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Where's Big Dog?: A Story of Loss and Love
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 24, 2026
5⭐️
sniff
Short, beautifully illustrated and perfect. This would be helpful for children navigating the loss of their first pet, especially a dog, as well as a beautiful gift for anyone grieving pet loss. No fairytales, no religion, just simple acknowledgement of love, loss and healing that can be found in everyday moments.
It reminds me of the writing Eulogy from a Physicist by Aaron Freeman, which I have found particularly comforting in my own experiences of pet loss over the years:
“You want a physicist to speak at your funeral. You want the physicist to talk to your grieving family about the conservation of energy, so they will understand that your energy has not died. You want the physicist to remind your sobbing mother about the first law of thermodynamics; that no energy gets created in the universe, and none is destroyed. You want your mother to know that all your energy, every vibration, every BTU of heat, every wave of every particle that was her beloved child remains with her in this world. You want the physicist to tell your weeping father that amid energies of the cosmos, you gave as good as you got.
And at one point you’d hope that the physicist would step down from the pulpit and walk to your brokenhearted spouse there in the pew and tell him that all the photons that ever bounced off your face, all the particles whose paths were interrupted by your smile, by the touch of your hair, hundreds of trillions of particles, have raced off like children, their ways forever changed by you. And as your widow rocks in the arms of a loving family, may the physicist let her know that all the photons that bounced from you were gathered in the particle detectors that are her eyes, that those photons created within her constellations of electromagnetically charged neurons whose energy will go on forever.
And the physicist will remind the congregation of how much of all our energy is given off as heat. There may be a few fanning themselves with their programs as he says it. And he will tell them that the warmth that flowed through you in life is still here, still part of all that we are, even as we who mourn continue the heat of our own lives.
And you’ll want the physicist to explain to those who loved you that they need not have faith; indeed, they should not have faith. Let them know that they can measure, that scientists have measured precisely the conservation of energy and found it accurate, verifiable and consistent across space and time. You can hope your family will examine the evidence and satisfy themselves that the science is sound and that they’ll be comforted to know your energy’s still around. According to the law of the conservation of energy, not a bit of you is gone; you’re just less orderly. Amen.”
Thank you to Indigo River Publishing for providing a copy for review consideration via NetGalley.
sniff
Short, beautifully illustrated and perfect. This would be helpful for children navigating the loss of their first pet, especially a dog, as well as a beautiful gift for anyone grieving pet loss. No fairytales, no religion, just simple acknowledgement of love, loss and healing that can be found in everyday moments.
It reminds me of the writing Eulogy from a Physicist by Aaron Freeman, which I have found particularly comforting in my own experiences of pet loss over the years:
“You want a physicist to speak at your funeral. You want the physicist to talk to your grieving family about the conservation of energy, so they will understand that your energy has not died. You want the physicist to remind your sobbing mother about the first law of thermodynamics; that no energy gets created in the universe, and none is destroyed. You want your mother to know that all your energy, every vibration, every BTU of heat, every wave of every particle that was her beloved child remains with her in this world. You want the physicist to tell your weeping father that amid energies of the cosmos, you gave as good as you got.
And at one point you’d hope that the physicist would step down from the pulpit and walk to your brokenhearted spouse there in the pew and tell him that all the photons that ever bounced off your face, all the particles whose paths were interrupted by your smile, by the touch of your hair, hundreds of trillions of particles, have raced off like children, their ways forever changed by you. And as your widow rocks in the arms of a loving family, may the physicist let her know that all the photons that bounced from you were gathered in the particle detectors that are her eyes, that those photons created within her constellations of electromagnetically charged neurons whose energy will go on forever.
And the physicist will remind the congregation of how much of all our energy is given off as heat. There may be a few fanning themselves with their programs as he says it. And he will tell them that the warmth that flowed through you in life is still here, still part of all that we are, even as we who mourn continue the heat of our own lives.
