How do we help the children cope with the re-homing of our labrador?

[sadandterribledecision]

Really looking for constructive advice and appreciate I may get flamed.

Our 3yo golden lab has got a non-treatable illness and has gone completely blind. She is a very loving dog, but we have been advised many times that she really needs a seeing dog to help her have a good life. ith DH and I at work full time and her going crazy on her own during the day we have had to reach the awful decision to re-home her.

We have found a new home (where she will be kept company in the day and have a new doggie friend) through the local Lab trust and she will be going on Saturday. We really feel it is the best decision for her although we will miss her terribly. It has not been easy and was certainly what we never wanted to do when we got her.

We have two children and a baby on the way and I really want to know how best to handle this as they are going to be upset.

They are 5&7yo. Does anyone have any experience, how did your children react?

Thank you in advance.

Sad Dog Mummy.

You need to tell them the truth. You cant stop them being upset, of course they'll be upset.

yes they are old enough to know the truth. lots of cuddles. let them make a fuss of her before she goes. maybe they could write her a letter or draw her a picture so she 'remembers' them when she is with her new family.

Be honest and explain to them why she needs to be rehomed. They will be sad but kids have a habit of handling things so much better than adults.

I'm really sorry to hear you have to rehome your dog but it sounds like you gave thought long and hard about it. Hope all goes well on Saturday

Agree, I'm afraid you are just going to have to tell them the truth and then they are going to be horribly upset, they are probably going to blame a lot of it on you too, sorry.

You just have to try and support them the best you can. I think booyhoo's idea is a lovely one. Is there any way of asking if the new family can send you an odd e-mail and photo? This will probably go a long way towards reassuring them that she is happy.

Really feel for you it must be a terrible time for you all.

Good luck.

Thanks everyone, that has really helped. The guilt is awful and I really hope this is the right decision.

We will talk it through this afternoon and make some cards for her. Think we'l also plan a really special walk this week and get some pictures.

My worry - apart from the immediate upset - is what example this is setting to them - do we just abandon people/animals when they are in need? Sob.

You are giving an animal in need the help it requires. As upsetting as it is for you, your children may or may not react in the same way. There are support groups and helplines for people grieving over the loss of an animal, and rehoming a much loved pet is a loss to the family.

I do hope the move goes smoothly and it sounds as though you are doing all the right things.

Another vote, as a mother and pet owner, for telling the truth.

I hope that the lovely Lab will find wonderful friends, love and support in his new home.

And another vote for the truth, telling them in a calm and factual manner that it was a very difficult decision but it is the best thing for your dog.

Kids are usually quite pragmatic about these things, and helps them understand that we have to think of the bigger picture sometimes.

Don't beat yourself up about it. It's prefectly obvious you've given it much thought and are doing the best thing x

Not much use on the advice for how to tell the kids but as a devoted dog owner I just wanted to say I think you are so brave and absolutely right to make what must be a devastatingly hard decision.

I think you are setting an excellent example for your kids by showing them that sometimes you have to do what is right for your pet, even if it is hard for you.

Lucky dog to have such a caring owner