Animals on the Other Side

by Sylvia Browne, Chris Dufresne, Jo McElwee (Illustrator)

The New York Times–bestselling author and psychic Sylvia Browne and her son explain for pet owners of all ages what animals experience when their life on earth is over and what is waiting for them when they return home to the other side. Popular questions such as Does my pet miss me? Did he know I loved him? Can he hear me when I talk to him? Can he come back to visit me? and How will I be able to find my pet when I go home? are answered. The story begins when the spirit of Browne's dog, Jolie, leaves her body and goes home to live on the other side. Jolie runs, jumps, and plays with her eternal friends all around the world, devoid of the pain and suffering she was experiencing on earth. This is a comforting account of a pet's journey through one life and on to the next that explains how animals enjoy eternal happiness right alongside the people who love them.

Genres: Animals, Spirituality, Nonfiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Sylvia Browne was an American author and self-proclaimed psychic who built a lucrative career through books, television appearances, and psychic readings. Known for her frequent guest spots on The Montel Williams Show and Larry King Live, she claimed to communicate with angels, spirit guides, and the deceased, and said she had psychic visions from the age of three. In 1986, she founded the Society of Novus Spiritus, a Gnostic Christian church, and ran a variety of businesses, reportedly earning millions annually.
Browne wrote over 40 books, many of which were bestsellers, and maintained a dedicated fanbase throughout her life. However, her career was marked by controversy. She made numerous high-profile predictions about missing persons and criminal cases that were later proven false—errors that drew widespread criticism and scrutiny from skeptics and media outlets. A 2010 study by the Skeptical Inquirer concluded she had not been accurate in any verifiable case. Her reputation suffered further after her 1992 conviction for securities fraud.
Despite criticism from figures like James Randi and John Oliver, Browne retained a devoted following. Her vague prediction about a “pneumonia-like illness” spreading around 2020 drew renewed attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. She remained a polarizing figure—revered by some, discredited by others—until her death in 2013 at the age of 77.

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was hilarious. Did you know that in heaven - Oh sorry, I mean, the Other Side - carnivores and their prey hang out together on lost continents and speak to each other telepathically? Also there are unicorns. It's always the same balmy temperature and snow is warm and fluffy! The penguins don't mind. Sylvia Browne knows because they spoke to her in her mind while she was looking at the Other Side and they told her that it's all cool.

[Eva-Marie Nevarez · Rating 1 out of 5]

Notice the lists I have this on.
I saw this at the library and ever since our yellow Lab died a few summers ago (the first pet Julia lost in her short lifetime) I've been on the lookout for books about pets and heaven. Of course I noticed this was written by that cuckoo-crazy-bitch Browne but I still thought that maybe, just maybe, it would be alright. Yeah.
So I never even started this with Julia because the book is filled with Browne's ideas presented as if it's fact. She "saw" this and she "felt" this. Well, quite frankly, I think she's a big fake and full of shit.
I'd much rather my daughter decide for herself what to believe. I'm right here willing to help with that and I have to think that any parent who would get this for their own child, even if their beliefs line up directly with Browne's, would also be willing to help their child(ren) with the same. So..... the question is why get this book in the first place then? Why get a book where someone - anyone - actually tells things as "facts" when they in no way can be facts?
If I say that I saw God in my living room last night and He sat and watched Law & Order that is not a fact. Browne doesn't have all bad ideas IMO. I'll say that. (She does have some though.) But who the hell is she to tell my child something she can't prove?
I'm bewildered that there are five star ratings for this )even if it is only one or two). That scares me to be truthful.
She says "when people die they see a tunnel... that leads to the Other Side." How in the living hell does she know this? Has she died? Is she dead?
"Some go straight through, some hesitate... while still others decide not to go through and thus remain earthbound as ghosts."
What the fizz-uck? How in the HELL can SHE KNOW this??????!!!!!! I want to know damnit.
Oh, but animals don't hesitate - they always go right through in case you're wondering. Browne "witnessed" her dog "going home" because she supposedly saw a "magnificent swirl of white light." This, mind you, is her "proof". I say the bitch is certifiable. She belongs in a nuthouse. Preferably one that doesn't ever let anyone out.
Okay so, when animals are still alive, and at rest, they go "home" on visits. I guess that's like little mini 'death vacations' or some such. Freaking awesome.
So basically, they're already knowing about this "home" which is why there are no animal ghosts by the way. Again, HOW DO BROWNE AND HER NUTTY ASS SON KNOW THERE ARE NO ANIMAL GHOSTS????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Here, this is good. Okay, no animal ghosts but they actually do come to earth sometimes to check us out. That's why people sometimes "hear them barking, meowing, or tromping through their house." Apparently these two are nut magnets.
I think she watched Brother Bear (good movie by the way but if you're crazy like this broad don't watch it - you might get crazier - she obviously did.) one too many times because then she gets to talking about totems. Her totem is an elephant and her sons is a bear.
You're pet, believe it or not, has loved you through eternity - not just this lifetime. Actually, they chose to come to earth to be with you. Huh. I guess the millions of homeless animals are just idiots then huh?
Ooooh, another good one. There are no insects in Heaven. How do we know this? Because Browne said so. She's visited.
I can't even keep going. If this isn't enough to convince you the chick is nuts then maybe you should get checked out.

