One Brave Boy and His Cat

The illustrated children’s book One Brave Boy and His Cat tells the story of a family whose cat has been run over by a car. When a veterinarian tells them that their pet cannot be saved, the father asks the vet to mislead their young son about the extent of the cat’s injuries. The vet instead speaks to the child alone and the young boy decides that euthanasia is the only humane course of action.

The book deals with the death of pets, but more specifically about the difficult decision of choosing to end an animal’s life by euthanasia. It also talks about guilt, the relationships between children and adults and between children and pets.

This carefully told story can be a great help to any family facing the difficult reality of pet loss.

"One Brave Boy and His Cat is an important book for every child who has a pet. Andrew Peacock, Newfoundland’s favourite vet, tells the story of one brave boy coming to terms with the death of his beloved cat. With compassion and grace, Peacock shows how children can be given the responsibility of deciding when it’s time to let go"

— Charis Cotter, Award-winning author of The Ghost Road.

"It is never easy to say goodbye. One Brave Boy and His Cat gently and lovingly captures the experience of losing a beloved family cat. In addition to the difficult decision to euthanize a pet, parents are often burdened with the worry of their child’s reaction. This illustrated story shows what commonly happens with honest and empathic discussion.”

— Margie Scherk, DVM, Dip ABVP, Editor, Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery.