How to be Christmassy when just had dog to sleep

[TOWGA]

We have 2 young Children, (7 and 4) and are hosting Christmas tomorrow. Today we took our Labrador to the vets and for what we thought would be for medication, for a cough, turned out he had massive internal bleeding from tumours, and we had to have him put to sleep. Im in shock and distraught. Somehow got to put a brave face on tomorrow, any suggestions? Thank you

Have a Doggy Christmas.

Watch Christmas movies with dogs in, wrap up some dog presents and write a letter for Father Christmas to take to your dog in heaven and celebrate the life of your beautiful pet.

We go on a memorial walk when my dogs are PTS. That might tie in nicely with Xmas. But ultimately I'd scale back expectations, enjoy your kids excitement but make sure you get them outside plenty so they don't boil over and you snap at them through emotional exhaustion, and have an early night. X

Oh dear. I am so sorry. Tbh, don't worry about your DC because they will be distracted all day. If you've got any presents for your gorgeous dog, put them away. You will have to somehow smile and wave tomorrow. Keep busy, keep your DC busy. Keep smiling.

The upset will come in time, of course. For you mostly, I suspect.

But, battle through, cry in private. Deep breaths, you can do it just for now. Your furry friend would would be so disappointed otherwise because they have known you to be strong, safe, loving. As they absolutely loved you.

You can get through this for tomorrow. For your DC and for your friend.

Sending you much love. I've been there too.

Oh that's awful 💔 what a shock for you all. Just make your children have an extra good time over Christmas 🎄 lots of love

I'm so very sorry for your loss - what a shock, and what awful timing.

I'd go against the grain here and say don't force it. The dc will be upset too, and while they might be distracted by the presents temporarily, I'd still make sure you honour the passing of your beloved pet. Show them how to deal with negative emotions.

I'm so sorry you had such a shock today

So sorry for your loss OP, what an awful shock for you all 💔