Explaining the death of a pet..

[No.5]

We had to put DS's guinea pig down tonight. DS is asleep and will find out in the morning when he gets buried at the in laws tomorrow..

Never had to explain death to DS (in great detail). So thinking about what (& how much to tell him). He'll be 5 in September. He has great comprehension and will probably ask questions we'd rather him not at that age..

I was thinking of saying that Buddy got sick and so he had to go to sleep (but then brings the whole when will he wake up)... So then I think maybe I should say that he couldn't get any better and he's not going to wake up...
Then I wonder if he'll think back to that when he (or someone else) is sick with the flu etc..

I just don't know.. DF will probably have to do the whole speech while I'm at work which makes me worry more, he probably won't be as gentle about it as I would..

[ss_storm]

I know the Rainbow Bridge concept is mostly for cats & dogs, but you could include guinea pigs in it too?

Not quite sure what wording you would use to explain what has happened, but he's probably old enough to understand the basic concept of death.

[Nelle]

I'd say that Buddy died. It's part of our life experience unfortunately, and God forbid, should the issue come up closer to home for him, at least your little one will have a grasp on the concept. I also think, with the questions, the it's okay to say you don't know. You can always throw some ideas out there, like 'some people think this, and some people think that', and ask what he thinks.

This is only my opinion, but I feel that, more important than the words you use, will be you (or your DF) being there for him and available to answer questions and help him process it. You might find he accepts it readily and then churns it over in his mind and has ideas or questions down the track. Sorry you lost Buddy by the way. xo

[No.5]

Thanks for your replies.

I definitely think he'll grasp it and that we need to be straight forward about it. I'll hopefully see him when I get home from work (unless he's already asleep) so I'll talk it over with him after he's had time to think about if, if he wants to.

[Netix]

Sorry for late reply, I believe straight forward is best. When dd was younger (maybe 2?), my mums dog got put down, and we went to support mum and my brother. We got there as the dog was laying in the hole in the backyard, and for some reason dd just put some dirt on him and said goodbye (she's never been to a funeral, so not sure where she got that from), and was satisfied that the dog "is up with God". Now, if she hears of anyone's passing, she is sad but satisfied everything (like bugs, pets, etc) and everyone is up with God when they pass away.

Hope that helps. X