Pet Bereavment - Can anyone recommend a story/book that will help me explain to my son about our dog?

[billysitch]

Sadly we had our dog put to sleep on 4th Feb. I have explained to my son(4yo) that she is in heaven. Whether I believe this to be the case or not, really doesnt matter but he keeps asking questions which I am finding difficult to answer.

I do not believe in lying to children, and felt the heaven option was a good one, however this mornings question "When can I go to heaven to play with Charlie Mummy" knocked me sideways.

I wonder if anyone could recommend a book with a story which might help me explain.

Someone has suggested a book about a shark, but doesnt know the title so I am at a loss really.

My son understands that she was a very poorly dog and that she died at the vets and is now in heaven playing with Rommel (our friends dog who my son knew very well). The questions just keep coming and I am feeling a little out of my depth.

[billysitch]

bump

[smugmumofboys]

So sorry about your dog.

I haven't read it but there is a book in the Mog series. I think it's called 'Goodbye Mog'. I think I've heard it recommended on here and certainly the other Mog books which we have are great for that age range.

Luckily for me, my DSes have been strangely unbothered by deaths of our cats whilst I've been totally distraught. I suppose dogs are more 'hands on'.

[billysitch]

oo thank you sounds just purrrrr fect!

Sorry about your cats smug, We had our dog for 5 years and then our son came along, the dog used to think he was hers at first! She was a bit daft, but they loved each other so much. I was totally distraught knowing I had to do the deed, my hubby beside himself and couldnt come, so I kind of beefed myself up for it and completely disregarded our little mans feelings, didnt really comprehend that he would be so hurt coming home from preschool and wandering where she was. Feel stupid now as she was his best friend.

Cali, great thanks. I am due a baby in May/June so the other book Mog and the Baby may be a good purchase too me thinks.

Off to shop online!

Gosh Mumsneters are FAB.

[billysitch]

or wondering even! DOH

[LadyGlencoraPalliser]

Agree about Goodbye Mog but you should also look at Lovely Old Roly by Michael Rosen.

[Ali4cotswolds]

Up In Heaven by Emma Chichester Clark

[billysitch]

Super thanks.

[madlentileater]

www.amazon.co.uk/Goodbye-Mousie-Robie-H-Harris/dp/0689871341/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21 237321989&sr=1-1

sorry it's not a fancy link, but I liked this, it's very staightforward.

sorry about your dog.

and I like this, too
www.amazon.co.uk/Lifetimes-Beautiful-Explain-Death-Children/dp/0613888847/ref=sr_1_1?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21 UTF8&s=books&qid=1237322247&sr=1-1
although it's about death more generally, and not necessarily a pet

[provinciallady]

'Up in Heaven' and 'Goodbye Mog' are both lovely stories. Friends have said that 'Badger's Parting Gifts' by Susan Varley is another excellent book for children, which helps them understand about death.

[gladbag]

I'll Always Love You is specifically about losing a much loved family dog, so could be useful. It is lovely.

[MilaMae]

Still not strong enough to buy Goodbye Mog