Uh oh...pet just died!

[fairejour]

My DD is 9, but because of some special needs her emotional maturity is closer to that of a very sensitive 6 year old. 

Well, tonight, we just discovered that the bullfrog she caught and has been caring for has died. She doesn't know yet...so what do we do? We are totally freaking out and worry that she is going to be just devastated. What do we do??????????????

[Red Pajama]

You tell her, and have a funeral. Then bury it. Have her help dig the hole. It's very healing (I speak from experience).

Later, you might want to have a discussion about wild creatures, and how watching, looking and re-releasing is better than catching for keeps.

[mtiger]

Definitely tell her, and help her grieve as mentioned above. Six is old enough to understand these facts of life... It may not be easy (and will not get easier), but... She's old enough to know.
 

[fairejour]

Thank you both.

While this is the first death in her life, unfortunately, it is not her first loss. She had to give away other pets when we moved 1000 miles away from our family for her to attend a school. I remember watching her be just broken hearted, and crying for a week over parting with her bunny. She also, still, 2 years later, chokes up when she sees bunnies with other people. She just loves with her whole heart.

[mamalisa]

I would also point out gently that wild animals do best when left out in the wild.  It's nice to observe them for a bit, but then we need to put them back where they can do wild animal things.

My kids still cry over the dog  we had until ds was 7 and they are 12 and 7.  I can still cry over the dog I had growing up and he died when I was in 8th grade.  I think it's normal to hold on to the memories of something you loved so much.  

[mtiger]

It's normal to hold on to those feelings. My son still occasionally chokes up over his cat, which we lost when he was 7. He's now 21. I occasionally tear up over the dogs I've lost, especially Pen (RIP 2010) and Caesar (RIP 1987).