What's the best way to help your six-year-old cope with the possibility of having to put your 17-year-old dog to sleep soon?
Can you say attached? She is.
2007-12-03 09:56:04 · 10 answers · asked by mom 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Try to explain to her that the dog is in pain, etc. That this is a natural thing and it is making her not have pain anymore. Tell her the dog is going to a better place, if this is what you believe in.
good luck!
2007-12-03 10:00:42 · answer #1 · answered by Kali's Mom 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The most important thing is to not lie to her. Don't tell her that your dog is 'going to live on a farm' or something like that. Use your personal religious beliefs to explain what you believe happens to a soul when it departs this earth. Help her learn that sometimes the pain that an animal is suffering isn't kind, and we are responsible for relieving the pet's suffering. Let her say "goodbye" to her friend, and let her help you make a memorial to your dog, so she has somewhere to let out some of her grief. Kind of proceed as you would if any other playmate of hers passed away.
I am so sorry you may be losing a family member, and I think it is great that you are trying so hard to help your child cope.
2007-12-03 18:13:31 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
How sad.......You can help her by letting her know that the dog is going to doggy heaven because he is so sick. Don't let her go to the vet with you. Getting a new puppy soon after is a good idea to take her mind off the sad stuff. She will always remember good stuff about her loved one. So encourage her to talk about it after the dog is put down but not all the time. Just time to time remind her of good stuff. Tell her the dog is in doggy heaven and will never be sick again.
2007-12-03 18:12:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd tell her that she/he is going to a better place and she will be happy where she/he will be,I'd also by her a new puppy that is the same breed as the one your going to put to sleep or find one that looks similar and has almost the same personality as the 17 yr old dog.sorry by the way.
2007-12-03 18:05:42 · answer #4 · answered by Kayla7796 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wow your dog has lived a long happy life. the only way to tell her is to tell her the truth. you can make her feel better by saying that God wanted your doggie to come with him to dog heaven. tell her that your dog will watch over her always. then get her a puppy if she wants one. this will help so much with the pain.
2007-12-03 18:04:10 · answer #5 · answered by hello 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Explain to her about the rainbow Bridge.
http://rainbowsbridge.com/hello.htm
Then tell her that's where your puppy is going. Tell her that the dog doesn't feel well so soon she has to go to the rainbow bridge. If she cries say, she knos we love her and she loves us. She will be very happy there.
Good- luck and I am so very sorry about your dog ):
2007-12-03 18:01:48 · answer #6 · answered by Ameliaaaaa (: 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe the truth and her is 2 poems ( sorry a bit ling but may help)
PUT ME TO REST
Time to let me go my friend,
Because my life no-one can mend,
Its better to let me go this way,
Than watch me suffer night and day.
I'm happy to go, my time has come,
My quality of life is no longer fun,
Ive been so ill, so its not a bad thing,
To let me go forever resting.
Stay with me till I drift away,
Fast asleep forever I pray,
To relieve me from suffering and pain,
What more can I ask from my best friend.
Don't be sad, I'll be free from pain,
Never to be ill ever again,
I know you'll miss me being there,
But all the memories you have to share.
Thankyou for being my best friend,
And all my needs that you did tend,
Try not to be sad, try not to cry,
Now's the time to say GOODBYE PUT ME TO REST
Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
Return to the Pet Loss Grief Support Website at Petloss.com
2007-12-03 18:03:31 · answer #7 · answered by Kit_kat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, dogs go to heaven too, and even though they're gone, they always seem to be there.
2007-12-03 18:01:05 · answer #8 · answered by Mini kirby 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i agree tell her it's time for him to go
and the get her a new one
2007-12-03 18:01:29 · answer #9 · answered by miladybathory 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aww...I'm sorry. Maybe getting him a new little puppy.
2007-12-03 17:59:45 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