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Buddhism for Pet Lovers: Supporting our closest companions through life and death
The bonds we share with our pets go beyond words and are often deeper than many of our human relationships. What is the nature of these close connections? And what if our influence on pets, both in life and especially through sickness and death, is far more powerful than we ever conceived? David Michie draws on ancient Buddhist wisdom, supported by contemporary science, to provide fascinating insights into animal consciousness. He proposes that the pets with whom we share our lives are not there by accident. Whether your animal companion has fur, feathers or fins, he offers a treasury of practical tools to enhance your relationship with them in everyday life, as well as during times of challenge. Written with humour and compassion, and including extraordinary true stories from around the world, Buddhism for Pet Lovers reveals how our animal companions may indeed be among our most precious partners. For in helping them, our own lives are incomparably enriched too. 'If you have ever deeply loved an animal, this is, without doubt, the book for you.' Gail Pope, BrightHaven 'Our pets offer us one of our greatest opportunities to add compassion to the world. This book helps direct us to a path toward the blossoming of that opportunity.' Carl Safina, author of Beyond Words, and What Animals Think and Feel
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 14, 2017
178 people are currently reading
257 people want to read
About the author
David Michie
96 books683 followersDavid Michie is the internationally best-selling author of The Magician of Lhasa series, The Dalai Lama's Cat series, and several non-fiction titles on meditation and Buddhism. His books are published in over 30 languages and 50 countries.
In 2015 he established Mindful Safaris to Africa.
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In 2015 he established Mindful Safaris to Africa.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 29, 2018
I listened to the audio book.
Although I got one useful suggestion from this book, I had some fundamental disagreements with a few aspects of this book. Buddhists, which I didn’t realise before, are critical of euthanising animals - even when they are sick. They say they should die a natural death.
And their stuff about karma is just bullshit: that rich people were generous is past lives. Wake up Buddhists, many rich humans are greedy and selfish and exploit people, animals and the planet - that is why they are rich - not because of karma from a previous life.
Although I got one useful suggestion from this book, I had some fundamental disagreements with a few aspects of this book. Buddhists, which I didn’t realise before, are critical of euthanising animals - even when they are sick. They say they should die a natural death.
And their stuff about karma is just bullshit: that rich people were generous is past lives. Wake up Buddhists, many rich humans are greedy and selfish and exploit people, animals and the planet - that is why they are rich - not because of karma from a previous life.
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June 19, 2025Canine Telepathy studied by Rupert Sheldrake. I looked this man up on youtube and he has some interesting srudies on pets end of life behaivor. I related to "The last rally" most as for a period of Priya's illness it seemed like she would bounce back 💔
Lots of chapters trying to disprove previous assumptions that animals dont have feelings and can't communicate. Info kind of uneeded for myself or any pet lover. If you have loved and lived with an animal ypu already know they have thoughts & feelings!
Covers reincarnation and that you and your pet are together for a reason. Often you knew each other in past lives and different forms.
Your pet allows you to reach a higher enlightenment with the opportunity to care for them. Important to live in the moment and realize every day is precious. Yes you may be tired but your dog needs a walk. The better care you give them the more likely they are to reach enlightenment.
Fair question why cant an animal reach enlightenment in a small amount of time? Perhaps the reason for their shorter lifespan
Being a Buddhist book it covers Mindfulness which in our modern day is 1000% interrupted by technology. It is hard to practice without screens and with them nearly impossible. From the authors point of view pets dislike the noise of TV and being on our phones around them (particularly walks) damages our connection with our pets. If we were more mindful we could potentially communicate with our pets (nonverbal of course)
In attempting to communicate with your pet try visualization instead of verbal. Example imagine your dog coming to you instead of calling for them....see if they show up
Animal Communication rec: Anna Breytenbachanimalspirit.org
Mind & body connection of course is true in pets also. Healthy mindset can stave of illnesses. Resources for reiki for pets:
Animalreikisource.com
Carolyn Tretheway
Meditate with your pet!
Pg 284 " It may be that your pet's karma is so strong that you don't have to power to alter the course of the physical disease."
Be warned that Buddhist teaching per this author is not a proponent of euthanasia. The author admits he has euthanised some pets and offers some nuance, but if you went the euthanasia route this may cause some guilt. He also advises a 49 day period of leaving out the pets items. I didnt do this...or course i didnt know. Again if you are already feeling guilty about End of Life you may be best to skip this section.
Lots of chapters trying to disprove previous assumptions that animals dont have feelings and can't communicate. Info kind of uneeded for myself or any pet lover. If you have loved and lived with an animal ypu already know they have thoughts & feelings!
Covers reincarnation and that you and your pet are together for a reason. Often you knew each other in past lives and different forms.
Your pet allows you to reach a higher enlightenment with the opportunity to care for them. Important to live in the moment and realize every day is precious. Yes you may be tired but your dog needs a walk. The better care you give them the more likely they are to reach enlightenment.
Fair question why cant an animal reach enlightenment in a small amount of time? Perhaps the reason for their shorter lifespan
Being a Buddhist book it covers Mindfulness which in our modern day is 1000% interrupted by technology. It is hard to practice without screens and with them nearly impossible. From the authors point of view pets dislike the noise of TV and being on our phones around them (particularly walks) damages our connection with our pets. If we were more mindful we could potentially communicate with our pets (nonverbal of course)
In attempting to communicate with your pet try visualization instead of verbal. Example imagine your dog coming to you instead of calling for them....see if they show up
Animal Communication rec: Anna Breytenbachanimalspirit.org
Mind & body connection of course is true in pets also. Healthy mindset can stave of illnesses. Resources for reiki for pets:
Animalreikisource.com
Carolyn Tretheway
Meditate with your pet!
Pg 284 " It may be that your pet's karma is so strong that you don't have to power to alter the course of the physical disease."
Be warned that Buddhist teaching per this author is not a proponent of euthanasia. The author admits he has euthanised some pets and offers some nuance, but if you went the euthanasia route this may cause some guilt. He also advises a 49 day period of leaving out the pets items. I didnt do this...or course i didnt know. Again if you are already feeling guilty about End of Life you may be best to skip this section.
December 31, 2017
This book is easy to read and full of anecdotes. It is clearly written by (and for) someone who loves all animals. Even if the reader doesn't want to take away anything of the Buddhism - yes, that's the first word of the title, though - I think that reading it will broaden or sharpen their appreciation of animals as beings and co-inhabitants of the world. However little the reader decides to implement from the book, the awareness that animals have things to say if we listen can only improve the lot of our animal companions and us, and our relationship with them. From one quick read, I have changed the way I see my relationship with my non-human family members and will be changing the way I interact with them. It can only be for the better.
I wish I had read this before any of my pets died.
The one thing I will take issue with is the fallacy repeated here that you don't have to worry about being vegan because there are insects on plants that we eat who are killed, and a bug might die on our windscreen. The definition of 'vegan' according to the Vegan Society: "Veganism is a way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose." (Vegansociety.com) The important words here are "possible and practicable". It's about doing as much as you can, not giving up because your rental property has woollen carpet.
It is not possible to avoid causing any harm: your body kills bacteria without you even knowing, and nobody expects you to crawl along with a magnifying glass as you walk to check for ants. The plant foods we eat might have hosted insects who died so that we could eat the plants, but to have it otherwise (picking them all off, maybe) isn't practicable. Eating meat doesn't mean you're not eating plants, either, so by not being vegan you are still killing those insects and small animals. Also, the animals you eat are eating a far greater number of plants - and therefore insects - per calorie of food you get; eating meat is a far less efficient way of getting calories.
So, pet-wise, this book is great; farm animal-wise, it tries but then falls back on long-since-debunked arguments. It was so good until then.
I wish I had read this before any of my pets died.
The one thing I will take issue with is the fallacy repeated here that you don't have to worry about being vegan because there are insects on plants that we eat who are killed, and a bug might die on our windscreen. The definition of 'vegan' according to the Vegan Society: "Veganism is a way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose." (Vegansociety.com) The important words here are "possible and practicable". It's about doing as much as you can, not giving up because your rental property has woollen carpet.
It is not possible to avoid causing any harm: your body kills bacteria without you even knowing, and nobody expects you to crawl along with a magnifying glass as you walk to check for ants. The plant foods we eat might have hosted insects who died so that we could eat the plants, but to have it otherwise (picking them all off, maybe) isn't practicable. Eating meat doesn't mean you're not eating plants, either, so by not being vegan you are still killing those insects and small animals. Also, the animals you eat are eating a far greater number of plants - and therefore insects - per calorie of food you get; eating meat is a far less efficient way of getting calories.
So, pet-wise, this book is great; farm animal-wise, it tries but then falls back on long-since-debunked arguments. It was so good until then.
April 11, 2018
This was an interesting book. I like David Michie and usually find something useful in what he has to say. This was particular pertinent to me just now as I have an elderly (and not well) cat. I've seen off too many pets for comfort the last few years, and this book really did offer me some perspective. It took me ages to finish it (stopping & starting), but now that i have, I'm thinking I should go back and read it again already - just to really get those concepts on board.
He does, in the middle of the book, go off on quite a tangent about meditation. Whilst it does relate, I just think there was too much detail about how, and I'd rather stick to the why (in terms of pets).
When I first started reading it I felt like I had just met a like-minded soul... it was very uplifting.
Michie talks about the sentience of animals and advocates gently for a vegan world - yay ! I love this guy!
I wish they did half stars - 3.5 from me.
He does, in the middle of the book, go off on quite a tangent about meditation. Whilst it does relate, I just think there was too much detail about how, and I'd rather stick to the why (in terms of pets).
When I first started reading it I felt like I had just met a like-minded soul... it was very uplifting.
Michie talks about the sentience of animals and advocates gently for a vegan world - yay ! I love this guy!
I wish they did half stars - 3.5 from me.
March 2, 2021
Enjoyed this book.
Myself and my cat Max are in this book. Max is an independent kitty doesn't care to be cuddled and isn't a lap cat. Yet all at once this cat started wanting to sleep on my lap. Was cuddling my tummy area. Kept meowing at me. Then I was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer. Had chemo and surgeries was deemed cancer free. Max was back to his normal self. Then again he started wanting to sleep on my lap. Kept trying to tell me something the staring meows started again. And they found my cancer was back in my liver. Another surgery.
And Max is back to his normal self.
This story either most or all us in David's wonderful book.
I do have to share that in October Max started getting up on an end table and meowing at me. He was very insistent. Loud and grumpy. I couldn't figure it out. End of October I went to visit my brother. It turned out he had a heart attack and died and had been dead for awhile. Max stopped carrying on once we discovered the body. Not sure how or why or how it all works. Just a side note my brother didn't like cats.......
Peace and blessings
Myself and my cat Max are in this book. Max is an independent kitty doesn't care to be cuddled and isn't a lap cat. Yet all at once this cat started wanting to sleep on my lap. Was cuddling my tummy area. Kept meowing at me. Then I was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer. Had chemo and surgeries was deemed cancer free. Max was back to his normal self. Then again he started wanting to sleep on my lap. Kept trying to tell me something the staring meows started again. And they found my cancer was back in my liver. Another surgery.
And Max is back to his normal self.
This story either most or all us in David's wonderful book.
I do have to share that in October Max started getting up on an end table and meowing at me. He was very insistent. Loud and grumpy. I couldn't figure it out. End of October I went to visit my brother. It turned out he had a heart attack and died and had been dead for awhile. Max stopped carrying on once we discovered the body. Not sure how or why or how it all works. Just a side note my brother didn't like cats.......
Peace and blessings
October 27, 2019
A lovely book as all the others I have read from their author. He has a way of talking about buddhism that is down to earth and that helps us to practice in our daily lives.
In this book, he adds a special topic: our love for animals. Animals can be our masters, our teachers. They help not only to make us better persons, but to strengthen our practice.
It is important to be aware that animals are conscious beings too help them also to have a more positive future.
I have four cats and a dog. They are my companions and make me mindful. My cats enjoy sitting with me when I meditate, sometimes at my hands. My little dog sits nearby, at the floor. I feel surrounded by peace and love.
I truly enjoyed this book and I recommend it, even if you are not a buddhist.
In this book, he adds a special topic: our love for animals. Animals can be our masters, our teachers. They help not only to make us better persons, but to strengthen our practice.
It is important to be aware that animals are conscious beings too help them also to have a more positive future.
I have four cats and a dog. They are my companions and make me mindful. My cats enjoy sitting with me when I meditate, sometimes at my hands. My little dog sits nearby, at the floor. I feel surrounded by peace and love.
I truly enjoyed this book and I recommend it, even if you are not a buddhist.
November 22, 2017
This well-written, compassionate, heart-centered book is essential for anyone of any spiritual persuasion who wants to support their animal companions in life, in health and in illness, and in their death processes. The author skillfully combines science and emotional/spiritual experiences, giving a great background in the current science on animal intelligence. He advocates meditating with your animal companions for mutual benefit---we can learn so much from them. You don't have to be a Buddhist practitioner to gain insights from this book, but if you are, it fills an important niche in exploring how to apply Dharma practice to your relationships with other species.
July 28, 2021
Whilst I expected the content to be different, it did give me some good insight about my life with my young dog and I enjoyed reading it and fully recommend it. While I will try and follow some advice given, some other aspects I may leave aside. David very sensitively describes Buddhist believes and even though some may disagree with certain things (me included) I respect them and it opens my mind to other traditions. It’s not about arguing who is right or wrong. They are very old traditions and ought to be respected and a less favorable review of the book because of different personal views seems not fair to the author.
May 19, 2023
Always a favorite author, Michie writes this book infused with his love of animals, both domestic and wild. The essential message is that, according to Tibetan Buddhism, all sentient beings are on the path to enlightenment. All. Without exception. And our choices, each and every one, as humans is a part of the larger unfolding of this journey to enlightenment for ourselves and all sentient beings. I think, more than his other books, that this book was a little more wordy than necessary. It felt like similar concepts were covered several times. But there is merit to having these Buddhist teachings come back around again and again even in the same book.
July 25, 2022
Thought Provoking
I wasn't exactly sure what I was letting myself in for when I picked this up and started reading. This is one of those books that you have to approach with and open mind, looking for questions as well as answers. If you have your mind already made up then skip this.
In my own meditation practice, my one cat, Dixie, would often (~4-5x a week) come sit in my lap while I was meditating. I never gave it any thought that she was connecting to me on anything but as a physical contact. I wonder now what I might have missed.
I wasn't exactly sure what I was letting myself in for when I picked this up and started reading. This is one of those books that you have to approach with and open mind, looking for questions as well as answers. If you have your mind already made up then skip this.
In my own meditation practice, my one cat, Dixie, would often (~4-5x a week) come sit in my lap while I was meditating. I never gave it any thought that she was connecting to me on anything but as a physical contact. I wonder now what I might have missed.
November 15, 2019
Improving our attitudes towards animals
This book is shaping our attitudes towards animals and pets. We oftentimes say we love our pet, but we find ourselves unequipped to helping them in the most difficult moments of their lives. Meditation is a tool that we can incorporate into our lives, to improve ourselves and the quality of the relationship we share we our pet-friends. There are some examples of meditations that we can use, but mostly the book is about being actively kind with all living beings. The issues related to death are much needed, as various religions do not offer real answers for pet owners. This book is written without preaching, but rather sharing and that is making it a pleasant read.
This book is shaping our attitudes towards animals and pets. We oftentimes say we love our pet, but we find ourselves unequipped to helping them in the most difficult moments of their lives. Meditation is a tool that we can incorporate into our lives, to improve ourselves and the quality of the relationship we share we our pet-friends. There are some examples of meditations that we can use, but mostly the book is about being actively kind with all living beings. The issues related to death are much needed, as various religions do not offer real answers for pet owners. This book is written without preaching, but rather sharing and that is making it a pleasant read.
February 24, 2019
Loved, loved, loved this book.
I am so glad I have very accidentaly bumbed into David Michie as both of his books I have read so far very quickly became my favorite pieces of literature I have read in a very long time. Highly recommended for all animal lovers and pet owners and even those who are just opened to perhaps learn about the magnificent world od Budhism.
I am so glad I have very accidentaly bumbed into David Michie as both of his books I have read so far very quickly became my favorite pieces of literature I have read in a very long time. Highly recommended for all animal lovers and pet owners and even those who are just opened to perhaps learn about the magnificent world od Budhism.
September 10, 2019
Glad I Purchased This One
My 4 kitties are all getting older and I know the times to say goodbye to each draws closer everyday. This is not one I could wait for on hold with my local library. It answered quite a few questions for me and I will definitely reread it when circumstances dictate the need.
My 4 kitties are all getting older and I know the times to say goodbye to each draws closer everyday. This is not one I could wait for on hold with my local library. It answered quite a few questions for me and I will definitely reread it when circumstances dictate the need.
February 26, 2023
Nice book about our best friends
I have liked all of David Mitchie’s books. This book has a lot of nice imagery about life and death with pets. The time after death with pets is sacred. They are so dedicated to us- I hope everyone appreciates this, It is such a hard time. We will be with each other forever. We need to let each other go- but hopefully remain together
I have liked all of David Mitchie’s books. This book has a lot of nice imagery about life and death with pets. The time after death with pets is sacred. They are so dedicated to us- I hope everyone appreciates this, It is such a hard time. We will be with each other forever. We need to let each other go- but hopefully remain together
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October 3, 2019Improved my practice, changed my life with my pup
Thank you for this book. I had been missing opportunities to practice with my pitbull. She definitely hangs out with me more, is calmer, and is teaching me constantly, now that I can see it!
Thank you for this book. I had been missing opportunities to practice with my pitbull. She definitely hangs out with me more, is calmer, and is teaching me constantly, now that I can see it!
October 30, 2019
Buddhism for Pet Lovers is an interesting read for anyone who loves their pets. I'm not Buddhist but found some interesting ideas and concepts in this book. Regardless of your beliefs, this book can help anyone learn and understand a bit more about Buddhism and animals.
July 27, 2019
This beautiful book gives advice on living with animals and brings both comfort and practical advice on handling matters when a beloved pet reaches the end of it's days.
August 24, 2019
Beautiful book! This helped me come to terms with the death of my beloved dog and cat. Michie seems to feel very deeply about pets and communicates his ideas very clearly.
December 5, 2020
Got a little bit too preachy for me.
September 7, 2021
I liked the book, but there’s nothing that was super new to me.
May 16, 2022
Zajímavá kniha, spousta nových informací, určitě se k ní vrátím.
August 13, 2023
Lo más interesante se encuentra hacía el final del libro.
April 5, 2025
Bardo 40 days
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2025
Animals + Buddhist teachings + author David Michie = a book right up my alley!
I’m a bit of a fan girl when it comes to David Michie. He has written a number of books about mindfulness, meditation, Buddhism and there is always an animal at the centre of these books.
This book is well researched. It skilfully offers practical advice for people new to Buddhist ideas and also to advanced practitioners.
Michie introduces the reader to the beautiful concept of Bodhisattvas. I am a Bodhisattva, and this means that I strive to work solely for the benefit of others. I love how this book gives practical tools to help me benefit my pets and help them gain karmic insights for a higher rebirth.
It's such a beautiful book. Oṃ maṇi padme hūṃ
I’m a bit of a fan girl when it comes to David Michie. He has written a number of books about mindfulness, meditation, Buddhism and there is always an animal at the centre of these books.
This book is well researched. It skilfully offers practical advice for people new to Buddhist ideas and also to advanced practitioners.
Michie introduces the reader to the beautiful concept of Bodhisattvas. I am a Bodhisattva, and this means that I strive to work solely for the benefit of others. I love how this book gives practical tools to help me benefit my pets and help them gain karmic insights for a higher rebirth.
It's such a beautiful book. Oṃ maṇi padme hūṃ
August 14, 2024
A wonderful book about our connection with our pets
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews