Pets are a very special part of our lives. Some of them live with us for so long, we can’t remember ever living without them. So, when they pass away, taking the rainbow bridge to pet-haven, they take a piece of our hearts with them. However, they also leave behind a big chunk of their hearts, as they are fur-ever a part of our lives. Chuckie is a lively, friendly chocolate Labrador. His sister, Neslee, is his best friend. But Neslee isn’t well. She’s having difficulty walking, eating, and she often has accidents in the house. It’s coming to the time when Mom and Dad have to make the difficult decision to let her go. Chuckie is sad, but he says his goodbye as do the others. It is the right thing to do. Mom and Dad give Chuckie extra love and attention and the pain lessens a little each day, but the memories remain strong.

Amy Jensen’s picture book story, Chuckie Says Goodbye: A Story About Pet Loss, is the third book in Chuckie the Chocolate Lab series. The story, written cleverly in rhyming verse, addresses the difficult topic of pet loss, of losing a loved one, an important family member. Told in the first person, from Chuckie’s point of view, the plot follows Chuckie as he outlines his friendship with his sister, Neslee, until he notices her growing weaknesses and failing health, leading up to the sad climax of letting Neslee go. The author uses gentle language and Chuckie’s comforting tone as he describes and shares his feelings. Colorful illustrations help carry the story along as the story approaches its sad ending.

The author includes an interactive exercise: a list of things you can do to ease the loss of a beloved pet as well as a blank page to allow the young reader to share some pictures and stories of their beloved pet. The author also shares numerous photos of pets (dogs and cats) who have passed away. It’s a memorial, a fitting tribute to a large number of fur-ever friends. A tender and compassionate approach to helping ease the pain and confusion brought on by losing a beloved pet. Beautiful! Keep the tissue box handy.

This is such a sweet story. A great way for kids to cope with the loss of their pet. To understand that others go through it too. The worst part of loving a pet is that their earthly time is too short.