Helping your Child with the Loss of a PetLoss of a Pet

Pets and children; they make the best of friends by offering mutual comfort, support and companionship. The bond that binds them is strong and true - the love is unconditional. It is beautiful to witness and heartbreaking when it ends.Pets and children

For many children, the loss of a pet is their first real encounter with death and can set the tone for how they cope with bereavement in the future. Whether the beloved pet’s death was expected (old age or euthanasia) or took you by surprise, it matters how you deal with it and how you explain the passing to your child.

First, take your child’s age and maturity level into consideration. This will help you determine what and how much to share. Let their questions guide you as well. If the death is expected and your child is mature enough, consider talking about death before it happens.

If euthanizing is planned, explain to them that their dog or cat is in pain and will only continue to hurt. Let them know that the veterinarian will be helping by letting their pet die peacefully and without being afraid.

It is normal for a child to want to say goodbye beforehand or even be there to comfort their friend when it happens. Be careful not to say the animal “is sleeping” or “got put to sleep” as children take things very literally and may not understand.

If the death is sudden and unexpected, explain what has happened and be truthful. Lying and saying the pet “ran away” or “went to live somewhere else” will not ease the pain – they still lost their friend. And if the truth comes out later, they will likely be devastated all over again because you lied.Lying and saying

Sticking to the facts, showing your own grief and letting your child grieve in whatever way makes sense to them will help them cope and aide in the healing process. Here are some other ways to commemorate the beloved family pet: Create a memento: this could be a story, scrapbook, photo album, memory box, or anything else that comes to mind. Hold a funeral: have the family gather together for a memorial service. This can be done anywhere the child wants (home, pet cemetery, etc.). Let your child give a eulogy and conduct the ‘service’. Share your own happy memories and offer your goodbyes at this time as well.

Have a monument made in their honour. Pet Monument Stones is a company that makes beautiful tombstones for pets. Let your child decide what photo or clip art photo they want on it as well as a special message. This is something they can place in the yard and can visit whenever they miss their friend.Pet Monument Stones

It is okay and even beneficial to continue talking about the pet. This will let your child know that although it hurts now, the pain will fade. However, the happy memories will last a lifetime. When the time is right, you may want to adopt another family dog or cat. Talk to your child and let them know their previous pet could never be replaced; the heart is simply big enough to welcome the love and friendship of someone new.