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And I Love You Still... A Thoughtful Guide and Remembrance Journal for Healing the Loss of a Pet

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For those fortunate to have experienced the deep bond and unconditional love of a companion animal, the death that follows can be one of the most difficult and misunderstood losses to go through. Many times this devastating loss goes unrecognized, if not trivialized, by family, friends, and society; leaving grieving pet owners struggling to find healthy ways to cope and very few professional resources available. Written by Psychologist and renowned expert on the Human-Animal Bond and Pet Bereavement, Dr. Corbin brings the consulting room to your fingertips in the ground breaking and one of a kind book. Drawing on 20 years of clinical, research, and personal experience Dr. Corbin calls attention to the difficulties unique to the loss of a beloved companion animal and provides an interactive and compassionate guide to help you process your loss and work towards coming to a place of peace and healing. If you are interested in journal therapy and looking for a professionally written AND compassionate resource to help understand and reconcile the grief associated with the loss of your companion animal then this book is for you.

Each chapter begins with an overview and offers recommendations for coping, thoughtful reflections, real life examples, and then transitions to a set of therapeutic questions and prompts intended to elicit personal reflections and insights into your grieving process. In this book, Dr. Corbin challenges many of the myths associated with the death of a companion animal and discusses the impact of this disenfranchised loss on our emotional and psychological well-being. Providing a much needed respite of healing and comfort during your difficult time of loss, Dr. Corbin thoughtfully guides you to reflect on the special bond shared with your beloved companion animal throughout the years and provides a framework to help you express your most intimate thoughts and feelings associated with the stages of grief commonly experienced after the death of a companion animal. In this book you will discover the And I Love You Still... A Thoughtful Guide and Remembrance Journal for Healing the Loss of a Pet , is much more than a book about pet loss; it is a compassionate and cathartic journal and keepsake to help those grieving the loss of a companion animal find peace and commemorate the love and life of their loved one. This book and reflective journal is written in tribute to all the companion animals who have graced our lives in ways only we could know. May this remembrance journal help you come to a place of comfort and healing in your journey towards recovery.

245 pages, Paperback

Published January 15, 2020

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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Profile Image for Jen Busch .
25 reviews1 follower
April 30, 2024
I found this to be incredibly helpful in navigating the loss of my Emma. There were some parts I found to be a bit repetitive and some of the journal prompts seemed to be the same questions reworded which wasn’t helpful because I felt like I had already addressed them. Overall I would recommend this journal to anyone experiencing the deep loss of their beloved companion animal to give them clarity and healing during such a difficult process. While I don’t feel like I’m completely okay and totally through my grieving process, I do understand it better and feel like I can walk with it through life not having it weigh on me quite as much as before.
31 reviews
October 14, 2020
My young daughter is extremely close with her lab whom has recently turned eight. Unfortunately this is the age where they really start to show signs of aging pretty rapidly. He has always been very active and trends to gain weight in the winter but slims down nicely in the summer. This last summer he had a sore foot and hip so we didn't have him out quiet as much. His health is not bouncing back and he's nearing his last years. I really dread the day when we lay him to rest. It will be very hard for my husband and for myself but likely devastating for our daughter. He is somewhat of a service animal for her and we joke that she's his service human.
I hope I'm jumping the gun a bit by purchasing And I Love You Still but it gave me a chance to read it myself before she will need to put it to use. I am thoroughly pleased with this book and I feel that it will eventually be a very helpful tool for her in the future. The book has multiple examples of individuals and their pets. Each section explained why they had the bond they had with their pet and how the loss of their loved pet affected them personally. It also has sections where the reader can take notes and use it as a journal for their grieving journey.
Julianne Corbin, PH.D. is an excellent writer with an abundance of useful and intelligent information. She obviously knows what she's talking about and has the education to back her. I can't yet say how much exactly the book will help when the time comes but I feel like it will be very helpful. I'm very happy with my purchase.
Profile Image for Jeff.
285 reviews27 followers
April 1, 2025
For those experiencing or expecting a pet loss, this is a good book to have.

There are many different types of pet loss books available, and it can be a challenge deciding which to get. Dr. Corbin pulls three of those types into one place: Testimonial, activity, and professional guidance. A wide variety of topics and scenarios are covered.

The vignettes were less than helpful for me, but I did find particular value in a few of them. I found myself thinking they all started to sound like the same person, and it didn’t help that no sources were cited by full name (understandable) and that they were not thanked or otherwise acknowledged in the book’s closing (peculiar).

There is a lot of repetition throughout the book, but admittedly, it is not necessarily meant to be read cover-to-cover. That said, the repetition was especially notable in Chapter Four, a summary, where the same things were said a few times within four short pages.

