Explaining death of a pet to nearly 3 year old.

[Mummystuff]

Morning, hope I'm posting in the right section.

Sadly we have just had to have our family dog put to sleep. She was 11 years old but developed cancer. My 3 year old DS was very attached to her and is bound to ask where she has gone, she lived at my mums house so haven't said anything to him yet but we are going over there later today.

I'm not really sure what is best, tell him before we go or wait till we get there and what should I tell him?? If anybody has any advice I would be very grateful.

Sorry to hear your news. I imagine you and your mother are a bit low today with having to take that decision. Although I don't have direct experience of this - I'd say something before you arrive at the house. Rather than be caught en route by 'I can't wait to see so and so' and you having to decide what to say.

I'm sure others with experience may offer some appropriate words as this must be tricky for you too

Sorry about your dog. We had to put our cat to sleep a few months ago, ds was 3.5 and took it a lot better than I expected. We said he was too poorly to live down here so had gone to live in heaven, where he would be well again. He was a bit sad for a few days and asked for a few weeks if he could come back now.

I would tell him before you go, let him process it a bit before you get there.