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Question

How do I prepare my 9 yr old son that our dog is dieing and might not make it through the night? Sadie (our dog) has slept with him for four years and he really loves her and so do I. I know I have to be strong for him. But what do I say to him?

Answer 1

So sorry to hear of your story... Personally, I don't think that 9 years old is too young to handle the truth. Explain that the dog is sick and why. Be prepared to answer any questions he may have for you. I don't want to sound morbid but better to explain it now than if a tragedy were to happen to a family member. This way you can help him thru the grieving process. Help your child to say goodbye and to understand that just because the dog is gone he doesn't have to stop loving him. I wouldn't go right out and get a new pet because he needs to grieve and understand that death is final. As for the dog sleeping with your son that is going to be a hard one! I am 35 years old and our little Pug sleeps with us and I dont even know at this age how I would deal with it... maybe get a new stuffed animal to put in bed with them both and let your son come to think of the new toy as a bed buddy too so that when your dog is gone he doesn't have to feel alone. After a few months you can take him to get a new pet.. sometimes when people run out and get their children a new dog after the death of another.. the child associates the new pet with the one that is gone.

I just wanted to add this: As for you being strong for your son, I dont disagree with you on this but I do think that you need to express your emotions and encourage your son to do the same... show him that its ok to be sad and cry. Children learn by example and if you are hiding your feelings and emotions he may hide his too.


Best Wishes

Answer 2

At 9 years old, your son is old enough to understand what is happening. Be honest with him about what is wrong, and what to expect. Let him know that Sadie will always be with him in his heart. Maybe take a few last pictures together. Do not minimize how hard this will be for him. Encourage him to think of some way to remember his furry companion. Talk about some fun/funny times they have had together. Chances are he will handle it better than you ever expected him to.

I would not recommend running right out and replacing Sadie. To often that makes young ones feel like the creature wasn't really valued, it may extend his grieving period, the new animal may not get a fair shake at becoming his new best friend. Hold off, he will let you know when he is ready for a new buddy.

Good luck, my heart goes out to y'all.

Answer 3

That is said, I'm sorry, tell him this.
There is a place son, a place up in hevan where all dogs go when they get old. Sadie is getting older and she might go there. It's called RainBow Ridge and there she can run and chase rabbits, and birds and play with other puppies. She'll be happy and look down from Rainbow Ridge and wait for the day when you can go and join her.
Don't cry, or she'll get sad and cry to you will meet her again soon, you just wait. She'll feel so much better there and won't be hurting anymore.
Good Luck, and I'm sorry about Sadie.

Answer 4

Well first things first...... make sure ur son really knows about the meaning of death... then explain to him the reason y shes dying like have a sickness or just of old age, then go to a shelter or a breeder if he wants another dog...... let him settle down unless he wants a new dog right away then get him a new dog right away... otherwise, let him adjust....hell come to u when hes ready for a new dog... i am sssoooo sorry that u ur son and ur poor little dog have to go through all of this... i hope i helped.. goodbye and GOD BLESS....

Answer 5

I would tell him the truth about everything. It's hard for a child to have to handle something like this, but as long as you are there to reassure him and explain what's happening, it will help.

I saw a suggestion for getting another dog, and tho your family may be considering this, I think this should be a decision for your son to make, when he is ready. He may not wish to right away during the grieving process, so let him go at his pace if you're thinking of this.

I'm so sorry to hear your baby is sick and I hope you will be able to console your child, and yourself, when the end does come.

Answer 6

It is a good time to explain to him about life & death. The doggie will be going to a peaceful place. It is NOT wise to replace the dog right away. Let the family share in the loss and accept it. Then, maybe in 6 months to a year, if you want to, then get another dog.

Answer 7

God is going to watch over Sadie for awhile.. Make sure you give the doggy a hug and kiss and say goodbye. Everything is going to be okay

Answer 8

There is no easy way to tell a child his pet is passing.
Just tell him, we all have to go home(heaven) one day.
God needs Sadie to help him with the other pets thats passed on.
I have a Pom that has just been DX w/congestive heart failure...So I understand how you feel. We one day shall all be together again in Gods house.

Answer 9

I'm so sorry to hear about Sadie. My dog died of terminal cancer over a year ago and I still miss her. I know much more about dogs than about kids, but I found a webpage that seems to have good advice. http://www.petplace.com/dogs/explaining-pet-loss-to-children-six-do-s-and-don-ts/page1.aspx

Answer 10

Be honest with him .trying to suger coat it won't help in fact it will make things worse. explain to him that God needs the dog. also explain to him how much pain the dog is in and it would be selfish to want him to stay. it's understandable that your son would want him to stay. and when the time comes when the dog dies. say something like He is with God now.