A picture book for children grieving a pet

Goodbye, Furry Friend

A Letter from Jesus

by Nick Sanders

When a beloved pet dies, children often have big feelings and even bigger questions. Goodbye, Furry Friend meets them with simple words, tender illustrations, and the reassuring voice of Jesus.

Through memories of play, cuddles, and companionship, young readers are reminded that sadness is welcome, love is never wasted, and joy can return.

Buy on Amazon

Available in paperback and Kindle on Amazon

Book cover: Goodbye, Furry Friend, A Letter from Jesus, by Nick Sanders

“Crying may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”

A child-friendly paraphrase of Psalm 30:5

Watch

See the book come to life

Look inside

Simple words. Tender pictures.

Each page of text faces a full-page pencil illustration of a family and the golden friend they love.

Pencil illustration from the book
“I know you are sad right now. Saying goodbye is never easy. Your furry friend was so much more than just a pet.”
Pencil illustration from the book
“You played together. Remember all of the fun you had?”
Pencil illustration from the book
“Can you imagine a big, scary lion being friends with a little lamb?”
Pencil illustration from the book
“It means you will be sad for a little while, but you will be happy again!”

Inside the book

  • Written as a letter from Jesus to a child whose pet has died
  • Text pages paired with full-page, pencil-style illustrations
  • “Draw a Picture of Your Pet” and “My Favorite Memory” pages for your child to fill in
  • A note to parents from the author

Details

Author
Nick Sanders
Publisher
Manfishers Publishing, Texas
Formats
Paperback and Kindle
Paperback ISBN
979-8-9982722-0-2
Released
October 18, 2026

Praise

What readers are saying

“Grief is the price we pay for love. It’s sad when we lose a pet, but we would rather cherish the gift of love they brought into our lives. Goodbye, Furry Friend is not simply a book, but an experience of grief, love, comfort, and joy that parents can share with their kids. I envision parents and grandparents sitting with grieving children, helping them process their loss with them. The book is simply a tool that puts them together, in a lap or laying on a bed together, up close, heart to heart. We do not need to grieve alone, and this book helps us remember the joy our pets have given us and the hope we have in Christ. Someday He will make all that is sad happy again.”

Dr. Jeff WarrenSenior Pastor, Park Cities Baptist Church, Dallas, TX

“As I was reading this in my office, I looked down to see my sweet dog sleeping. I know the day will come when I will no longer pet her or walk with her. Your book was such a great reminder of God’s incredible love for us. I believe God will use this book to not only minister to children but to adults as well. It really ministered to me.”

Dr. Warren SamuelsFounder, NEXT Worldwide Student Missions

“As a mental health professional with an MA in clinical psychology, I’m delighted to recommend Goodbye, Furry Friend. Pet loss is often a child’s first experience with grief, and it can be difficult for both children and parents to navigate. This book handles the subject with sensitivity, offering comfort and hope while gently guiding young readers through the process of grieving. It’s a valuable resource for any family supporting a child through the loss of a beloved pet.”

Heather Sanford, MA/LPC/LMFTTX Licensed Family Therapist

A Note from the Author

Dear Parent,

First, if you’re reading this, I am truly sorry for your loss and the doubled burden of carrying your own sorrow as well as that of your children. I’ve walked the same road. I wrote this book so parents could read it with their children, giving them the chance to walk through the memories and emotions together. I sincerely hope and pray that you and your little ones find comfort during this time through the reminders in the book about God’s love and the hope we have in His promises.

This book is written in the first person, “from Jesus.” During His life on earth, Jesus made a point of acknowledging and caring for children. Therefore, this book reflects my perspective on how He might comfort a child or anyone else in today’s culture as they mourn the loss of their furry family member.

Thank you for allowing me to minister to your family.

Blessings,

Nick

P.S. At the end of the book are pages dedicated to capturing your child’s personal memories and expressions.

Nick Sanders with his yellow Labrador, Rena
Nick & Rena

About the author

Nick Sanders

Nick Sanders is a worship minister, published singer-songwriter, writer, and U.S. military veteran who understands the grief of saying goodbye to a beloved family pet. He has walked through that loss alongside his own children.

The inspiration for Goodbye, Furry Friend came during one season of Nick’s ministry. When a family in his congregation unexpectedly lost their dog to illness, he saw how deeply the loss affected the entire family, especially their young children. Their continuing grief moved him to write a book that could help other families navigate the heartbreak of saying goodbye.

Nick hopes Goodbye, Furry Friend will offer grieving children comfort and reassurance while reminding them of God’s love and promises.

Nick’s reflections on faith and contemporary life have appeared in multiple publications and on his blog, Wired Christianity. Together with his wife, he also writes and records Christian music as Nick & Ashley. Their releases include the EP No Longer Strangers, available on major streaming platforms. More about their music and ministry is at nickandashley.music.

For parents

Share your child’s drawing or memory

The last pages of the book are for your child: a place to draw their pet and write about a favorite memory. If you’d like Nick to see what they made, snap a photo and send it here.

The Draw a Picture of Your Pet pageThe My Favorite Memory page

Private by default. Submissions go only to the author. Nothing is published unless you check the sharing box, and Nick chooses what appears in the family gallery.

Photos of the “Draw a Picture” or “My Favorite Memory” pages

See the privacy page for how submissions are handled.

For organizations

Bulk orders

Many families first hear about pet loss from the people who care for them. Order copies to give to grieving families, keep in a waiting room, or lend from your shelves.

  • Veterinarians
  • Pet crematoriums
  • Therapists
  • Counselors
  • Churches
  • Libraries
  • Schools
  • Hospice care

A gentle story of love, loss, and hope

For families learning how to say goodbye while holding on to hope.

Buy on Amazon

Paperback and Kindle editions on Amazon