Hal Kitchings, pastor of Easthaven Baptist Church in Brookhaven, has written a book to encourage people who have lost a pet dog they loved.

His third book, “Dog-Gone, It Hurts” is a 30-day devotional. Kitchings will sign copies of his book at Dog Ear Books and Wild Fox Coffee on Saturday, Nov. 9, 10 a.m. until noon. The book retails for $12.95.

A native of Clinton and a graduate of Mississippi College, the pastor earned graduate degrees from Southwestern and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminaries. He became pastor of Easthaven in 2023. He and his wife Kellie have two children, four grandchildren, and multiple dogs.

“Grieving over your dog — a part of your family — is real,” Kitchings said. “It is genuine grief over a pet that could have been with you for many years or a short period of time. It hurts when we lose them.

“I had no idea how helpful this book would be in helping me continue to work through my own grief over the death of my oldest sister, Kathy. I feel like I’m honoring her walk with Christ, her greatest love, by trying to point people to Him.”

The book is dedicated to the pastor’s sister, Kathy Kitchings Nowell, and featuring a painting by her on the cover.

“I didn’t hesitate when Hal approached me about publishing his manuscript,” said Dogwood Press Editor-in-Chief Joe Lee. “His writing style is easy to read — like having a conversation with him — and there’s relevant scripture, meaningful quotes, and coping suggestions in a book you’ll turn to again and again.”

“My tenderest moment with my dad was when he pulled me onto his lap and comforted me after the death of my best friend at the time — my little dog, Tippy,” said best-selling author Dr. Robert J. Morgan, associate pastor of World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. “Now Hal Kitchings provides similar comfort for all of us.”

Dr. Bob Watson of Brookhaven Animal Hospital agrees.

“I’ve had 30 years of seeing families struggle with the grief of pet loss,” he said. “This book will be a blessing to countless people going through these rough trials. [It] captures this complex emotional landscape with sensitivity and insight, making it a must read for anyone navigating the depths of pet loss.”

Dog Ear Books is located at 512 West Monticello St. To reserve copies, call 601-990-2244. For more information, visit dogwoodpress.com.