Explaining (pending) loss of pet to 3 year old?

[Tig]

Hazmat,
Sorry to hear that Wilson is ill and will not recover. My dog Muffy became ill last Thursday. My co-workers covered for me while I took Muffy to the vet to get her looked after, again. Once the exam, xray, explanation and discussion were done with, I held Muffy while they put her down. I was not ready for that. She was a good companion for over 18 years. I miss her.
I buried Muffy in her blanket and with her collar. If she should ever be uncovered these things should indicate that that she was part of a family and was loved.
Remind yourself and your daughter what a good happy life Wilson had, how he loved and was loved.

 

[hazmat]

Well Wilson is gone now. We explained to our daughter that he had died because he was very old, sick and his body was broken and the Vet couldn't fix it. We explained that dead meant he wasn't moving or breathing anymore & wouldn't be coming home. We also read a few books about pets dieing and doggie heaven - she seemed to enjoy them. I'm not sure if it has really sunk in yet, but she did say "But I wanted 2 doggies" which she repeated at bed time when we were talking about what we are thankful for.

My wife and I were looking at some pictures of him over the years - You could really see a difference in the last couple years vs. when he was younger. His head was lower, eyes not as bright etc. Made me feel better that we did the right thing.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

We have dealt with this quite a bit with my daughter both with pets and people. Ava lost her great grandfather, a pet fawn, a cat and 4 baby bunnies early this year when she was 3 (she turned 4 in August). What I told her is they all went to heaven and are playing up there with each other. It isn't easy to explain everything but try to answer their questions as truthfully as you can. Explain what happened and why. Now every now and then Ava looks up at the clouds and ask if her Poppa is up there watching and I tell her he is and he is playing with her bunnies and such.

 

[MossRoad]

Well Wilson is gone now. We explained to our daughter that he had died because he was very old, sick and his body was broken and the Vet couldn't fix it. We explained that dead meant he wasn't moving or breathing anymore & wouldn't be coming home. We also read a few books about pets dieing and doggie heaven - she seemed to enjoy them. I'm not sure if it has really sunk in yet, but she did say "But I wanted 2 doggies" which she repeated at bed time when we were talking about what we are thankful for.

My wife and I were looking at some pictures of him over the years - You could really see a difference in the last couple years vs. when he was younger. His head was lower, eyes not as bright etc. Made me feel better that we did the right thing.

You did do the right thing. I am always sad when I have to let one of my pets go. But I take them in and hold them while the vet administers the drugs. I cry a tad, too. So does the vet... and the office staff. Emotional bunch, they are. But, I always feel better when it is over because I know the animal had a good life and we did the right thing.

Then we wait a few months and start looking for another one. Why? Because a house without an animal in it just seems a bit too quiet. Because there are tons of animals out there in shelters that can use a good home. Because kids really enjoy animals and can learn a lot by growing up with them. And because we have plenty of love to share.

Again, I'm sorry for your loss. It sounds like your little one will do fine with your guidance.

 

[PBinWA]

Sorry to hear about your loss Hazmat. Dogs just don't live long enough.

 

[N80]

Sorry to hear about your loss Hazmat. Dogs just don't live long enough.

Yep, pets are heartbreakers. But life wouldn't be the same without them. I like to think there is a pet heaven, but its not just a sentimental thought to make myself feel better.

In the book Mere Christianity (and in The Problem of Pain) C.S. Lewis speculates that animals that live with us and take on human characteristics and qualities very well may be endowed with souls that go to heaven. He admits that it is pure speculation and maybe even wishful thinking.

But Lewis was a very smart, non-sentimental and very very practical man. And if a man like that, with a mind like that thinks pets can go to heaven. Then so do I.

 

[IH3444]

The Hunt - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[hazmat]

You did do the right thing. I am always sad when I have to let one of my pets go. But I take them in and hold them while the vet administers the drugs. I cry a tad, too. So does the vet... and the office staff. Emotional bunch, they are. But, I always feel better when it is over because I know the animal had a good life and we did the right thing.

Then we wait a few months and start looking for another one. Why? Because a house without an animal in it just seems a bit too quiet. Because there are tons of animals out there in shelters that can use a good home. Because kids really enjoy animals and can learn a lot by growing up with them. And because we have plenty of love to share.

Again, I'm sorry for your loss. It sounds like your little one will do fine with your guidance.

Same experience here - I was rather upset yesterday contemplating the deed. Today, I miss him, but am at ease.

I think we will stick with one dog for the foreseeable future. It was getting tough to fit ourselves, 2 kids, 2 labs & luggage in the car (Honda Pilot) for a vacation or even just weekend away.

 

[MossRoad]

Same experience here - I was rather upset yesterday contemplating the deed. Today, I miss him, but am at ease.

I think we will stick with one dog for the foreseeable future. It was getting tough to fit ourselves, 2 kids, 2 labs & luggage in the car (Honda Pilot) for a vacation or even just weekend away.

Yep. We had three people, two dogs and a cat in a 720 Sq. foot house... and a hamster and some fish, too.

I miss all of our departed mammal pets as well. We currently have two cats, a house gecko (not a fun pet at all... it is too fast to let out of the cage ) and some tropical fish. I won't miss that gecko when its time is done.

 

[Heywood Jannockitov]

I won't miss that gecko when its time is done.

Yes, but at least you're saving 15 percent on your car insurance.