Our cat Elf went missing a few days ago...

[*Beema*]

Oh no I am so sorry hun RIP little Elf

[Ryatha]

Well, DH put the girls in the bath and I headed out and got Elf from the side of the road. There wasn't a single mark on her, just lying there

I've brought her home and took DD1 out to see her and say goodbye. She is very upset, in fact all of us are, except DD2 who is a bit puzzled by the tears and sad faces. She keeps smiling and waving at us.

Oh, today is just not a good day. We'll bury her in the back yard and get DD1 to make a little sign.

As I type this DD1 is calling both grandparents and telling them what has happened. I think it is helping her deal with her emotions. I hope so, I think like me she needs to talk about it. I just heard her ask if we can get a new cat to replace elf.

Now shes in with DD2 giving her cuddles. Now to put them both to bed.

[mrsmac]

Hugs to you all, our cat oscar was killed on our road after being missing for 3 days and i was devastated, even DH was upset (he buried him cause it was pretty messy he said).
I am glad she looked OK so that your kids could see her. Children do recover form these things quite quickly, I often have my class telling me about their pets who have died.

[Ryatha]

I guess we were lucky that she looked fine, but it was hard for her to understand she was dead when she looked like normal. I know she'll tell her teacher and all her friends tomorrow.

Well I just buried her in the back yard. DH is currently angry with me for telling DD1 and showing her. I just think he has too much grief on his hands right now, with elf and one of our friends who is suicidal ATM.

About to go into the sewing room and drown my sorrows in some sewing.

Thankyou everyone for the support. Animals in our family are family members and it is very hard when we loose one.

[ss_storm]

I think you did the right thing WRT involving DD1, unfortunately death is a part of life and I think it's better that she knows what happened to Elf and was involved in burying her and allowed to say her goodbye's, rather than being told Elf has gone missing and that's it. Brings some closure iykwim and will help her grieve and move on. I hope the days get better for you!

[mrsmac]

I agree, you definitely did the right thing telling your DD.