Pet dying (how to prepare 4 year old)

[Lily Dust]

Exactly what you are doing. I've just done this twice in the past 7 weeks with a 4.5 year old. It is heartbreaking The first was a shock so very confusing and tricky. The second time it was planned ITMS. Our dog was 12 years old and became very unwell. I don't know if what we are doing is right but we explained how much pain she was in how we didn't want her to suffer anymore. We love her so much and she will always be in our hearts and our memories. DD was given the option of helping to bury them, which she did both times. We buy a tree to plant and DD will go and have a chat and update our pets that have passed about the current going ons in her life.

Answer his questions as best you can. IMO their pain is deep but DD's doesn't seem as negative as mine itms. She is devastated but doesn't see death as a horrible thing. We explained that the pet goes to a happy place, a place where they can so much fun and not be sick or in pain anymore. She talks about both of them daily still and certain things will trigger it. I always make sure that when she brings it up we talk about something that we loved about each pet not just that they died.

I'm sorry you have to do this, it's hard be as honest as you can. We say things kindly and protectively but we don't shelter her from death. That said, she has been exposed to a lot of in her short little life.

[Doing my best]

Thanks.. Glad I am on the right track. I think she will slip away tonight. DS said goodnight/goodbye to her. She has lost strength in her legs, and was shivering a lot, when we put the hot water bottle in beside her, she had moved herself onto it when we went back out to check on her. The other 2 haven't ventured too far from her this afternoon.