Corbin’s credentials are excellent, and it’s clear she is a valuable resource on this subject. The book, perhaps, could use a little work. It could also be shorter.

The activities (writing prompts) will be very useful for me, though I have not begun them yet. I will set aside some special time alone to work my way through those.

I will be using this book, along with other materials, for a small group at work this coming Spring. Hopefully I can make the days and months after the loss of a pet a little easier for someone else than it was recently for me.
Profile Image for Connie.
254 reviews2 followers
October 12, 2023
After losing Lily, I just needed something to cling to. This book was perfect. Very understanding of losing a beloved family member. Many journaling prompts that gave lots of chances to reflect on each stage of the life of your pet. Journaling prompts are worded in a way that you can write to your pet in order to say the things you would like to say. I found this book to be perfect at this time.
2 reviews
November 19, 2022
I'm writing this review as both a grieving pet parent and a licensed mental health professional/doctor of clinical psychology. I was looking for for a book to help with my own process as well as a resource for my patients who are grieving the loss of their companion animal. This book, writen by Dr. Corbin, is hands down the best book one can find on understanding the grief associated with losing a beloved pet companion as well as suggestions and ideas for coping. There is also a section on guided journalling of your thoughts and feelings and heart warming stories of others who have walked this difficult path. Dr. Corbin does not just write from a personal perspective like so many other books out there on pet loss; many other books on pet loss seem to be written by lay people with no credibility or understanding of the psychological process. This book is based on the Authors many years of working with grieving pet parents as well as research she has conducted on this topic. If you are looking for a well written, well organized, highly insightful, compassionate book that is a combination of personal and professional experience/perspective, then this book is for you. I recommend this to all of my friends and patients who are struggling with the loss of a cherished pet. Thank you Dr. Corbin for your work and this blessed book!
2 reviews
October 23, 2024
After the loss of my beloved cat, Tiger, I found myself searching for a book that could truly help me through my grief. After exploring around ten different titles on this subject, Dr. Corbin's book stood out as the best. While some authors share their personal experiences with pet loss and others lean more on their professional insights, Dr. Corbin beautifully intertwines both perspectives.

Her commitment to supporting those grieving a beloved animal's loss is commendable. Having gone through it herself, along with her decades of clinical experience and published research, she offers a rich tapestry of knowledge and empathy in her writing.

As someone who values scholarly work, I especially appreciated how this aspect came through in her words. The book resonates with genuine heart and soul, making it feel like she spoke directly to me. Many of the insights she shared provided comfort during one of the most challenging times in my life. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone navigating the heartache of losing a companion animal; it might just be the support you need.
Profile Image for vicinthemeadow.
743 reviews207 followers
May 28, 2023
This book helped me understand the psychology behind grief and pet loss which is really what I needed right now. It had a lot of journal prompts that got me thinking of memories with my Boo I had forgotten about. Only tricky part was that it’s written in prompts for someone that had a dog from puppy to senior years. As someone with a rescue who lost him at 8 years old, it made me a wee bit sad but I just changed them to reflect on “puppy years” as his first year with me and it helped all the same.
2 reviews
February 3, 2025
This book was highly recommended to me by both my therapist and the leader of my pet loss support group following the devastating loss of my cherished dog, who had been my steadfast companion for 11 incredible years. The grieving process struck me like a tidal wave, overwhelming me with its intensity. I found myself grappling with not just the deep sorrow of losing my furry friend but also a cascade of secondary losses—the empty spaces in my daily routine, the quietness of my home, and the profound loneliness that settled over my heart. It felt like I was navigating an emotional labyrinth with no clear path to solace. The isolation I faced was compounded by the sense that those around me could never truly grasp the depth of my grief; it was a solitary weight that seemed too heavy to share.

In my quest for comfort and understanding, I delved into numerous books on pet loss. Unfortunately, most of these books left me feeling disheartened. They often recycled similar generic themes without genuinely addressing the complexities of such an emotional experience. Many of the insights felt shallow and disconnected from the profound reality of loss, leaving me yearning for something more authentic and grounded.

However, Dr. Corbin’s book emerged as a beacon of hope and insight amid my exploration. It is a must-read for anyone wrestling with the heartache of losing a beloved animal companion. Her writing style is warm and engaging, flowing effortlessly as she captures the essence of grief in a way that resonated with my experiences. I felt as though she truly understood the turmoil swirling in my mind, providing a sense of validation that was desperately needed. The relief and comfort I found in her words were like a soothing balm to my wounded soul, offering a glimmer of hope amid my despair.

