Our much loved cat died very suddenly and unexpectedly today. She was only 6 and had shown no signs of being unwell.
We're all upset obviously, but I'm particularly concerned about DD (10). I cannot explain how much she adored this cat, and the feeling was mutual. We used to refer to her as 'DD's shadow'. She is Autistic and has been going for a rough time at school (girls can be cruel, I'm sure many of us remember!) and I would often find her curled up in bed telling the cat about her worries, bless her. She's heartbroken.
Does anyone have any advice for helping a child come to terms with the loss of a much loved pet? It just so happens we had a special day out planned for tomorrow (booked months ago, non-refundable although money is absolutely not my biggest concern here) which is mostly for DD's benefit as its an event based around her 'special interest'. She's been excited about it for weeks but is now saying she doesn't want to go. I'm wondering whether we should encourage her to go or not. I think if she doesn't go she might regret it but I can see her point as I don't much feel like it myself to be honest. But I think we could probably all do with the distraction.
I know it probably seems silly to some people, all this fuss over a cat. But honestly I'm gutted.