And you’ll want the physicist to explain to those who loved you that they need not have faith; indeed, they should not have faith. Let them know that they can measure, that scientists have measured precisely the conservation of energy and found it accurate, verifiable and consistent across space and time. You can hope your family will examine the evidence and satisfy themselves that the science is sound and that they’ll be comforted to know your energy’s still around. According to the law of the conservation of energy, not a bit of you is gone; you’re just less orderly. Amen.”
Thank you to Indigo River Publishing for providing a copy for review consideration via NetGalley.
April 9, 2026
4,5 rounded-up to 5 stars!!!
Ah this book is so heartbreaking but heartwarming at the same time too 💔😢🥹😭
This book is actually the reason why I have yet serious committed with pets. I don't think I would bounce back quickly if I lose my pets due to old age or any reason at all. I lost my iguana pet (not) long ago because he escaped through the windows and I still feel pain in my heart everytime I see his favorite food (water spinach). Tsunami (my iguana pet name) was affectionate-ish with me and I am still so sad I lose him. Imagine if I have affectionate pets like dogs and cats. I think I would be really hurt and broken. However, this book beautifully showed that it's normal and ok to grieve over our beloved pets. This book smoothly explains the stage of grief and then accepting it.
The illustrations were so good. Perfectly fit with the theme of the book. The colors were soft pastel and well embraced the story of the book.
I read this book to my 5 years old son. Like me, he also experienced the sadness of losing Tsunami, our iguana. Though his grief was/is different with mine, his was/is also valid. I think this book is relatable to him (and me) and made it easy to understand.
Thank you to Jessica Collins, Lisa Melamed, Indigo River Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC.
Ah this book is so heartbreaking but heartwarming at the same time too 💔😢🥹😭
This book is actually the reason why I have yet serious committed with pets. I don't think I would bounce back quickly if I lose my pets due to old age or any reason at all. I lost my iguana pet (not) long ago because he escaped through the windows and I still feel pain in my heart everytime I see his favorite food (water spinach). Tsunami (my iguana pet name) was affectionate-ish with me and I am still so sad I lose him. Imagine if I have affectionate pets like dogs and cats. I think I would be really hurt and broken. However, this book beautifully showed that it's normal and ok to grieve over our beloved pets. This book smoothly explains the stage of grief and then accepting it.
The illustrations were so good. Perfectly fit with the theme of the book. The colors were soft pastel and well embraced the story of the book.
I read this book to my 5 years old son. Like me, he also experienced the sadness of losing Tsunami, our iguana. Though his grief was/is different with mine, his was/is also valid. I think this book is relatable to him (and me) and made it easy to understand.
Thank you to Jessica Collins, Lisa Melamed, Indigo River Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC.
January 19, 2026
I just finished reading this book for the third time and really enjoyed Where’s Big Dog? A story of loss and love.
This book is a quick read and it explains very well how to deal with the loss of a pet.
Beautiful illustrations. Perfect book to explain the passing of a pet to a child.
Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC.
This book is a quick read and it explains very well how to deal with the loss of a pet.
Beautiful illustrations. Perfect book to explain the passing of a pet to a child.
Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Reading this in public was a mistake. I was fighting for my life trying to keep the tears at bay.
As the proud parent of a senior dog, I already dread the day my boy is no longer at my side. This book handles a deeply difficult topic with care, reminding us that our loved ones aren’t only with us physically. They stay with us long after they’re gone. I still fear that day, but this story brought me comfort in the idea that I’ll continue to see him everywhere: in the small, everyday moments, and in the quiet reminders, in all the things that make me think of him.
While this is technically a children’s book, it’s truly for everyone. The message is profound, the artwork is beautiful, and the emotional impact is very real. Just…maybe don’t read it in public.
Thank you to NetGalley, Indigo River Publishing, Jessica Collins, and Lisa Melamed for the advanced copy. This review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.
