Coping with the loss of a pet
It's upsetting for everyone when a pet dies but it can have a deep psychological impact on your child. The way in which a child reacts to the loss can lay the foundations for how they manage other losses later in life.
For example, some children can only come to terms with the death if they actually see the animal or help with funeral arrangements. This can be important even if the pet is as small as a goldfish. Be prepared also for tears months, or even years, afterwards when events can trigger memories. One way of coping is to create memorials such as a scrapbook, or writing poems or letters to the pet.
Blue Cross spokesman, www.bluecross.org.uk
By Blue Cross spokesman
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Yvonne Jones, about 1 year
my girls dog who lived with their dad had to be put down on monday. he told me on the phone and i had to break the news. i sat them one each side of me on the couch and explained that rocky had had another stroke and had to be put to sleep to save him suffering. there was tears for 5 mins and calmed down with cuddles. they mentioned about it yesterday morning and are alright with it now. all i dread is their visit to thier dads at easter as its going to be strange for them i think all you can do is be honest with cildren in things like this as if you lie they will never forgive you if they find out from yvonne
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Julie H, about 1 year
My daughters (age 7) cat Pecy died in January. She was devasted. We had lots of tears and nightmares. We had him buried in the garden and put a memorial stone with some flowers, so that we can remember him whenever we are out in the garden. To ease the grief we bought a Flying Chinese Lantern where you can write on the outside of it, (i.e. a personal message), my daughter put a special message on their for Percy, you then set light to the wick and it gradually drifts off into the sky.It goes for miles and miles and when you can no longer see the flame, we told her that that was when Percy had reached out and got her message. This has brought her great comfort, knowing that she was able to send her beloved cat a special message.
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