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Fragile Tears
Stories & Guidance for Youth
on the
Passing Away of Beloved Animal Companions.
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Compiled By Alan Blain Cunningham
PhD, DVM, MD
Drawings
by Arianna Alexis & Lisa Hull. Front Cover Art by Arianna Alexis
Copyright - March 2005 List Price $19.95 Soft Cover
8 x 10 Many Drawings. Musical CD accompanies the book.
Agreka Books ISBN 1-888106-67-0 Library of Congress
2004117478
Dedication
A Story
Introduction
Table of Contents
The Author School
Libraries
More Stories:
Page 1
Page 2
Page 3 The
Salt Lake Tribune
Dedication
This book is dedicated to the
many children and youth who have been fortunate enough to have loved and then
lost an animal companion. Many consider the animal companion to be their first,
best, and truest friend. And to some, the loss of an animal friend is their
first exposure to death.
Appreciation is expressed to
the contributors of Fragile Tears the authors,
artists, poets, songwriters, singers and musicians. A special thanks to Gary
Stoddard for helping me to create the CD for this book. My love and gratitude is
extended to Gary. He is a true friend. He radiates brilliant colors of
generosity, talent, acceptance and joy!
Also I thank the many
wonderful teachers that have taught me how to appreciate the glorious world and
its wonders. From the delicate newborn animals, and scented flowers; to the
great man-made cathedrals and structures; and to the natural masterpieces of the
waterfalls, mountains, and forests. Life, in all its simpleness and complexity,
is beautiful and worth living. May we always appreciate, protect and preserve
its universal sanctity and find peace with one another.
Gary Stoddard teaches us,
"Learning to love yourself is the most important thing to do. To share the love
you give away and give some back to you. Open your heart and let everyone in and
leave the door open wide. When you learn to love yourself is when you let
yourself inside."
The Salt Lake Tribune. Jessica
Ravitz, 4-26-05. Excerpt:
. . . .His latest book, Fragile Tears, combines
submitted poetry, pet memories, even a CD of reflective music, which caters to
children. Nearly 500 copies of the book were sent out to Utah's elementary
schools as part of Cunningham's push to help kids - many of whom experience
death for the first time when a family pet (often a child's first best friend)
dies - learn how to grieve.
The self-help author took his message to youngsters in
Murray on Monday afternoon when he addressed an assembly at Longview Elementary.
The fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders' hands shot up when Cunningham asked how
many children had pets, and again, when he asked how many had lost them.
Cindy Durante, a fifth-grade teacher, said the book has
spawned meaningful conversations in her classroom. Even though she teared up
when she tried to read excerpts to the kids, it has allowed her 26 students to
express themselves, she said. "
Resources to help with pet loss
Alan Cunningham offers tips and contact information on his Web site, http://www.petangelsutah.com
Laura with Beau. Click drawing for full image.
by Laura Taylor
Ill share a story I wrote years ago. I was
thirteen years old and we had just moved to Kansas City, leaving all my friends
behind. What follows is that story. . .
Mom suggests we take a drive and soon we are
in unfamiliar territory. Almost out of town, the car bounces over deep ruts.
A long one-story building sits in the middle of nowhere.
What is this place?
Breathing frosty puffs into the frigid air, we pull open the heavy door.
Hundreds of dogs are barking. Cages line a maze of corridors.
"Are we going to get a dog!" I ask, my heart leaping with
anticipation. My last dog had run away.
"You find the one you like best and, if he's small enough for
our townhouse, we'll get him."
Slowly I walk down the long cement aisle. There are so many
and all want homes so bad, someone to love and take care of them.
"Oh, Mom, I don't know which one. They're all begging."
Little ones, big ones, even puppies. So many begging me, yelping louder and
louder. Then I see him a little Chihuahua mix huddled alone in a corner at the
far end, quivering. I walk toward this last cage, set away from the others. The
attendant says, "Trucker brought him in. Found him in the middle a nowhere,
kicked half to death. Too damaged to make a good pet."
"I'll take him."
"Little girl, he's too screwed up. You know, emotional; too
damaged to respond to anybody. Take one of them cute puppies back there."
