Pet Loss - Hopkins,MN

I don't care what anyone says, losing a pet is one of the hardest things ever. We lost both our dogs last year. Our vet gave us 'Dog Heaven' to read to our 6 year old. It's so sweet and it seemed to help my daughter with the losses. She talks all the time about how our dogs are in Dog Heaven and are very happy. Maybe you could do some sort of memorial when you are there. My daughter made a stake to put in the ground in memory.
So sorry you have to go through this! :(

Mr. Rogers wrote a book called, "When a Pet Dies". It is a really great book.

She will be crushed and emotional, there's no way of getting around it. Let her grieve. Have her write a letter to Gizmo, or draw pictures, and visit his grave. Have a little memorial service for Gizmo.

My prayers are with you.

It is always so hard to lose a pet. They give us such unconditional love!

I would be honest with her and let her know before you visit grandmas. And let her know before it slips from someone else. I would maybe share with her early in the day, so she can ask questions throughout the day. I wouldn't tell her later before bed.

When we told Loren about her grandpa pup dying, we told her how it happened and then we told her that the angels in heaven are keeping the dog safe. And let her know that they are playing ball all day long.

Then we found a picture of the two of her and the dog.
We framed it and put it next to her bed. We said some extra prayers at bedtime for "Willie" too.

It worked for us.

My heart goes out to you and your mom!

Blessings,.

J.

Hi,

This is a tough one, but it is always the best thing to be up front with our children, no matter what. They learn from us, so if we are up front with them, hopefully this will encourage them to be up front with us. Death is a confusing situation for adults let alone children. So many unanswered questions...and believe me they will ask some toughies...try to answer all of their questions, although you may not know the right answers. Find a positive way to explain where Gizmo is. Let your daughter be a part of comforting your mom, and maybe get some flowers or a marker for Gizmo's grave, and have a small service. All of these things will comfort your daughter, as well as your mom and you.

Give everyone lots of comforting hugs and kisses.

C.