My poor old girl is on her last throw of the dice. I hope it works but I am having to face up to the fact that she probably won't see Christmas.
We have two young DDs (4 and 5 years) and they are both fond of her.
Do I tell them before she goes?
I remember when I was young my mum had to have one of our cats put down and she didn't tell us until afterwards. She went to the vet while we were at school. Looking back I understand why - he was very much her cat, followed her everywhere, used to drape himself over her neck while she read the paper. I think my mum was so upset at letting him go that she didn't want to have to deal with our emotions too. But I was very upset by it, and I remember it even now.
So I'd like the DDs to be able to say goodbye but equally I don't want them to be upset by the anticipation. My mum passed away suddenly in July, and their great granddad (on DHs side) passed away in September. So they have some experience of death and know it is final and sad. Which is partly why I think perhaps I don't tell them until it's over. And partly I don't think they are old enough to understand euthanasia (ie we will know exactly when Molly will die but we didn't know with Grandma or Great Grandpa). That may well land up in their heads as "mommy/the vet killed Molly". But then I know DD2 in particular would be very very upset if she felt she hadn't given Molly a last cuddle.
I don't know. What do people do? She is the first pet I will have to put down. I really have no idea what's best.