My golden retriever ran into a fence and snapped her neck...is this common?

Question

And what is a good way to tell my daughter that her dog is dead. Especially the way it happened. Should I lie?

She hit the fence flipped over once and took a breath and that was it...I watched the whole thing...I dunno...i am still freaked about it.

Answer 1

Explaining Pet Loss to Children: Six Do’s and Don’ts<< http://www.petplace.com/dogs/explaining-pet-loss-to-children-six-do-s-and-don-ts/page1.aspx

Helping Children Cope with the Loss of a Pet << http://www.hsus.org/humane_living/memorial_and_planned_gifts/kindred_spirits_memorial_program/helping_children_cope_with_the_loss_of_a_pet.html

Most parents have a difficult time telling their child about the death of a beloved pet. Dr. Stefanie Schwartz, board-certified veterinary behaviorist and author of many books on pet care, including Dr. Cookie's Guide to Living Happily Ever After ith Your Cat (St. Martin's Press, 2002) and No More Myths: True Facts About Pet Care (Random House, 2000), has seen, firsthand, the grief young pet owners face at the loss of a beloved animal.

The best way to tell children about their pet's death is to be completely honest," says Dr. Schwartz. She says that parents should avoid telling their child that the pet went to sleep, as some children can develop serious fears of bedtime and going to sleep. Telling them that God or Jesus wanted the pet with Him is also a bad idea because children can become angry at the higher power.

Dr. Schwartz also recommends that parents be honest about their own grief. This helps children to understand that being sad is normal. "It's OK for adults to show emotion and to explain to children that they are sad and miss the pet that has died," she says. "But this is a perfect opportunity for them to show that the sadness will pass." << From Dealing With The Loss of a Pet >
http://childrentoday.com/resources/articles/fido.htm

Answer 2

No this is deffinetly not common. I would tell your daughter the truth although If I was your daughter I dont think i would believe you! No you should not lie though. I would have taken the dog to the vet right away. Did you? Well just sit your daughter down and tell her what happened. That would be the best. Maybe after a couple of weeks you could replace the dog and get a new puppy that may help her forget about it! Hope this helps!

Answer 3

OMG, i am sooo sorry!! I have had many pets die,including a golden retriever, and i am only 15. I would tell her a lie that is similar to what happened. Just say pretty much that your dog got into an accident and hurt her neck, and she died. Then just hug your daughter and hold her tight. Then as time goes on possibly buy her a new dog, not nesscessarily a golden retriever becuase she might remember your one that just passed away and cry.

once again, i am so sorry.i hope all goes well.

Answer 4

oooh my god..... that is insane. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. If your daugher is young there are so may picture books dealing with the death of an animal and telling a child. I wouldn't get into too many details until she can handle it. Break it to her a bit at a time. She got really injured running in the back yard and got sick and then maybe give the details when you feel she can handle it. You don't want to cause any complexes in your daughter. Thank goodnes she didn't have to see it.

Answer 5

I have never heard of a dog doing that? How the hell did she run into the fence??? I would just tell your daughter that the dog had an accident today and passed away as a result. Be gentle about it.

Answer 6

Yikes. I am so sorry to hear that. It sounds like a freak accident to me.

How old is your daughter? Has she had any experience with death in the past? If she is a little girl, you could jsut say that he had an accident and is with the angels. If she is a teenager, explain what happened. Be honest.

Answer 7

Wow, thats unusual. Tell her that something happened and the dog isn't with you guys anymore. She may be sad at first but she'll be fine. I don't think lying to her is good. Just tell her an accident happened.

Answer 8

Oh how very, very sad! I have never heard of such a thing! I am so sorry for you and your family.

I would tell my daughter the truth but I wouldn't elaborate unless she asks more questions.

You have my sympathy.

Answer 9

O.M.Gosh!........ that is not common @ all
and please do not tell your daughter that in those words.