This heartfelt imagining of what happens when a beloved pet dies offers children a caring introduction to the emotions of grief and loss, from a perspective of love and healing.
Shay and their dog Fluffy are best friends. Through the years they are each other’s source of comfort and companionship in times of both sadness and joy. When Shay learns that Fluffy is sick and they must say goodbye, they feel angry and scared. But Fluffy offers a gentle reassurance—as she always has—and Shay reflects on the meaningful bond they have shared with their friend and the love for her that they will hold in their heart forever.
CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens | 2024 | Commended
First Nation Communities Read Awards (FNCR) - Children’s | 2025 | Long-listed
TD Summer Reading Club Recommended Reads | 2024 | Commended
Indigenous Books for Schools | 2023 | Commended
FOLD Kids Winter Reading List | 2023 | Commended
“An explanation of grief that is perfectly childlike, but never trivial….Easy to share in groups or one on one.”
“A beautiful way to talk about death with young children while having an authentic representation of a young nonbinary person of colour. It will be helpful to children dealing with grief and is an important addition to elementary school classrooms and libraries. Highly recommended.”
“It can be difficult for a child when it is the pet's time to move on from this world. The way the author explains how the child is shown to understand is something that can be very powerful for another child that is having to learn and go through the same thing.”
“This story serves as a tool for fostering empathy, understanding emotions, and encouraging discussions about the natural cycle of life and death.”