Dog Heaven

by Cynthia Rylant

In Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant's classic bestseller, the author comforts readers young and old who have lost a dog. Recommended highly by pet lovers around the world, Dog Heaven not only comforts but also brings a tear to anyone who is devoted to a pet. From expansive fields where dogs can run and run to delicious biscuits no dog can resist, Rylant paints a warm and affectionate picture of the ideal place God would, of course, create for man's best friend. The first picture book illustrated by the author, Dog Heaven is enhanced by Rylant's bright, bold paintings that perfectly capture an afterlife sure to bring solace to anyone who is grieving.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Dogs, Animals, Death, Pets, Fiction

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Cynthia Rylant is an American author, poet, and librarian whose deeply felt books for children and young adults have made her one of the most beloved voices in contemporary literature. Writing across picture books, novels, short stories, nonfiction, and poetry, she has published more than one hundred works, many of them rooted in memory, family, solitude, and the emotional landscapes of ordinary life. Her fiction often draws from her upbringing in West Virginia and reflects the textures of Appalachian life with unusual tenderness and clarity.

Raised in modest circumstances, Rylant spent much of her childhood with her grandparents in a rural setting that later became central to her imagination as a writer. Those early years, marked by hardship as well as warmth, shaped the emotional honesty and quiet resilience that define her work. She later studied English and library science, and after working as a waitress, librarian, and teacher, she began publishing books inspired by the world she had known so intimately.

Among her most acclaimed works are Missing May, which received the Newbery Medal, and A Fine White Dust, a Newbery Honor Book. She also earned Caldecott Honors for When I Was Young in the Mountains and The Relatives Came. For younger readers, she became especially well known through the enduring Henry and Mudge series, as well as other popular books and series that combine gentleness, humor, and emotional depth.

Rylant's writing is distinguished by its compassion for lonely, searching, or overlooked characters, and by its reverence for animals, nature, and small human connections. Whether writing about grief, wonder, childhood, or belonging, she brings a lyrical simplicity that resonates across generations. Her books continue to offer comfort, recognition, and beauty to readers of all ages. She remains a singular literary presence in children's literature and beyond today.

Reviews

[Classic reverie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to my Goodreads friend, Ann-Marie for suggesting this book to me! I read this quick story aloud for my little Papillon, Blondie, so she could hear the words!💖 Cynthia Rylant does a wonderful job in painting what "Dog Heaven" is like for young and old. I can see why children would love this and being an adult I was comforted! I read the Kindle version on my Amazon Fire device so the illustrations were extremely bright and cute. My favorite illustration was the dogs sleeping on clouds for their beds and turning around and around to find a comfortable position!

Having just lost Blondie, yesterday -Sunday morning - March 24, 2019; less then 2 months shy of her 15 year birthday, I am grieving as all pet owners do and my side kick is no longer here but this book made me feel better! The grief is still there but this story made me think not just of my loss but of others too, like my Goodreads friend, JV who just this last weekend lost her dear Lucy!💖 It also made me think of Dogs without homes and they have a home in Heaven. I can not highlight in my Kindle but I enjoyed every colorful page of this book.

Thanks again to my dear friend Ann-Marie and her suggestion of this story which is what I needed for this lonely Monday morning; alone for the first time in almost 15 years and my dear Blondie watching us grieve for her on Earth!

God Bless you little good girl Blondie! You are greatly missed!💙💙💙

[Hamed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dare you all to read this book and not cry.

اگه بر مبنای تعداد صفحات مقایسه رُ پرایم کنیم، Dog Heaven از A Little Life غم‌انگیزتره؛ و بی‌نیاز از پرایم کردن، کتاب بهتر و منسجم‌تریه.