As the proud parent of a senior dog, I already dread the day my boy is no longer at my side. This book handles a deeply difficult topic with care, reminding us that our loved ones aren’t only with us physically. They stay with us long after they’re gone. I still fear that day, but this story brought me comfort in the idea that I’ll continue to see him everywhere: in the small, everyday moments, and in the quiet reminders, in all the things that make me think of him.
While this is technically a children’s book, it’s truly for everyone. The message is profound, the artwork is beautiful, and the emotional impact is very real. Just…maybe don’t read it in public.
Thank you to NetGalley, Indigo River Publishing, Jessica Collins, and Lisa Melamed for the advanced copy. This review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review to be added to Amazon UK and US on 24 March 2026 - publication day!
I thought that this was a lovely and touching book to read.
The story was well written and it was easy to read and understand and it has the most beautiful watercolour illustrations in the book which bring the story to life. They were nice, bright and colourful and they brought the story to life too.
My daughter enjoyed the book and I loved the message with the story too. We lost our family dog back in November at the age of 14 after she had been poorly for a while.
It is 5 stars from me for this one - very highly recommended and a good way to talk through the grief following the loss of a pet and the positive way to see him all around after he passed away and to keep hold of the nice memories
I thought that this was a lovely and touching book to read.
The story was well written and it was easy to read and understand and it has the most beautiful watercolour illustrations in the book which bring the story to life. They were nice, bright and colourful and they brought the story to life too.
My daughter enjoyed the book and I loved the message with the story too. We lost our family dog back in November at the age of 14 after she had been poorly for a while.
It is 5 stars from me for this one - very highly recommended and a good way to talk through the grief following the loss of a pet and the positive way to see him all around after he passed away and to keep hold of the nice memories
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“If I tilted my head just so, the clouds looked exactly like Big Dog. That made me smile.”
“Where’s Big Dog?” is a sweet picture book about losing a pet. It reminded me of when I lost one of my pets for the first time, except for me it was Big Cat (and Little Cat). Big Cat died and it felt like the world was ending, so Little Cat and I grieved together :( And just like the book’s main character, little things often remind me of Big Cat. I miss her so much it hurts, but these little reminders of her are the sweetest, and I’ll cherish the memories we made together forever.
Overall, wonderful book and equally wonderful illustrations 🤍
Thank you to Indigo River Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC! This review was left voluntarily.
“Where’s Big Dog?” is a sweet picture book about losing a pet. It reminded me of when I lost one of my pets for the first time, except for me it was Big Cat (and Little Cat). Big Cat died and it felt like the world was ending, so Little Cat and I grieved together :( And just like the book’s main character, little things often remind me of Big Cat. I miss her so much it hurts, but these little reminders of her are the sweetest, and I’ll cherish the memories we made together forever.
Overall, wonderful book and equally wonderful illustrations 🤍
Thank you to Indigo River Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC! This review was left voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A sweet, gentle picture book that is perfect for families who have lost a beloved dog. The story is simple and short, making it just right for young children, and it offers a comforting way to talk about grief without being heavy. The watercolor illustrations are soft and lovely, adding warmth to the story. This is a thoughtful book that will resonate with kids and adults alike who are missing a pet.
Thank you NetGalley and Indigo River Publishing for sending this DRC book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Thank you NetGalley and Indigo River Publishing for sending this DRC book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Where's Big Dog?: a Story of Loss and Love by Jessica Collins is heartbreaking and lovely in the way it walks through how grief feels after the loss of a pet. I love that Where's Big Dog? encourages the reader to see Big Dog in the little things and realize that he's not completely gone, he's there with us in our memories.
This is a wonderful book for explaining loss to little ones and helping them through the grieving process.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the free ebook ARC. My review is not required to be positive, and all opinions are my own.
This is a wonderful book for explaining loss to little ones and helping them through the grieving process.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the free ebook ARC. My review is not required to be positive, and all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book tugged at my heart strings. Dealing with the loss of a pet, this book helps with the grief process by highlighting that lost loved ones are still around us and show up in diffeent ways.
