What do I tell my DS about our dog

[ChanysMom]

I need help! Our darling border collie has cancer and has to be put down. She is 13 and has lived a wonderful life with us. My ds is 2 1/2, I don't know what to tell him. Our vet told gave us the diagnosis yesterday, and said we could take a few days to decide what to do. We made our decision last night and decided to wait until Mon. so we could spend the weekend with her as a family and give us time to figure out what to tell our ds. Our vet is coming to our home to do it and I want to be honest with my ds about what is going on, but how much can he understand at his age. What should I tell him about what is happening and how much should he witness? He keeps asking if she is going with us to our new house ( we are moving in a few months) Any advice is greatly appreciated!

[L.J.]

When my mom's dog was really ill, I told my 5 year old that his body was really sick & he was in a lot of pain. We told him that the vet would give him something that would help him stop feeling pain & allow his spirit to leave his body and be peaceful again.

I'm sorry to hear about your dog. It's a difficult decision.

[lisamarie]

I am so sorry to hear about your pet. Its tough because your child is very young and they don't understand the concept of death yet. But I think what L.J. said is such a wonderful, gentle way to help a young child understand what is going on.

Hugs~

Lisa

[applejuice]

Tell them the truth in language they can understand. If you think they can handle it, let them be with him when he is "put to sleep"; Let them have a memorial ceremony and let them speak or eulogize their pet...

I did this when our cat was found dead...It was sad, but this made it easier...we waited a year before we chose another pet.