What stood out to me was not only Dr. Corbin's personal experiences but also her impressive academic and clinical background; she has extensively researched pet bereavement and published her findings, which lends significant weight to her observations and advice. As someone who appreciates academic credibility, this aspect of her work was gratifying and reassuring. Her thoughtful approach provides not just comfort but a deeper understanding for anyone traversing the painful journey of pet loss. It transforms the experience from isolating despair to a shared journey of healing. I wholeheartedly recommend this book and extend my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Corbin for her pioneering contributions to the field of companion animal loss!
1 review
December 8, 2025
This book served as an invaluable resource for me when I was grappling with the profound pain of losing my canine companion, when other books did not help. Authored by a compassionate individual who has personally navigated the depths of this unique grief, the book benefits from the author’s background as both a psychologist and a researcher specializing in the emotional impacts of losing a beloved animal companion.

In these pages, I found a sanctuary filled with hope and understanding, crafted specifically for those mourning their cherished pets. The author skillfully combines personal anecdotes with professional insights, creating an environment where my emotions were acknowledged and validated, helping me to feel supported and less alone in my grief.

Throughout the book, she guides readers on a transformative healing journey that emphasizes reflection, understanding, and remembrance at every stage of grief. By fostering a compassionate environment, the author encourages readers to embrace their grief while also celebrating the profound bond they shared with their animals.

One key component of this journey is journaling. The author highlights journaling not merely as a writing exercise but as a powerful tool for healing, a transformative experience for me. Through reflective prompts and gentle guidance, she inspired me to document my thoughts, feelings, and cherished memories, helping me process my emotions and fostering a sense of hope and proactive healing amid my sorrow.

Overall, this book is more than just a guide—it is a heartfelt companion for anyone struggling with the heartache of pet loss, offering practical advice and emotional support that can help readers feel more empowered and capable during difficult times. I highly recommend it to anyone who is struggling with the loss of their pet.
1 review
January 13, 2024
I am so grateful that there is someone like Dr. Corbin who has dedicated her professional life as a Psychologist to helping grieving pet parents as well as adding much needed research on the topic of companion animal loss to the psychological community. This book has been my lifeline since the loss of my cat of nearly 20 years and I have learned so much from reading her words or wisdom and insights (clinical, research and personal) on the HAB and how to traverse the loss in a way that is personal and unique for each person. Her writing flows just perfectly for the grieving mind, and even the more dense material is presented in a seamless way. I love that Dr. Corbin guides you with therapeutic prompts and I write in the journal section every night; which has become what Dr. Corbin describes as a "linking object" to my loved one....It has become a part of my nighttime ritual now to connect via writing and journaling. Thank you Dr. Corbin for your work in the field of companion animal loss and sharing your wisdom with this over looked and maginalized community.
1 review
June 11, 2025
An excellent guide to help understand and process the loss of a companion animal. The author is a Psychologist specializing in grief and companion animal loss and offers a wealth of helpful ideas and information that was incredibly helpful to me during my time of profound grief. What I especially like about this book is that it is not someone elses story, it becomes your own story and your own healing journey that Dr. Corbin guides you through. I highly recommend
4 reviews
October 25, 2023
This book should be handed to anyone who is struggling with the loss of a beloved pet. Not only is Dr. Corbin a trained professional with clinical and research experience in the human-animal bond and pet loss, she is a wonderful writer and presents the information in such a way that it makes you feel as if she is speaking to you personally. There is a warmth to her words and written voice that makes this book very unique. It is filled with evidence based information from her published research and clinical work as well as many insightful tips and recommendations for helping to process the loss. Dr. Corbin provides true stories of people's bond and heartbreaking loss and does so in a way that does not lend to more sadness but allows the reader to not feel so alone in their journey. The book allows for one to process their emotions in a guided way via journal prompts and offers an abundant amount of opportunity to come to terms with the very real and devastating loss of a pet. This is not just another book on pet loss written by a lay person or arm chair psychologist; this is the book you want if you or someone you know is struggling to cope with the loss of a pet. This book provided a much needed glimmer of hope during my time of extreme loss. Thank you Dr. Corbin for your dedication and work in supporting grieving pet parents.
3 reviews1 follower
June 4, 2023
This is a beautiful and well written book that should be read by anyone who has ever lost a beloved pet. I have read quite a few books on pet loss and this book by Dr. Corbin is the holy grail of pet loss books; informed by personal, clinical, and research experience. This book is filled with compassion and wisdom that touches your soul and helps to heal your heartbreak. Throughout the book I felt as if she were speaking directly to me and the level of compassion and knowledge is far and above all. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews

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