How to prepare kids for pet's death?

It is going to be hard for them. And, all the preparation in the world isn't going to make it easy.

I am sorry to hear your family is facing such a sad time. Just remember that this is what family is for - supporting each other through it all.

Be honest with the kids. Let them know your concerns. Let them see you dealing with your emotions at this decision. Let them know that you are there to support them through this.

Make them as involved as they feel comfortable being. since they are older, you shouldn't have too much issue with them not understanding that he isn't coming home.

You can have them make cards for Dusty. Maybe have them gather some of Dusty's toys and make a "care package" for Dusty when he goes to Heaven.

If Dusty is indeed dying(I hope you are wrong, but am I am sure you have a sense about it already) ask the kids if they want to go with you to the vet. They might, they might not, or some may go, others may want to stay home. Either way, is fine.

Once Dusty has passed, have a service for him. Let each child share a favorite memory of Dusty. Then tell your children, we are all sad and we may cry for a few days. Dusty is in Doggy Heaven and is watching over you now. Make sure they feel comfortable coming to you and being sad for awhile.

As a side note, also don't be too surprised if one of all of them don't have a huge reaction. One is a teenager, and the other two aren't little kids anymore. They still love Dusty and will iss him, but they might not shed tears or act as if they are affected. If this is the case, tell them you understand and that if they do want to talk/ cry you are there, but it is fine if they would rather keep it to themselves.

The good thing is that your kids are older. There is not way you can really prepare them, but you can let them know what is going on with you families dog. the will be upset and might not want to hear it but they need to. My son is 7 and he had a frog that he took care of on his own (except for cleaning the cage) we were really proud of him. His frog passed and he was upset for days, but I told him that that was a part of life that we could not change not matter how much we want to. We talked about it and he understood that is aways his time to go and that he was in a better place. It took a few days but he got thew it. It would be easy and you never want your kids to be sad, but just let them know they should be happy that they had the dog for so long and lots of good memories. Good Luck! Hope this helps.

It is going to be hard and it's great that you recognize that! The best thing is to be honest. At these ages, your children can rationalize death. Tell them that Dusty is really sick and has cancer and the most humane thing for him at this point is to have him euthanized.

Our family pet was put down when I was 15 and as hard as that was, at least I could reason it out in my head. :) Good luck.

It is hard. We've been through this with 3 cats and a hamster over the past few years, and are about to go through it again with our 14 year old dog. Each time, I talk with my daughter about the natural cycle of life, and that our pet is old and sick and ready to die. I also remind her that our pets had a good and happy life with us, and that they stay with us in a way when we remember them.

I let my daughter (almost 7) be as involved as she wants to be (she was present when our cat was euthanized last year, and wants to go with me to the vet when we take the dog in). Afterwords, we find a nice rock, my daughter paints a picture and the pet's name on it, and we place it in a corner of the garden.

Just let your kids know it's okay to talk about it, and to grieve when the time comes.

When I was 16 we lost our dog that I had grown up with since I was 7. You need to be honest with them and let them know what is going on, do not lie to them and say that the dog got hit by a car; my parents did that to me until I found the papers and was very angry because I was almost an adult and they continued to lie to me. Let them explain their feelings and reassure them that their feelings are normal and okay. If necessary let them take some time off from school. Good luck.

I agree, your kids are old enough to understand. It will be a very sad day, and probably a sad week, but kids are so resilient. Just explain to them why it's better for the dog to go to heaven instead of be sick. They'll get it.

first of all, im really sorry.

and the 15 yr old probably realises it

but i dont think that i could help prepare kids for a dogs death, but i have been through it, 2 of my cats died, but it didnt really effect me, which is wierd seeing as i grew up with them, but they didnt actualy die, they ran away assumingly to die.

i guess i good way would be to go to the pet shop and buy another dog exactly the same, but im not sure that would be quite plausable!!

goodluck and i hope its not cancer.

xx

I think they are old enough to understand. It's going to be very sad but you have to explain to them that you don't want Dusty to suffer. It will be best for him so he won't be in pain.

I'm so sorry. We had gone through this with our dog. We spoke to the kids about not letting our dog suffer. Only my daughter went with me to the vets and we held him and cried while he was given his shot and laid to rest. We had him cremated and burried the box our backyard. It was very emotional. I think your children are old enough to understand.