نقاشی‌های کتاب با رنگ‌های اصلیِ اکریلیک و کاملاً کودکانه هستن. از اینکه هیچ سایه‌ای توی نقاشی‌ها نبود خیلی خوشحالم، چون هم به ماهیت کودکانهٔ نقاشی‌ها نزدیک بود و هم به واقعیت نقاشیِ کودک که عموماً از سایه استفاده نمی‌کنن.

با اینکه کتاب برای کنار اومدن با غمِ از دست دادن سگ‌های خونگی نوشته شده، ولی فکر می‌کنم برای غمِ از دست دادن هر عزیزی می‌شه خوندش و با یه گریهٔ cathartic، کمی آرامش گرفت.

خوندنش ۱۰ دقیقه طول می‌کشه. امتحانش کنید.

پی نوشت: به هیچ وجه بعدش آهنگ Iris از Goo Goo dolls رُ گوش ندید.

[Cookie M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been great comfort to me and members of my family in times of pet loss.

[Suede · Rating 5 out of 5]

When our beloved mess of a dog died, this is what our vet sent us. 5 stars for the vet, 5 stars for that limpy dog of ours, and 5 stars for this book. Gave us a really great cry, fond thoughts and loud laughs of the big ol' lug of a one legged dog that was part of our family, and peace knowing that he's a pimp now, struttin' his stuff with a lotta bitches and fat healthy legs (the pimp cane is fo' show.) You go Turk!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won't lie; I bawled my eyes out reading this book. A precious reminder of God's love and care for all creatures.

[Kelly_Instalove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over the past few days, I've been listening to, and telling my kids, and telling myself, all the usual stuff like "It was the right thing to do," and "She's no longer in pain."

But dammitall, my dog was DIFFERENT and all those generic platitudes JUST AREN’T GOOD ENOUGH.

So I bought this book.

My kids are too old for picture books, but no reader is EVER too old for a picture book like this. I put this on hold at Barnes & Noble after making The Call to the vet and picked it up on my way home from work. As soon as they saw the cover and title, both kids knew that it was time for The Talk About Jackie.

My 12-year-old daughter glanced through it, and then said, "I know what happens, Mom, I’ve seen Marley & Me," in her snotty tween-age voice before erupting into ugly tears and wiping her snotty nose on my sweater. But she clutched the book in her arms as we had The Talk, and she read it to her little brother before bed that night.

The nine-year-old little brother, however, is A Questioner. Sweet Mother Of All That Is Holy, the QUESTIONS. And he never accepts "I. Don’t. Know." as an answer — he'll just keep asking the same question again in a dozen different ways. Uff da. I clearly did not not inherit whatever brilliant skill my dad had for Making Up Sh*t On The Fly That Trusting Children Believe Until They Graduate From College.

I answered my son's eighty bajillion questions, most of which I'd answered 70 bajillion times before, as honestly as I could. The only questions that stumped me were the ones about cremation (managed to avoid direct answers on those), and of course, "But why does it have to be NOW? Why does it have to be TODAY?" Gah.

Dog Heaven prompted even more questions, and it couldn't help me answer the unanswerable questions, but this book did lead us to doing to some Canine World-Building of our own.

In Jackie's Dog Heaven, there are no suitcases or nail clippers, and the Mean Squirrels will cower in her presence. There will be garbage cans full of Happy Meal remains for her to nose through and nobody will care if she makes a mess of it all over the kitchen. Grandpa Phil will take her for walks and give her pieces of cheese whenever she wants and they will watch all the March Madness basketball games together. She will have a whole couch to herself and she will sleep on ALL THE BLANKIES and never have to sigh over humans warming their toes under her tummy.



Thank you, Cynthia Rylant, for making this just a tiny bit easier.

[Kristen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book raises more questions than it answers. Why does god hate children so much he murders them just to keep his dogs company? And even in heaven why can't a dog get a milkbone without having to sit and beg for it? In dog heaven dogs still have to submit to people? That's not right, what type of shitty dog heaven is that? This is precisely why Cats Have No Lord.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only cry when something really moves me. By the second page tears were rolling down my cheeks.

