Recently I had a chance to meet Sid Korpi, at the Minnesota State Veterinary Conference where she was offering her book, “Good Grief – Finding Peace after Pet Loss.” She holds the title of ordained minister/animal chaplain and has produced a collection of stories or as she calls them “personal and professional insights” on the grieving process of animal lovers. This book holds the innermost personal musings of pet owners who have loved and lost their best friends. The book is in seven parts addressing the following: The Grieving Process, Afterlife Connections of Humans, Animals and the Afterlife, Methods of Memorializing a Pet, All Things Considered, Role of Philosophy, Religion and Spirituality in Healing, and lastly, Moving on After Loss. Additionally, there is a wonderful bibliography at the end of the book that lists Pet Support Hotlines and other support sites and systems for those facing such loss. While this is not a book of scientific explanations, it is a good book for anyone studying or working within the field of veterinary medicine and involved in grief counseling or wanting to just understand the process better.
A testament to the job Korpi has done with this book came to me when I found myself shedding tears belatedly with ‘Skippy the rats’ owner. Reading Skippy’s “goodbye story,” I was transported to a Minnesota cabin in the woods where a small stone covered grave marks Skippy’s final resting place, lit by a lantern, never forgotten by his fourteen year old owner. Skippy’s story serves as a reminder that animal companions come in all sizes, shapes and yes, even species.
The reviewer felt that this book merited a three out of five star rating only because it is not a book which veterinarians or technicians would utilize regularly within their training. However it is a book that personally may be useful to those seeking to gain perspective on the grieving process of pet owners. In terms of the solidly good writing seen, the book would merit a five star rating were that the only criteria.
On a final note and a side note, it was of interest to discover that Sid Korpi is also somewhat of a movie star. At the same time that I was given the review copy of her book, I was treated to a copy of “Attack of the Moon Zombies” starring Korpi as “the Administrator.” For those who are fans of 1950’s style, black and white horror movies, this is not to be missed, the title says it all. Find it!
Publisher: Healy House Books (2009)
ISBN13: 978-161539981-9
VIN Bookstore: Currently Unavailable