The culture of grief when it comes to our animal companions leaves many bereaved pet owners feeling lost and isolated. Too often, the expectation from friends and family is that the mourning period should last no more than a few days to weeks. But the loss of an animal can be equally as devastating as a human loss — it’s just that the support and resources for this brand of grief have been in short supply.
In her debut book, “Griffin’s Heart: Mourning Your Pet With No Apologies” (Creatures Align Press; Hardcover; $27.99; For sale now on Amazon.com), actress Reagan J. Pasternak (HBO’s “Sharp Objects”, Netflix/HULU/HBO’s “Being Erica”, BET’s “Ms. Pat”) provides readers with interactive tools, healing exercises, and unwavering companionship to help them navigate their grief and honor the life of their beloved animal ‘being.’ Readers are encouraged to explore their darkest feelings, make peace with them, and find meaning in their loss. Throughout the book, Reagan provides constant comfort by sharing insights from her own 10-year long journey of healing. For more information, visit GriffinsHeart.com.
“I started writing ‘Griffin’s Heart’ after the death of my soulmate animal, Griffin, as a way to help heal my wound and find meaning in my grief. Through this process I began to understand that the crushing weight of my loss was not unique to me and that for millions of people whose pets are their family, there was a need for a compassionate and insightful resource. The book is everything I wish I’d had after my Griffin died and it’s my hope that readers will find comfort, insight, companionship, and hope in the pages.”
Reagan J. Pasternak (Author, “Griffin's Heart”)
For 85 million households across the US, pets provide joy, companionship, and uncompromising love. When a pet dies it can be devastating and isolating, especially during a pandemic. Griffin’s Heart takes a new approach to healing in a hybrid format (part memoir, part journal, and part keepsake) and seeks to become the comprehensive resource for pet owners in grief. The book approaches the idea of grief from many angles, leveraging therapeutic ideas from psychology, philosophy, art, and world religions. Throughout the book the reader is engaged to participate by examining their emotions, journaling out their thoughts, documenting memories, placing photos, and more. By the end of the book, the reader will have created a personalized keepsake to commemorate their beloved animal that can be revisited for years to come.
“‘Griffin’s Heart’ is an invaluable resource for anyone suffering from the pain of pet loss. Reagan Pasternak has written a beautiful, easy to read book to support those who are experiencing grief. Interspersed with her own story, she offers tools, resources and journaling exercises to help readers release their pain and soothe their heart. Full of compassion and heartfelt wisdom, this book is a must have for animal lovers who are looking for support and healing.”
Tamara Levitt (Head of Mindfulness at “Calm,” and Author of “The Secret to Clara's Calm” and “Happiness Doesn't Come from Headstands”)
“Finally a book that honors the grief connected to the loss of a significant source of support for so many. Grief is an unavoidable part of loving. Thank you Reagan for providing a protected space to grieve. Sometimes the process of talking or writing out our feelings can have the benefit of helping us heal…I highly endorse this book for anyone grieving after the loss of an animal friend.”
Rebecca Bailey, PhD Author of “Safe Kids, Smart Parents: What Parents Need to Know to Keep Their Children Safe,” Clinical Director of The JAYC Foundation and Director of Transitioning Families www.transitioningfamilies.com
"I loved this book. I want to buy copies for all my friends who are pet parents to give to them when their time of need comes. I can’t recommend it enough."
- Heidi White, Long and Short Reviews
“A wonderful and holistic resource for healing the loss of a pet.”
Wendy Van de Poll, MS, CEOL
International Bestselling Author, Pet Loss Grief Coach, and Founder of www.CenterForPetLossGrief.com
“An amazing resource for every single pet owner.”
Dr. Justine Lee, DVM, DACVECC, DABT (Veterinarian and Host of Pet Life Radio's “ER Vet”)
“I found the book highly relatable, and would definitely recommend 'Griffin's Heart' to anyone looking to heal after a loss of any kind.”
Melissa W. Hunter (Author of “What She Lost”)
"A great, great book...you should never apologize if you are mourning or grieving your pet."
Maria Milito (iHeartRadio's “Maria’s Mutts & Stuff” Podcast)
With “Griffin’s Heart,” author Reagan J. Pasternak seeks to change the culture of grief around mourning animals. Those in grief, and anyone seeking to help after the loss of a beloved pet can now turn to “Griffin’s Heart” and embrace an uncompromising, unapologetic, and honest approach to healing.
The specially-curated volume has been created using ethically-sourced FSC certified materials, and comes elegantly bound in hardcover and packaged with a gold foil stamped slipcase. A portion of the book proceeds will be donated to various animal charities.
Click here to watch a brief message from author Reagan J. Pasternak. Like “Griffin’s Heart” on Facebook (facebook.com/griffinsheart) and follow on Instagram (@griffinsheartbook).
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Reagan J. Pasternak is a Canadian-born film and television actress, singer, and writer. She currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband, son, and five rescue animals. Learn more about Reagan at reaganpasternak.com. Instagram: @reaganjpasternak