Rylant takes on the intimidating task of illustrating Heaven and God. How do you do that??? Well, I believe she found the perfect solution. She choose a purely imaginative way, in a way that a child would picture it. Most children view the world as consisting only of where they've been themselves- for example their own neighborhood. A child would probably imagine Heaven as just a better version of what he or she has known and seen on Earth. She simply illustrates God as a man- a child couldn't understand an invisible God having a relationship with the dogs. Since Rylant doesn't illustrate God and Heaven in a biblical context, you can read the story knowing that she isn't trying to promote her literal idea of what God and Heaven look like, rather just her hope that dogs do have a place in Heaven. Although if you dig down deeper, you can find theologically sound representations of God and Heaven. The dogs get to abide with God in His presence... "It is where dogs belong, near God who made them." He shows His goodness by making their biscuits unnecessarily beautiful and fun- just as He created our world unnecessarily beautiful and fun. The dogs are restored to how God intended- "Every dog becomes a good dog in Heaven." They obey angels, just like we will be able to finally obey God perfectly in Heaven. God gives them rest and peace and banishes all fear. They are loved and belong. Sounds like a pretty accurate description of heaven to me!

I love dogs more than the average human being- I admit I am guilty of giving my two pet dogs more affection and grace than my own family members. So coming from a person who loves dogs and knows dogs- Rylant GETS dogs. She understands what they love; what they live for. Everything that makes a dog feel truly alive she includes in Dog Heaven. It's what EVERY DOG should get to experience while here on earth- exercise, a loving home, enough food- but many don't. I especially want this place to exist for all the dogs on earth that have been abused, and have never got to experience what God created them for. Dogs have so much love to give, people PLEASE LOVE YOUR DOGS! This book "confirms my hopes" that dogs really do get to enjoy eternity with God, and that I will see my beloved pet dogs again when I am there. The book summed up in one word: HOPE.

The painted illustrations appear as if they were done by a child- which only supports what I wrote in the first paragraph. Their color harmonies and contrasts were excellent- very well thought out and pleasing to look at.

[Haylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

punching the air rn

[J9 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't give a lot of books 5 stars but I loved this one. Recently, our oldest lab passed away. My 5 yr old handled it pretty well, but still had a lot of questions. Not only does this book answer these questions expertly and with political correctness, but it answers the questions that never occurred to you as well. It makes you feel good about where your pet is and on top of that, the illustrations were colorful, beautiful, and engaging. Both my 5 yr old and I very much enjoyed it. I highly recommend this to those who have lost a dog, both the ones with children and the ones without.

[Stephen Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice book. I could imagine if i read it shortly after losing a dog i would cry my eyes out. What i think would be better would be to tead it to children while the dog is healthy to help prepare them for the eventual end. Illustrations are fine but not amazing works of art.

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was a great starting point when a family loses a beloved pet. It gives you a lot of ideas as to what the pet might be doing in heaven. The next time I see a fluffy cloud I will imagine my cat, Jasmine, sleeping on it.

[Michael Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommended for young readers and animal lovers.

[Linda Lipko · Rating 3 out of 5]

Comforting to those who know the pain and grief associated with the loss of a pet, Rylant paints a lovely picture of dog heaven where fields abound, with lots of room to run.

God watches from behind a tree as geese honk and dogs chase. Knowing dogs love children, dog heaven is filled with children who play ball and fly kites to the clouds. Dogs sleep on fluffy clouds and eat ham sandwich biscuits.

Dogs remember their previous owner and sometimes an angel walks them back to earth for a temporary time of joy.

[Linda Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Dog Heaven
Author: Cynthia Rylant
Source: Gift from @staciwilkenson
Publication Date: Aug. 1, 1995

As many of you know, I lost my 12-year-old Chihuahua, who was a rescue for our family, recently. We have had many dogs over the years, but Bella was one of the most loving and personable Dogs we’ve ever had. Yes, she could be sassy and fierce, but it was never a dull moment around her, and she loved us unreservedly after so much early abuse. I think it hurts more when it’s unexpected, even though she had been successfully fighting cancer. And I was heartbroken at her loss. But one of my friends, Staci, sent me this book today. It’s a simple story but beautiful, lovely, and well-told. It reminded me that in my heaven, our fur babies wait for us. If you want a book to help anyone, including children, understand the loss of a loved pet, I would highly recommend this book. I can pull out this story for comfort when remembering Bella. Thank you, @staciwilkenson, for your kind thoughtfulness. #iMissBella #dogheaven @cynthia_rylant_ @blue_sky_press_ #grief #dog #kindnessmatters❤️

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Remember the 1990s? Remember when Dav Pilkey and Cynthia Rylant were a couple? Remember all the great books by Cynthia Rylant?
In addition to the Henry and Mudge series, there were When I Was Young in the Mountains, The Relatives Came, Silver Packages, and a couple of Newbery winning titles, Missing May and A Fine White Dust (which one of my practicum teachers did as a read-aloud with her 4th graders). And for animal lovers, there was Cat Heaven and this one.

[christianchicklit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite kids' books of all time! I have probably bought over 10 copies of this book. It's a special story of what happens when dogs go to heaven. Although it’s not accurate from a Biblical perspective, it has some sweet thoughts about what life is like in heaven for dogs. God has a sense of humor since they get biscuits in the shape of cats and mailmen. And before going to sleep at night, the dogs turn around several times on a cloud to make sure that it all settles just right before they lay down. The book suggests that the dogs come back to earth and check on their humans to make sure that everything is ok and they follow their child to school from afar to make sure that everything is alright. If you've had a dog that has recently died, there are some very sweet thoughts in this book that will comfort you. The illustrations are adorable too!
When a friend's dog passes away, I like to give them a copy of this book and write on the inside that this is in memory of their dog that was loved deeply by his family, friends and everyone who met them. Dogs are an important part of the family. They are so much more than just a pet. If you are a dog person too, you will love this book.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book came to our family at the perfect time; it's a lovely story for all ages about what happens to dogs after they cross the rainbow bridge. I want to reiterate the advice of the dear friend who gave it to us after our Holly passed: Read it on your own, when you don't have somewhere to be--it's THAT moving. Thanks to the author for easing our pain, and even making us smile a little.

[Meadow · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book about what happens after your dog dies. It totally makes me choke up every time I read it. Plus, the illustrations are awesome. The god in the book is pretty funny. He looks like a farmer, which I guess dogs like.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must for any family or child who has lost a beloved dog. Sweet without being cloying, and even humorous at times, Rylant shows what happens when dogs die, and it's beautiful and so comforting.

[T. Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the message and illustrations. I frequently re-read it! Precius to me! 💜🌹💜

[Rosemary Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I miss Buddy so much. I feel an emptiness now that he is gone. The world has lost something. It seems to be a less special place, its magic is dimmed. I turned to this book, "Dog Heaven" by Cynthia Rylant for solace and it did take away some of the heartache.

Instead of thinking that this sweet, playful soul is no more, it is comforting to think of him returning to the God who made him. I find hope in the idea of him, running in vast green fields, like the ones depicted in the book, completely free and unencumbered by illness, age or fences. He even looks like some of the little white dogs painted in the story.

Rylant not only wrote, but illustrated this book as well. The colors she uses are bold acrylics - bright oranges, reds, yellows and blues...many wonderful hues, to depict an afterlife that is vibrant and happy. There are red apples in a verdant tree, set against an azure sky. It is the springtime of dreams.

According to her, dogs are never alone in this vivid heaven. They frolic with each other and CHILDREN. This caught my attention because my mom and I both agreed that it would have been nice if Buddy had been around children more often. He loved to play with them and lick their faces on walks. They were a mutual admiration society. Kids would come running from front lawns to pet him and his tail would wag with such joyful energy upon greeting them.

