How to break it to my studying sons that our dog is going to die

[Ginandtonictime]

Awful situation ... one uni fresher son, two L6th sons, and youngest about to take 11+ ... all devoted to our 12yr old labrador.

She started vomiting on Thursday and was off her food (warning klaxon right there), took her to the vet on Monday and she’s still there today. Liver disease, jaundice and anemia ... and still not eating. Vet is starting her on steroids today but has warned us that unless she starts eating today/tonight, the prognosis is bleak.

Going to have a family meeting tonight to tell the boys the situation ... but have no idea how they’ll react ... or how to support them - this is my first dog as well as theirs ...

Any experiences gladly heard ...

[Zodlebud]

Be honest. Be upset together. You cannot change the situation, however sad that may be.

[BastardGoDarkly]

Oh bless you, do they know he's ill at all?

[BastardGoDarkly]

Sorry she

[GuestWW]

We had a similar experience with our cat two years ago. She was all my daughters had ever known and she was dearly loved by us all. I told the girls that she was going to die soon and that prolonging her life would be painful. My youngest DD then eight chose to come to the vets when she was put to sleep and hold her as it was done. There were tears but also closure and a knowledge that she had a good life and the end was peaceful.

Sorry to hear about your much-loved dog, I am sure your boys will support each other and have very fond memories.

[tinymeteor]

Sorry to hear about your dog. My family's lab went when I was 11 and it was my first real heartbreak.

Tell them everything, talk through the plan as you've agreed it with the vet, and let them feel they are involved in caring for her in this end stage. And decide as a family what you'll do with her remains when the time comes, they might feel strongly about that.

[MrsJayy]

I think a pp said it just right tell them be honest and be sad together . I am sorry about your dog

[BringOnTheScience]

Tell them ASAP that she ill. Tell them what the vet said. Then you can prepare together for the sad times to come.

I hope that she can be peaceful with minimal discomfort.

[bengalcat]

Bloody hell tell them - they might want to be there if they can - only talking from experience but my cat known to be ill with cancer took a turn for the worse so the nanny took him to the vet who kindly waited until I could get there with my daughter to put him down - kid was 9 at the time and vet was fab explaining exactly what would happen ie little needle then cat would just go to sleep and he did with us both there x