Dog being PTS how do I support my kids

[dontyoubother]

Just that really. I'm heartbroken. Tomorrow is the day. How do I support my kids? The eldest (8.5) is devastated as we've had the dog since she was tiny. I've tried to keep her informed in an age appropriate way but nothing is going to change the facts.

Oh OP, I’m so sorry. It’s the hardest thing.

We actually bought some books to help, maybe go to the library if you get the chance and need to next week? There are some brilliant ones now to open up discussion softly. The Invisible Leash was one from memory. Or some audible ones - I think “The book your dog wants you to read” is available.

We were quite matter of fact and explained that the line would make DDog sleepy then a medicine would very gently slow down the heartbeat until it stopped, that DDog wouldn’t feel a thing and that we were stopping his pain 💔

Keep the communication open. Mood swings and sudden bursts of a different side to your DCs may be seen and they may embrace you or they may push you away but please remember it’s not you they’re cross with, it’s the situation.

One day, whether it be 12 weeks or 4 years time, you will all be in the right emotional place to look at photos and smile without crumbling at some point in the future. I am 5 years on and with a lot of therapy, only just getting there. Grief has its own timeline and everyone has their own way of dealing with it.

The Blue Cross and The Ralph Site both helped me.

Thinking of you all xxxx

www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-bereavement-and-pet-loss

www.theralphsite.com/index.php?idPage=4

Could you do some kind of good bye like plant Ddogs ashes or have a kind of 'service'

Our children lost lots of pets growing up and when they were that age we would bury the animal and have a funeral of sorts. They used to draw pictures/paint stones etc to put in/on the grave. It Just gave them a chance to say good bye in their own way.

Thank you both for your suggestions. I am dreading today and the thought of DD's face as she hears our lovely dog has done just breaks me. This is so tough.

I'm sorry OP. With young children, I would avoid using phrases like put to sleep or he will just go to sleep, because it might make them worry that they, or some one they know, will go to sleep and never wake up. I would use the terms euthenise /euthenised instead and explain that it's something that only happens to pets.