It's kind of funny. I feel like when I've lost people or those close to me have lost someone, the bit we never share with each other is the signs we see that they are still around. This book showed me that others feel the same way and it validated my visions.
I thought it was an overall, very beautiful book in terms of illustrations and sentiment. I just wish it was a little longer.
It's kind of funny. I feel like when I've lost people or those close to me have lost someone, the bit we never share with each other is the signs we see that they are still around. This book showed me that others feel the same way and it validated my visions.
I thought it was an overall, very beautiful book in terms of illustrations and sentiment. I just wish it was a little longer.
March 25, 2026
Quite the gentle look at animal loss, as a child – together with Little Dog – mourns the passing of, well, Big Dog. It's a finely secular look at how the love of Big Dog remains, when Big Dog actually ends up being seen and being thought of just as much as when alive. The watercolour art was certainly of note, as was the brevity and concision of the text. I'd suggest this if the religious alternative is too much for you, with false promises and/or rainbow bridge tweeness. A strong four stars.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Awesome book about grief. Big dog died. This was a tear filled, very sad time for his young Master. After some time passed, the young Master started to process the grief in a healthy manner. Magnificent, cozy illustrations. Highly recommend.
I was blessed with an ARC. Thank you NetGalley and Indigo River Publishing. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
I was blessed with an ARC. Thank you NetGalley and Indigo River Publishing. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Where’s Big Dog is a book about a beloved dog dying and how their person copes. The illustrations are lovely. The book would be good for young kids who are struggling with the loss of their pet. It could be a bit confusing if the child doesn’t see their pet in everything though. 3 stars
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book is one of my favourites this year. As a dog owner who has dealt with this loss multiple times, I found it to be a simple, heartwarming, and beautifully illustrated tale of loss and love. It’s a great way for approaching the loss of a family pet with kids but I feel it would be a comfort to any age.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received an advance copy of this book and was instantly struck by the beautiful art. However, once I read the story to my son, we both hugged our little dog a bit closer. There's a poignant message here for anyone experiencing grief and it will no doubt provide age-appropriate comfort to our little ones bidding their best friends a somber adieu across the rainbow bridge. I highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Where's Big Dog is a story about the love for a dog and the loss of your dog. It teaches that though you may lose someone or something close to you it doesn't mean the memory of them is gone forever and that they are always around you and with you.
Thank you #NetGalley for the early read
Thank you #NetGalley for the early read
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Goodness! Four pages in the dog died which is really sad. I like how the hero of the story find a way to cope with the loss of her dog. For sure death whether it be a human or a favorite pet is truly heartbreaking. It's a simple story and the artwork is clean and minimalist which I dig.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5/5 Stars
A short, moving children’s book about the death of a pet and how they can live on forever with you. I took off half a star because the dog’s death felt a little blunt, but otherwise the rest of the book was lovely.
A short, moving children’s book about the death of a pet and how they can live on forever with you. I took off half a star because the dog’s death felt a little blunt, but otherwise the rest of the book was lovely.
March 28, 2026
This is a beautiful story that can comfort both children and adults who have lost a beloved pet. When you read it, you know the writers understand how this feels. The book’s gentle prose, delightful pictures, and inspiring message are healing, heart-warming, and uplifting. A very special story that fills a very special need. I loved it!
March 30, 2026
Such a thoughtful book about dealing with loss. A colorful and kind way to tackle a difficult subject with a young person that might be dealing with loss for the first time! A really lovely portrait of grief that encompasses more than heartbreak.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
5 stars for making me cry! If you've ever known the loss of a beloved pet, this book will pull at your heartstrings. But it's a lovely reminder that those we love are never truly gone.
Review of advance copy
A beautiful - and beautifully illustrated - book about love's power to transcend loss. It belongs on every family's bookshelf.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"Where's Big Dog?: A Story of Loss and Love" is a sweet, gentle story about losing a beloved member of the family. It handles grief with warmth and sensitivity.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews