Children Dealing with the Loss of a Pet

Darcey went to Doggie Heaven shortly after Christmas, 2009. Thank goodness my ‘right hand’ was here 24/7 during the holidays, a blessing for our family. Somehow, I feel Darcey held on until we all could say good-bye together.

The loss of a pet is never easy. When dealing with euthanasia and the ultimate loss of a pet brings up conflicting and difficult emotions. When children are involved, special considerations need to be made to help them understand and  deal with grief.  It is best to speak in honest terms. Small children should know it is final.  Darcey was not going to wake up or come back.

Our 9yr, 5yr, and 3 yr old all dealt with Darcey going to Heaven differently.

We told them, in the morning,  Darcey needed to be with God and snuggle in his lap. One turned to blocks to express themselves. A structure was made depicting what Darcey would see when she arrived in Heaven. Still hard to look at this photo.  Another cried non-stop, while the third simply did not understand – in the least – Complete Denial. We are still working on closure.

What Darcey will see when she arrives….

Her Final photo

That is all for now.