"No, he's the one I want. Okay, Mom?" She smiles.
Shaking his head, the attendant unlocks the cage and hands me
this terrified tiny, blonde creature. Crusty sores cover his little body and big
patches of hair are missing. I cradle him in my arms and talk to him softly. I
tell him I'll love him and take care of him and never, ever hurt him. Nor will I
let anyone else hurt him!
On the way home, he wets all over me and the front seat of
the car. Mom says, "Honey, he is the most pitiful looking creature I've ever
seen in my life."
"I know, Mom, that's why I want him." At home I make him a
terrific bed with a pillow and my best blanket. Mom leaves to buy him some food
and treats. I stretch out on the floor and croon reassurances to this precious
creature so damaged by cruelty.
"His name is Beauregard," I announce to Mom the next day.
"Has he come out of his bed yet?" she asks.
"No, but he will soon. He's not shaking as bad, and he
finally ate a few bites. You just watch. I'll have him well in no time."
And so Beau comes into my life. I love him. And he loves me.
Ever so slowly, he responds to my love and tender care . . .
Read more in the book.
Introduction
Youth especially have a difficult time with the loss of a
beloved animal companion. Because often times it is their first exposure to
death, or the animal is their very first best friend. Grief over the loss of a
beloved animal companion can be devastating and isolating. Many times society
doesn't recognize or accept the depth of grief that people experience.
After the uncontrollable tears of sadness, we begin to heal,
sometimes very slowly. Gradually, as we begin to heal, we remember our lost
loved one with mixed emotions of grief and joy. And often times, without the
slightest warning, we feel a delicate tear on our cheek. A fragile tear created
mostly by love. May this book provide comfort and guidance to youth that have
lost a beloved animal companion.
The complimentary CD Fragile Tears is a compilation of music
from various artists. It is meant to provide positive and reflective healing to
the listener.
Sincerely, Alan Blain Cunningham PhD, DVM, MD
Top
Table of Contents
Introduction
Section 1 Tribute to a Best Friend
Tribute To A Best Friend Author Unknown
The Fourth Day by Martin Scot Kosins
Angel by Alan Cunningham, PhD, DVM, MD
Beau by Laura Taylor
Dolly Author
George, Our Pekingese by Ann Shields
I Stood By Your Bed Last Night Author Unknown
Henry, My Parrot by Dale Layer
Angel Eyes by Alan Cunningham, PhD, DVM, MD
Ole Blue: A Story for KD Lawrence by Diane Hunter
Jessie Saves the Day by Wes Treptow
Im Not Here Author Unknown
Judy, "My Beautiful Girl" by Debbie Pedersen
Nickys Life Was Way Too Short by Doug Robinson, Deseret News columnist
My Best Friend Pepper by Ashley J. Sprankle
Puffer by Jane Meyer
Our Beautiful Sophie by Marisa McKinnon and Michele McKinnon
Section 2 Goodbye Good Friend
A Letter to Pug by Alan Cunningham, PhD, DVM, MD
Be Mine by Alan Cunningham, PhD, DVM, MD
Yoshi by Alan Cunningham, PhD, DVM, MD
Wings to Fly by Isabel M. Gordon
Preparing Children for Pet Loss by Marty Tousley
The Price of a Dog by Neil Moss DVM
St. Peter Author Unknown
Overcoming the Grief of Beloved Animal Companions That Have Passed Away
by Alan Cunningham MS, PhD, DVM, MD
Additional Information on Pet Loss and Grief Support
by Alan Cunningham, PhD, DVM, MD
Grief Counseling by Alan Cunningham, PhD, DVM, MD
Euthanasia by Alan Cunningham, PhD, DVM, MD
Belker by Author Unknown
Just A Minute by Diane Hunter
Section 3 The Journey
The Journey by Crystal Ward Kent
Simple Things by Alan Cunningham, PhD, DVM, MD
Small Wonders by Alan Cunningham, PhD, DVM, MD
Rainbow Bridge Author Unknown
Simple Things by Alan Cunningham, PhD, DVM, MD
My Prayer to You by Alan Cunningham, PhD, DVM, MD
About the Author
Pet Loss Support Hotlines
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