Companion Animal Bereavement : A One Health Workbook for Veterinary Professionals (eBook)

During 30 years in human healthcare as a Registered General Nurse, Angela developed a strong interest in end-of-life issues and communicating with the dying and bereaved with empathy and sensitivity. With a life-long passion and interest in animal welfare, it was a natural progression to specialise in companion animal bereavement support. Shortly after gaining her diploma in this area in 2001, she was asked to set up and run an innovative national pet bereavement support service for a small charity, called Environmental Animal Sanctuary & Education (EASE) in the United Kingdom. Over the years Angela has developed her own unique methods of communicating with bereaved pet owners, and written a wide range of support literature on the subject, including a children's activity book. In 2021 her first book for owners was published and is currently available worldwide. In 2012, she was awarded a Fellowship by the Society of Bereavement Practitioners in respect of her work, and in 2021 the Society presented her with their prestigious 'President's Award of Merit'. After learning to teach in the adult sector, she moved into teaching and lecturing on this subject, and has successfully presented to vet staff and animal welfare organisations on this subject. In 2015 Angela was invited to lecture at the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) annual conference, the video of which can be viewed on her website: www.petlosspress.com .

This book is an insightful and thoughtful exploration of what it is like to lose a pet from many perspectives. There is straightforward practical advice delivered in a calm factual manner about decision-making processes leading up to and around euthanasia, this is balanced by a careful look at the emotional impact of this on all concerned. I found the in-person case studies particularly useful as they resonate with common themes experienced in clinical practice, alongside the check lists of practical tasks and things to remember at each stage. This book should be required reading for vet students and all members of the practice team, and I would urge practices to keep a copy in the tea-room.

The range of topics covered in order to support the mental, physical and emotional wellbeing of both owners and their companion animals is vast. From communication techniques to compassion fatigue, loneliness to guilt, grief frameworks to self-care, this book makes all areas of bereavement accessible and understandable, without slipping into a sad narrative. The fact that different types of animal loss are discussed (euthanasia, sudden pet loss, terminal illness) and that perspectives from different owners are considered (children, the elderly, health professionals themselves) makes this a singular go-to for any veterinary professional.

The considerations on in-practice training, exercises and team dynamics makes the book immediately accessible and relatable to the whole scope of professionals who influence, and are influenced by, the end-of-life journeys of animals and their owners. Angela Garner has managed to bring together the difficult, and sometimes elusive, aspects of the bereavement process and create a resource that will benefit the wellbeing and welfare of owners, companion animals and professionals for many years to come.

'This book takes the reader through all aspects of supporting owners leading up to euthanasia and beyond. Angela explores in great detail the emotional complexities and needs of those who care for their pets during this most difficult period so that while we as veterinarians look after our patients, we are able to, equally importantly, look after the owners.'