Oh gosh I am so sorry. It is a rough time I know we have lost many dogs in our lifetime and it never gets any easier. It is OK to let your son see that you are sad too. All I can tell you is to let him talk about it all he wants and then maybe you can bring in some funny stories about the things the dog did when the dog was healthy. Laughing about some of the stories will help. By telling these stories your son will be able to see that the dog hadn't felt good for quite a while. Only time will really make things better. Again I am so sorry. Good luckDoes anyone have any words of advice?
Thanks-Glad things are going a little better, but I know it will take time.
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My cat died and my son was very upset, here's a poem that helped him:
The Rainbow Bridge
There is a bridge connecting Heaven %26amp; Earth.
It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its colors.
Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of
meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass.
When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place.
There is always food and water and warm spring weather.
The old and frail animals are young again. Those who
are maimed are made whole. They play together all day.
There is only one thing missing: They are not with
their special person who loved them on Earth.
Each day they run and play until the day comes
when one suddenly stops playing and looks up!
The nose twitches! The ears are up! The eyes are staring!
And this one suddenly runs from the group.
You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet,
you take him or her in your arms and embrace.
Your face is kissed again and again, and you look once
more into the eyes of your trusting friend.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together,
never again to be separated
Bring him to get another dog
As with any death, grieving is important. At that age it's always good to hold a small service where he can get some closure and say farewell. Don't be afraid to show your grief in front of him either, it won't do any harm.
Maybe you don't know that there are many books for children on this subject in the library. Stories he will be able to relate to. When we lost out dog when my four kids were still home, everyone was so unhappy, including me, that we went out and bought a puppy. No one can resist a puppy. Just stress that the puppy is not taking the old dogs place.
he is hurting let him express his grief time will heal his wounds
The loss of a beloved pet hurts, but like any other loss, it gets better with time. After a sufficient amount of time has passed, you may want to consider getting another dog. While your son will never forget the dog you speak of, another dog in due time will help to take the sting out.
We have been through this too.... my sympathies to you....
I found that it was best to just let it out-- cry with your child %26amp; let him know that you hurt too. It lets him see that his feelings are valid %26amp; nothing to be ashamed of. And he knows that you are human too.
Aw, I am sorry. How sad for your son. I don't have any advice, just wanted to convey condolences.
Sounds like you took care of him till the end. That's hard work.
He had a full good life with people who cared about him. He was lucky
Yes. Don't be afraid to cry with him nad explain that crying n this case is a good thing, becuase it helps with feeling better over the loss of your beloved doggie.
I would say do NOT run out and get a new dog, leave some time to grieve, but do open up the option for your son. Tell him when he's ready for a new dog, then you can go get one.
In the meantime, help him talk about the good things he remembers with the dog, fun things they did together.
Actually having the dog be ill before he died is actually better for the process of grieving for your son, because he knew that it was something that was eventual and expected. Makes it easier than a sudden death.
Let him cry today. let him cry when he needs to for a little while - but if it doesn't seem to lighten up within a week or so, then you may consider talking to his doctor about it.
The first death anyone deals with - whether a pet or a human being - is the hardest.
Are you considering getting a replacement dog? That is a tremendous boost there. When I had to put our dog down about 12 years ago, we were all devastated. Mostly me, (the dad.) I swore I would never get a different breed than the one I had to put down. (Australian cattle dog.) I thought she was the best dog in the world. Well, the wife and kids came across the mutt that I have now, and I fell in love with her, and her me. We named her Chelsea, and she is without a doubt the BEST and smartest dog in the world. She has shocked me so many times with things she has done. My wife and I divorced about 6 years ago, I got to keep Chelsea, and they got the yellow lab. Chelsea has been the best therapy and companion I could ask for. She can sense a change in my voice when I'm on the phone, and will come over to me and rest her head on my lap just to comfort me. Tell your son that you can go out and find a replacement for your dog, and I guarantee he will be back to normal after he gets that first puppy lick from the new dog. (Sorry, I didn't mean this to be so long.) Just tell him to hang in there, and things will look up. I wish you the best of luck.
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