9Society often questions and ridicules the pace and depth at which we grieve a loss, but especially the loss of a pet. The same pointed questions and hollow phrases are repeated over again, which ultimately create more pain and social withdrawal as we fall short of their expectations.

But there are others who understand that losing a pet is one of the most devastating experiences while the process of mourning has no timeframe. The first step to healing is understanding grief is unique, personal, and necessary. Through emotional validation and shared insight of others who've experienced similar circumstances, there is a community of compassion. Grief may not have a roadmap, but there is hope through the trauma and pain.

Our Stars Still Shine is a collection of heartfelt memoirs from 22 different authors, written in their own words. From across the world, their stories connect them through shared experiences of deep love, pain, and finding life after loss. Read their stories as they recount some of the happiest and most painful moments of being a pet parent.