how to tell a child?
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Welcome to general discussion!
Did your Britt make you laugh today? Did he do something so smart, you are blown away? Those puppy teeth causing you to tear up, and you need an outlet? Or do you want to post a picture of his or her latest point? This is the place for it!
how to tell a child?
So we will be saying goodbye to Logan this week. We have had him for just shy of 5 wonderful years. He was our best Christmas present. My husband and I have known his time was drawing near, and recognize that it is now time. However, we now have two non-fur-kids, and are unsure as to how to explain things to them. Our oldest is almost 3 and will be very aware of his absence, while the youngest is only 1, and will probably not understand.
Any tips on how to prepare the 3 year old for this? We get "why" and "how come" for just about everything in the day, and want to be prepared, but not go over his head.
Also, do you think we should bring our long term foster with to the apt? She is VERY clingy, and I worry that she will search the house/yard for him...
Thanks!
Any tips on how to prepare the 3 year old for this? We get "why" and "how come" for just about everything in the day, and want to be prepared, but not go over his head.
Also, do you think we should bring our long term foster with to the apt? She is VERY clingy, and I worry that she will search the house/yard for him...
Thanks!
Re: how to tell a child?
Wish I had advice for you, but wanted to say how sorry I am. Hugs to you and your family, and love to Logan.
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Re: how to tell a child?
I am so sorry. I know what a tough decison that is to make. I don't have much advice either, but I know my godson loved to have the book Dog Heaven by Cynthis Rylant read to him over and over after he had to say good bye to his dog. It's a very sweet picture book and seemed to help him understand it all better.
Re: how to tell a child?
I am sorry to hear about Logan. Guess any amount of time is NEVER EVER long enough. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Re: how to tell a child?
I'm so sorry to hear your sad news about Logan.
My youngest child was 3 when our first brittany, Rebel, passed away. I would suggest keeping it very simple. Explain the situation, acknowledge feelings, offer comfort... Follow his lead. Children are pretty resiliant, and often accept things more easily than adults. When Rebel died, I was a mess, and my boys (9 and 10 yrs old at the time) came up with the idea of making a photo/scrapbook memorial album for her. This activity promoted discussion and was a great way for all of us to work through our sad feelings. Even my daughter was able to contribute with pictures that she drew! Now, 10 years later, I like to pull out that album every now and then, and look back on great memories.
My youngest child was 3 when our first brittany, Rebel, passed away. I would suggest keeping it very simple. Explain the situation, acknowledge feelings, offer comfort... Follow his lead. Children are pretty resiliant, and often accept things more easily than adults. When Rebel died, I was a mess, and my boys (9 and 10 yrs old at the time) came up with the idea of making a photo/scrapbook memorial album for her. This activity promoted discussion and was a great way for all of us to work through our sad feelings. Even my daughter was able to contribute with pictures that she drew! Now, 10 years later, I like to pull out that album every now and then, and look back on great memories.
Re: how to tell a child?
Oh, I am so sorry to hear about Logan.
I do not have experience in explaining a pet death to a toddler but think keeping it short and simple is good. As to taking the long term foster with you ... My thought is if Logan finds comfort in her presence then yes take her. Otherwise, leave her behind.

I do not have experience in explaining a pet death to a toddler but think keeping it short and simple is good. As to taking the long term foster with you ... My thought is if Logan finds comfort in her presence then yes take her. Otherwise, leave her behind.

Trapper, CharLee & Kallie
Re: how to tell a child?
I'm sorry to hear about Logan. Making the decision is never easy. you'll be in my thoughts.
Rose
Rose
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Re: how to tell a child?
Oh, that is such sad news about Logan. If he has let you know it is time then his transition to forever peace will be a journey set in motion by love. We all face this if we choose to live with dogs and I think all of us agree that the "good days" with a dog far outnumber the "bad days", and we would not trade one second of the good ones. Hugs to you and your family, all our hearts are with you now.
Have never had to explain this sort of event to a child, so will leave that to those who have. As far as your foster dog, if the dog goes with you everywhere as family I would take her with you on the trip. She will be aware of the emotions that will be surrounding you all so you can probably expect her to be edgy or nervous, but calming her will probably help you stay calm as well. If she does not like going into the vet office I think at that point I would leave her in the car....dunno, you might need to work that out which ever way seems least stressful for everyone. Most dogs get past the loss of a buddy fairly fast, extra attention, extra exercise, not leaving her alone for a few days, that sort of thing helps them "move on".
So sorry this day is upon you....as always, remember the good days.
Have never had to explain this sort of event to a child, so will leave that to those who have. As far as your foster dog, if the dog goes with you everywhere as family I would take her with you on the trip. She will be aware of the emotions that will be surrounding you all so you can probably expect her to be edgy or nervous, but calming her will probably help you stay calm as well. If she does not like going into the vet office I think at that point I would leave her in the car....dunno, you might need to work that out which ever way seems least stressful for everyone. Most dogs get past the loss of a buddy fairly fast, extra attention, extra exercise, not leaving her alone for a few days, that sort of thing helps them "move on".
So sorry this day is upon you....as always, remember the good days.
RIP Sweet Cassie 4/98 - 3/13
Re: how to tell a child?
Hi
I found this book at a local store. We haven't had to deal with this particular situation with our 2 year old boy, but one of our dogs is 13yrs so I wanted to be prepared. It's a happy but sad read and I like it. Our condolences.
http://www.amazon.ca/Ill-Always-Love-Ha ... 0517572656
Ann
I found this book at a local store. We haven't had to deal with this particular situation with our 2 year old boy, but one of our dogs is 13yrs so I wanted to be prepared. It's a happy but sad read and I like it. Our condolences.
http://www.amazon.ca/Ill-Always-Love-Ha ... 0517572656
Ann
Re: how to tell a child?
Well, it actually went better then expected. Since we foster, apparently the idea of dogs not being arround anymore is not that big of a deal to a little kid. He asked where Logan was, then on his own decided that Logan went to live with someone else. We told him that he went to live with God, and that was that. Every few days he askes where is is, but then comes back with "silly me, he is living with God now"
I suspect that it may be harder for him to comprehend in the future, but I will take what I can get.
Thanks for all your support!
I suspect that it may be harder for him to comprehend in the future, but I will take what I can get.
Thanks for all your support!
Re: how to tell a child?
You're right, we take what we can get sometimes. That being said, I am still SO sorry for your loss. So many of us have enjoyed hearing about Logan, he was a lucky boy to have had you. Hang in there and please accept my condolences.

My mom is a Kat - How cool is that?
Re: how to tell a child?
So sorry about Logan's passing, glad that you little one is taking it okay.
Rose
Rose
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Re: how to tell a child?
Sending sympathy and puppy prayers for your loss.
Mary
Mary
Re: how to tell a child?
I am so sorry about Logan. It was time but that does not make it any easier. 


Trapper, CharLee & Kallie