Celebrating Bentley

By Dana Ciafone

There is no feeling quite as heartwarming as a dog’s love. This book takes the reader on a journey, exploring the compassion and understanding associated with caring for an aging dog, losing a beloved pet, demonstrating how siblings can grieve very differently, and finally, celebrating the life and beautiful memories that they have in their heart for their beloved pet, Bentley.
Joey, the energized, athletic older brother, internalizes his sadness for his best friend, Bentley, while his charismatic younger sister, Lily, easily verbalizes her feelings and emotions. This book shows the importance of family and how vital it is to support and be there for one another while recognizing that everyone grieves differently. Mom is supportive and encourages dialogue with her children to help them process their grief. She discusses and supports her children’s feelings with love, compassion, and a beautiful gesture that ultimately allows the family to move through their grief with ease and to find joy in celebrating the life of their beloved pet.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gatekeeper Press
• Release date: Oct 20, 2020
• ISBN: 9781662903274

Book preview

Dana

Errrrring! The alarm buzzed loudly in my ear. As I rolled over, I felt Bentley’s warm body against my leg and I smiled. He was still fast asleep.

Good morning, B! I whispered. He slowly opened his eyes and gazed up at me. I sat up in my bed and rubbed his ear.

Time to get up, I said softly. He tilted his head and he tried to get up, but his hind legs weren’t strong enough and he plopped back down onto my bed.

Let’s go potty, Bentley. I said. I carefully picked him up, carried him down the stairs, and out the front door.

I gently put Bentley down and noticed the purple and pink illuminated Chicago sky as daybreak approached. Fall had arrived and the breeze from Lake Michigan was cool and crisp. Bentley walked across the dewy grass and then found his