[Sarah S · Rating 1 out of 5]

I gave this the honor of a star because somebody might get a laugh out of it. I found this under a table in the children's section of our library and was intrigued. It seems to be intended as a comfort to adults and children who have lost pets. However, the focus is weird, so it doesn't hit either audience. It may be that I am just too cynical to be comforted by this, and grieving pet owners would find it sweet rather than painfully syrupy, as I did. The pastel drawings are amateurish, the layout is poor, and the text is dreck.

Any credit I might give to Brown and Duchesne for trying is cancelled out by the fact that their photos are on every page.

The good news? On the Other Side, the dinosaurs don't eat the bunnies.

[~*~JenJenBoBin · Rating 4 out of 5]

****4 Stars****
LOVED IT!! An animal lovers must have!

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was truly comforting to me as someone who dearly loves their pets and really grieves for them when they pass away. My pets are members of the family to me and it's heartbreaking when they pass away. It's always a comfort thinking of them in Heaven.

They answered some of the questions I had about pets and the afterlife, and even brought up things I'd never considered, like Chris saying that animals immediately choose to leave earth, and that they don't remain here on earth; even if we hear or see them it's not really them on Earth, they're here from the Other Side. That part was confusing, as was the part about there being no animal ghosts. While animals are on earth they visit Home while their bodies are resting, which was a really wild notion for me. Sylvia also introduced a new concept for me, that everyone has totems that they choose to protect them. I'd never thought of that, and it was another hard notion to accept for me. Chris said something confusing that I didn't quite get. Pets love their owners throughout eternity, not just during our lifetime. They chose to come to earth to be with us, which I didn't understand how that worked. Pets are here for us while we're away from Home and to keep the balance of life satisfied. It was hard to wrap my mind around that.

They also answered the questions of what Heaven looks like and how life works there. Sylvia had seen all of God's creatures in Heaven except insects, which was new for me. It was neat that Heaven had all 7 continents as well as the lost ones of Atlantis and LeMuria, the latter which I'd never heard of before. She said Heaven had the natural wonders, and also manmade buildings like libraries and other public places, which I hadn't thought of. Dinosaurs and other extinct species will be there too, every animal that has existed on Earth as well as unicorns and griffins that humans have never seen. That was a new and fascinating concept. Chris said the weather is always 78 degrees, with no rain, storms, natural disasters, cold or hot climates, and that snow is warm and fluffy and not frozen. People aren't tired, sick, or angry, which I had already heard of. He said there are a lot of places to worship, and there are golf courses, tennis courts, pools, dance halls and sports arenas which I hadn't thought of myself. It gave me a new vision of Heaven, and I'm not sure if I was supposed to know all of this or what. I've heard the Bible says not to go to psychics and learn the future, so I've got mixed feelings about this. On the one hand I'm comforted that my pets hear my when I talk to them, that they can visit me freely, and that they'll be right there when I go to Heaven waiting for me. It was nice when Sylvia said they'll be the first ones to welcome us up, pushing people out of the way to get to us. That's a really comforting thought and it gives me something to look forward to, and puts my mind at ease that they're not suffering and they're in a much better place. It makes the loss easier to bear. Also, she said we won't have any problem finding or recognizing our pets and family members, and that they'll act the same and have the same personality. It's nice to know that people and animals don't require food, and so don't kill in heaven. Predator and prey live right beside each other in harmony. I also liked when Chris pointed out that there are no "bad" animals on earth, and that the animals that kill other animals, and even people, are only acting the way that God intended for them to act. It's necessary for animals to kill other animals to keep the balance going, and it gives me a different way of viewing animals now. Sylvia also said that we'll be able to telepathically talk with animals in Heaven; we won't need to open our mouths to communicate.

This book definitely gave me a lot to think about, a better understanding of animals and the circle of life, and what happens to animals when they die. I feel like I shouldn't have read it though, like this was information I shouldn't be aware of. Because this was a children's novel, it took a lot of it away from me. One the right-hand side of the page there was the information from Sylvia and Chris, and then on the left there was the pictures and the bit of a long run-on sentence which continued through the whole book. That shouldn't have been in there, we could've done without the children's simple sentence, because it dumbed down what otherwise could have been adult-level information. It's like the book didn't know what it wanted to be. This should've been a small novel or pamphlet or whatever, with more detail instead of simplified views for children.

[Peacegal · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sylvia Browne, the queen of woo-woo, is behind this children’s book that seeks to reassure young readers that their deceased pets are in a happier place. Beatific animals romp through fantasy habitats in illustrations that range from mediocre to horrendous.

Browne’s vision of heaven/the afterlife/whatever, is called “The Other Side,” and it seems a very unusual concept indeed. We are told that marvels of human engineering, such as the pyramids and the Eiffel tower, await people and animals after their mortal lives have ended. Browne’s co-author, Christopher Dufresne, also assures us that sports arenas are present in the afterlife!

Not only will Tabby and Bowser frolic among classic Roman architecture and tennis courts, but also meet mythical creatures such as unicorns and griffins! It’s almost as if the book was written by an overeager 6-year-old: “An’ there’s gonna be DINOSAURS! An’ FOOTBALL! An’ THE GRAND CANYON!”

Like the Garden of Eden, Browne’s vision of the perfect afterlife is a vegetarian one. I found this aspect especially interesting. Species who were mortal enemies on earth are seen cuddling together on the other side. As in this world, however, farmed animals are so ignored as to be invisible. Considering the sheer number of farm animals on planet Earth (there are more of them than us), and the fact that if any creature deserves an eternal reward, it is the one whose life on this planet was utterly dismal—this exclusion seems especially egregious. The only farm animals who appear in these pages are horses (who are usually viewed as pets rather than traditional livestock) and a single lamb standing with the proverbial lion. Farm animals, despite their sheer numbers, have disappeared from the landscape, our consciousness, our thoughts, and our ideas of heaven.

As someone who, growing up, was coldly informed by religious figures that animals did not have souls and did not go to heaven, I’m not going to be too harsh on anything that tells children something different. Nevertheless, my own cynicism about Sylvia Browne’s empire, as well as her cherry-picking of emotional buttons, won’t let me see this book as much more than more crass marketing.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

this book literally takes no time at all to read, and because it’s so short there isn’t much to review. but I did have some minor complaints.
the writing on the illustrated page was for five year olds, but the descpritions on the page were for older people. the two didn’t go together. I wish this hadn’t been a children’s book.
I was reading and enjoying it, and then all of a sudden I turned a page and it ended. It gave no warning it was about to be over. there I was smiling at what I had just read, turned the page, interested in whatever would be next, only to find that there was nothing else.
I also wish it had been longer. and more detailed. some of it could have been explained more. or more topics could have been covered.
when I read the inside flaps about the kinds of questions this book addresses, I wasn’t sure that the book answered them all, such as ‘did he know I loved him?’ I might not be remembering it all, but I don’t remember them saying if our pets know how much we love them. I would have liked to hear more about what they themselves have heard/seen of their pets/other people’s pets on the other side.
the part about 7 continents, atlantis and LeMuria were shocking. never even heard of LeMuria!!
also the illustrations seemed faked at first. I was like is this made up?! it seemed fantastical and I wish that had been explained. for them to say that they had seen Jolie traveling the world and doing all these things.
I cant believe this book costs $17! theres hardly any pages in here!! my goodness.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan and supporter of Sylvia Browne for years and have picked up almost every book of hers. When I lost my beloved cat suddenly, within a week I headed to the bookstore to pick up this book. I knew from some of her writings in other books what our beloved furbabies go home to, but I really wanted the additional comfort of a book devoted just to that subject.
I knew, before purchasing the book, that it was designed as more of a picture book, although it is hardly just for children. The pictures are beautiful and although I finished the text and book itself in probably ten minutes, I found myself crying tears of relief and even joy at reading of the happiness, security and health that my precious furbaby now had.
Anyone who has lost a beloved pet should read these inspiring words - - and feel the immense relief of knowing that yes, we will see our sweet babies again and they will be restored to full health and gloriously happy. And while this book is absolutely wonderful for children, adults will benefit as well. A definite keeper in my library.
Five stars, all the way.

[Ratforce]

The New York Times–bestselling author and psychic Sylvia Browne and her son explain for pet owners of all ages what animals experience when their life on earth is over and what is waiting for them when they return home to the other side. Popular questions such as Does my pet miss me? Did he know I loved him? Can he hear me when I talk to him? Can he come back to visit me? and How will I be able to find my pet when I go home? are answered. The story begins when the spirit of Browne's dog, Jolie, leaves her body and goes home to live on the other side. Jolie runs, jumps, and plays with her eternal friends all around the world, devoid of the pain and suffering she was experiencing on earth. This is a comforting account of a pet's journey through one life and on to the next that explains how animals enjoy eternal happiness right alongside the people who love them.

You noted that a favorite author of yours is Sylvia Browne. This title was specially written for children.

[Donna Erlandson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little book to have to explain to your child about death and where thier animals go when they die. Sure is better than trying to explain in your own words. Let a book explain, and I might add that this book has gorgeous pictures in it as well.

[Lauryn · Rating 1 out of 5]

As a psychic I am very open to any religious ideals. But I am a strong believer that you should not mix the two. the authors made religious claims using being psychic as a foundation. this is a very narrow minded book

[Elizabeth Malasky]

Very Cute

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is good for kids if a pet passes

[Patricia Boyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comforting stories for anyone who has lost a beloved pet.