So, it's a beautiful thought that they're in heaven with him, especially since I volunteer with seriously ill children at a hospital. I smiled to myself when Rylant wrote about,"children on bikes," because Buddy would spin around in circles and pull on his leash, wanting to chase them, to be with them. Now he can. The sun will never again set on playtime for these two.

The only criticism I have, based on my experience with Buddy, is when the author writes, "And, of course, all God's dogs sit when the angels say 'sit.'Every dog becomes a good dog in Dog Heaven." In all of his 18 years, Buddy had no real use for commands.

If you pointed to your cheek and said, "Give me a kiss," as my brother did, he often would but that's one of the few "commands,"(more like sweet suggestions), that I remember him following. Most often his love and his interaction with us and the world was based on his own choosing. That's how we wanted it. He was 100 percent himself, a feisty Jack Russell terrier with a strong sense of independence, who carried himself as an equal member of our family. I can't imagine that God would do anything to curb that spirited personality.

But something else I especially appreciated about the book was that Rylant wrote, "The dogs in Dog Heaven who have no real homes on Earth are given one in Heaven." This reminds me of all the dogs who do not make it out of animal control and/or live as strays or in abusive situations. I thought of Pam, a gentle black lab mix, who deserved so much better in her time here, than to leave the world at the age of two, given such little chance for someone to claim her. I hope she has found love and caring, that God calls her His own. I would like to hold her close some day.

My arms ache for my beloved Buddy as well. He was such a gift to us. There is the hope, as the book so sweetly illustrates, that we will see each other again. He will raise his head in recognition as I cross the horizon. But for now, I just make myself a promise - to never forget my beautiful little boy.

[Tremaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed this book! After recently losing my sweet Little Monster of 17 years, I came home from visiting my mom, and found this book at my door.

A writing buddy of mine had it sent to me. Knowing my connection and love for my dog, she thought it would be the perfect gesture. Someone she knows had the same book delivered to her shortly after she dealt with the loss of her dog.

Dog Heaven not only made me smile, but it calmed my heart. It allowed me to shed a few tears while reflecting on the best memories I have of my time spent with my little one. It made me believe my purpose was fulfilled with my dog.

Chock full of happy feelings, sweet illustrations, and a loving storyline for everyone to enjoy, Dog Heaven is a great book to gift to someone grieving and dealing with a fresh loss of their pet.

It's a tiny glimmer of hope, sprinkled with joy, and wrapped in love.

[Deena Graves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Early last month, I walked into my local B&N on a mission. My 10 year-old lab was close to The Day and I needed something to try to help my young son understand and accept what was going to happen. He's three, so having the rational 'all things die' talk wasn't going to cut it. I walked out with Dog Heaven. That night my son wanted to read it. It's a fantastic book full of bright colors and pictures of dogs having a great time. My son loved it. We were about half way through when something clicked inside him. He understood something. Maybe not all, but this book helped paint the picture. We had a long talk about our dog, Arwen, that night and how soon she would go to Dog Heaven too. At first it was difficult for him, but then the more we read Dog Heaven, the more he seemed to warm to the idea. We would flip through Cynthia's vibrant pages and talk about Arwen playing with the geese, sleeping on cloud pillows, or even coming to visit him and watch over him where he couldn't see. I needed a story, nothing instructional, to help my young son understand that going to dog heaven wasn't bad and that our beloved Arwen would have fun there. Dog Heaven did the trick. It continues to be a popular read in my home, and my son still talks about Arwen eating ham sandwich biscuits. Was it a perfect book? Not really, since Dog Heaven is a little 'churchy' for my taste, but the message was simple enough for my child to understand that Dog Heaven is a good place, a happy place, and one day he can see Arwen again. And I thank Cynthia for it.

[Cara · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wasn't overly impressed with this book. I hope my dog doesn't go to this dog heaven. My version of dog heaven, the one in my head. I think my dog would be much happier there than in Cynthia Rylant's book version. why do dogs have to sit to get a treat in heaven? Why do only dogs that don't have homes on Earth get a home in heaven. Why do all dogs become good dogs? Shouldn't the dogs that are already in heaven be good dogs? I think she was saying you know that all dogs can get Redemption and go to heaven but did she forget about Cujo? Cujo does not deserve to go to heaven. I didn't have a question with the angel children that some people seem to have let's face it some kids die early it's unfortunate but true that doesn't mean that God murders children. I also think that many parents that aren't overly religious wouldn't like this book for their child; it stresses heavily on god in this book. why can't dogs just go to heaven? it's not like dogs know who God is or isn't. why do dogs have to beg at the table when they're in heaven? Shouldn't they be able to eat whatever and whenever they want?
the pictures were cute and I like the colors. That's about all I can say I like about this book.

[Charli Greene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dog Heaven is about a dogs life in Heaven. All dog lovers believe that there is a doggy heaven.
Within this book Cynthia Rylant takes the reader through a day in the life of a dog in heaven. She describes how they are treated and what they do on a normal day while they are in this dog heaven. This book is a very fun and colorful read. Each page is very descriptive and and takes the reader to this place! While reading this story, I was intrigued because I would too want to believe that when my pets pass away, that they are in heaven and that they are happy watching over me and my family. I was so happy when reading this book because I was picturing my dog doing the same things that this little dog was doing in heaven! I think that this story would be great for young kids who are learning about death and how to deal with it. Everyone loves their pets and losing their first is definitely hard and different. Rylant brings a gentle lesson to love what you have while you have it as well as believe that they are in a better place! I loved this book and recommend it to all, especially dog lovers like me!

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Earlier this year, my family said goodbye to our beloved dog. It was a devastating loss, and one of the things that brought me comfort in the aftermath was this book, gifted to me by a friend who said it helped her and her family when they’ve lost dogs in the past.

This little picture book is fairly religious (and I’m not), but it was impossible to not smile while reading about what a dog’s version of heaven might be like. There are beds made of clouds, balls to play with, open fields to run in, and a home for each and every dog (even the ones who never found a home on earth).

Though aimed at children, this is a book that can easily be appreciated by all animal lovers and I imagine it’s one that would help bring joy to anyone else experiencing the sadness of loss.

[Rose Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wonderful book, with charming and colorful illustrations, is about just what it says -- Dog Heaven, where every dog has a name, every dog is loved and wanted, and beloved pets wait for their masters to join them. It brings tears to my eyes every time I read it. If you have ever owned a dog, you will love this book.

Also, as a library worker, I have recommended this book to library patrons who are trying to explain the loss of a beloved pet to a child. It is actually a comforting book for anyone who has happy bittersweet memories of their pets who are gone. I have also given it as a gift several times to friends whose pets have died.

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 9-year-old daughter's teacher loaned this to us after we made the difficult decision to put our beloved yellow lab, Morgan, to sleep. The sentiments expressed in this book echo exactly my hopes for dog heaven.

You are never too old for a good picture book, and this is a very, very good picture book. Even though my daughter is just about too old for picture books, I might purchase a copy of this one so she can revisit it whenever she misses Morgan and for the unavoidable day when our chocolate lab has to join him in dog heaven.

[Shawn Thrasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book can succor and provide strength in difficult times. Damn the snarks. I'm not even sure I believe in people heaven, but after reading this book, I know there is heaven for dogs. They deserve it. (cats, on the other hand, probably are in Hell - because it's far more enjoyable for them in Hell). Only the heartless - or dog-haters - won't at least feel a sentimental tug at the corner of their eyes. I hid in my office at work and wept. "They will be there when old friends show up."