Think my dog may need put to sleep. How do i tell the kids?

[saltire]

Our Border Collie is about 14, we've had her for 11 years, since before the kids were born. In the summer she had got arthritis and has been on medication, however all weekend she has been very unsteady on her feet, and her back end keeps collapsing. She is away to the vets now with DH and DS1. I have been in floods of tears all day everytime i look at her, as i know we are going to have make the decision to end her suffering, however worried that the vet may do it tonight. How do i tell the kids when i'm getting into such a state myself. She has been a great dog, and we have had some great fun with her,as she loved long wlaks, but since the summer she has only been allowed three 10 minute walks a day. Also does anyone have a rough estimate of the cost involved with putting a dog down? I feel pathetic getting myself into such a state.

oh no not pathetic, your dog is a member of the family - I know I would be TOTALLY gutted if my dog had to be put down

How old are your children?

how old are the kids? do they know about death and dying?

i would tell them the truth- would say that she is VERY poorly and unhappy and that she has either died or that the vet will put her to sleep

They are 7 (almost 8) and 5. She is like a member of the family, my husband is military and she has been such a comfort to me when he's away

Very sorry. We had our 14 year old cat put to sleep a year ago.

It cost about £15 to have the cat put to sleep, I expect a bit more for a dog.

I cried a lot, I told the children that the cat was too old and sick and it would be unfair to keep him alive.

Really feel for you.

saltire i think the kids are old enough to be told what's going on... they will have seen how unwell she is

I agree that they're old enough. When I was 8 Mum had to put our Great Dane to sleep because of illness. She told my sister ( 4 at the time) and me that he was very ill and unhappy so the vet let him go to sleep and he didn't wake up again, but that he was now much happier as he wasn't in pain anymore ans could do all the things un heaven he couldn't do in life anymore. We were still very upset (as was Mum) but it was a good way of telling us. Hope it helps Saltire, you have my deepest sympathies as just said goodbye to my cat