and simply one of the best works ever written on the subject. Rogers is a miracle-friend -- the kind of person able to transcend his own death to offer comfort and healing to people in a place of great pain, young and old. Buy this book for your kids, or for you. Then buy a few boxes of tissues and prepare to feel happy again.
January 8, 2018
Mr. Rogers is such a comfort. Even as an adult, I find this book helps me with Belle's death.
March 21, 2016
I love Mr. Rogers, and 'When a Pet Dies' does a wonderful job of capturing his calm, soothing manner. Even as an adult I found comfort in his words. The closing passage is one I found to be exceptionally sweet: "Happy times and sad times are part of everyone's life. When a pet dies, we can grow to know that the love we shared is still alive in us and always will be."
January 24, 2011
This is the best children's book on pet death I've read so far. It's not a story about a specific pet, but a description of veterinarians, how pets can get sick, what death is, and how the pain of grief won't last forever. It is filled with colorful photographs.
July 18, 2011
A great book to read with your child when a pet dies.
March 29, 2012
Good job, Mr. Rogers!
March 1, 2014
Good for kids in the Mr. Rogers fan age set.
April 17, 2014
This really helped when my daughter's cat died in an accident.
July 28, 2015
Part of a series, dated photos but timeless content.
June 12, 2018
Well done Mr. Rogers!
January 1, 2020
Written in the simple and beautiful language of Mr. Rogers. Was a great way to have a hard conversation with my daughter.
January 3, 2023
Explores the feelings of frustration, sadness, and loneliness that a youngster may feel when a pet dies.
April 3, 2024
This is one of the classics, written by one of the Greats. That last line hit me: “When a pet dies, we can grow to know that the love we shared is still alive in us and always will be.”
I’d personally end the sentence after “us,” because the remainder contradicts the thesis. If all living things die, there is no “always,” so the love that exists in us while we are alive would therefore be gone when we die. No? No matter. 🤷♀️
There are a few other minor edits I would make, but I only have one serious bone to pick with Fred. He writes “No matter how sad or angry you feel when your pet dies, one thing you can be sure of is that you won’t always feel that way.”
That’s simply not true for everyone, and feeds into the western myth of grief as a time-limited phase to get through or overcome, instead of what it is: something that changes, that you learn to live with.
I’d personally end the sentence after “us,” because the remainder contradicts the thesis. If all living things die, there is no “always,” so the love that exists in us while we are alive would therefore be gone when we die. No? No matter. 🤷♀️
There are a few other minor edits I would make, but I only have one serious bone to pick with Fred. He writes “No matter how sad or angry you feel when your pet dies, one thing you can be sure of is that you won’t always feel that way.”
That’s simply not true for everyone, and feeds into the western myth of grief as a time-limited phase to get through or overcome, instead of what it is: something that changes, that you learn to live with.
January 6, 2021
What do you tell your child about the death of a beloved pet? How do you navigate all the feelings young children have at the same time you are also grieving? Fred Rogers gives us a solid, understandable narrative to walk your children through their grief. While the photos may be a little out of date, the words that Rogers provides will help families through this tough time. For ages 3 - 10.
January 4, 2025
A fantastic read about the impact of a pet dying with lots of opportunities for discussion with your child. A good book for therapists and caregivers/parents alike to discuss the process and feelings around the death of a pet.
October 24, 2018
While it might look a bit dated, the writing is simple, sound and straightforward. So important, and told in a way only Mr. Rogers could.
March 18, 2019
I would love this text with updated pictures. They are a little dated now. The information in the book is so good.
July 28, 2019
Hands down the best book for children who lose a pet, and probably some adults. We had to order ours from a Goodwill but I wish this book was still in print everywhere! Thank you Mr. Rogers!
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December 13, 2019Picture R7259w 1998
January 5, 2021
Mr Rogers did it again. Wasn't sure how to help my children understand a death of a pet and this helped ease then into understanding
October 6, 2021
A great explanation for young kids about the death of a pet.
October 21, 2021
This book provided a gentle and straightforward explanation of a difficult subject. It was a great companion piece to help me explain the death of our dog to our 3.5 year old.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews