Friday 28 August is Rainbow Bridge Day – a day to remember and celebrate the pets who have changed our lives and the love they leave behind.
This year, AWL is sharing the story of South Australian author Ali and her rescue dog Honey, whose sudden death inspired a children's book about grief, love and remembering the pets who remain part of our lives even after they're gone.
Ali's book, My View from Above, is now being shared with veterinary clinics to help support children and families experiencing pet loss.
When Ali lost her rescue dog Honey suddenly in June 2024, she struggled to find the words to explain what she was feeling.
“I struggle to voice my emotions. I get lost in my words when I'm trying to explain how I'm feeling, so I tend to write things down.”
So she started writing.
What began as a way to process her own grief slowly became My View from Above, a children's book about love, loss and remembering the pets who remain part of our lives even after they're gone.
Her family didn't know she was writing it. Ali waited until everyone was home, gathered them together in the lounge room and read the finished book to them.
“We were all in tears,” her mum remembers.
Remembering Honey
Honey came to Ali's family through rescue. They initially agreed to foster her because she was nervous and had experienced a difficult start to life. They couldn't let her go.
“She just fit.”
Honey was around four years old and had a personality that was impossible to forget. She didn't have a tail, so when she was excited, her whole body would wiggle. That little bum wiggle became one of the family's favourite things.
“When you were about to throw the ball she would do a little deer prance. She would hop up and down because she was so excited.”
These are the memories that remain after a pet dies - the funny habits, little routines and seemingly ordinary moments that become incredibly precious.
From grief to something that could help others
Ali originally wrote the book for herself.
“I hoped it might help other people because it had helped me. I didn't expect it to go this far.”
It has now reached schools, families and veterinary clinics.
Ali said she resonates with the description of grief as being like glitter.
“At first it's everywhere, but over time you find little pieces here and there. Grief never leaves you. Life just slowly fills some of those spaces around it.”
She finds comfort in imagining Honey enjoying all the things she loved - food, balls and having friends over the Rainbow Bridge.
For Ali, Honey isn't gone.
“They're still with you. Even if you can't see them, they're still very much with you.”
From one family to many
AWL first discovered Ali's book when Jemma, our Aftercare Relationship Manager, spotted it at Hallett Cove Veterinary Clinic.
She bought a copy, took it back to AWL and knew we needed to do something with it.
This Rainbow Bridge Day, Friday 28 August 2026, AWL is sharing Ali's story and providing copies of My View from Above to veterinary clinics to help families experiencing pet loss.
The books will be included in Rainbow Bridge Day boxes alongside small rainbow-themed gifts and information about Alicia and Honey.
For Ali, the hope is simple.
“I never want people to have to need this book. Grief is awful. It's not something you want people to experience. But if they need it, hopefully it helps.”
Remembering the pets who are still part of us
Pet loss can be incredibly lonely, particularly when others don't understand how deeply a companion animal can be loved.
Honey's family continues to remember her. She was cremated through AWL and has a memorial stone at home, alongside a painted portrait created by Ali's friend.
There is no right way to remember a pet and no timeline for grief. Sometimes it is simply about finding a way to keep their memory close.
If you're experiencing pet loss, you can read our Pet loss and grief support guide for further information and support.
Read Ali's book
My View from Above grew from one family's love for one very special rescue dog but can now help families across South Australia. Thank you, Ali for allowing us to share your story.
