Helping a child deal with the loss of a pet

[WeThree]

Has anyone had to do this? My 9 yr old ds pet fish had just died and he is very upset. I have suggested to him that we have a burial etc, but this seemed to upset him even more, the finality of it i guess. Any tips?

[cosmic]

oh how sad. :( I don't have any advice... just wanted to say that's a bummer.

[Peaceangels]

It is very hard with kids, but maybe you and ds could have a little memorial and burn a candle and ds can write a nice little note to his beloved pet about how much he meant to him.

We lost our beloved dog of 10yrs on Boxing day (he had to be put down) and the kids still ask about him. Lochie often calls out "Harley, toast" (looking out to the backyard) when he has leftover's from breakfast. Poor Ethan still asks "when is Harley coming back" - breaks my heart.

We received this lovely poem from the vet after Harley went, it might cheer your ds up to know his fish is in a lovely place (btw- I changed it a bit to suit a fish)

The Rainbow Bridge

There is a bridge connecting heaven and earth
It is called the Rainbow bridge because of its many colours
Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge
There is a land of meadows, hills, rivers and valleys with lush green grass

When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place
There is always food and water and warm spring weather
The old and frail animals are young again
Those whom are maimed are made whole again
They play all day with each other

There is only one thing missing
They are not with their special person who loved them on earth
Each day they run (or swim) and play until the day comes
When one suddenly stops playing and looks up
The fins twitch, the tail swishes, the eyes are staring
Suddenly one moves from the group

You have been seen
And when you and your special friend meet
You take him or her in your arms and embrace
Your face is kissed again and again
And you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together
Never again to be separated

[WeThree]

Thanks guys! :)
and thankyou so much for that poem Ness, it is wonderful, i will copy it out and read it at his funeral this evening :)
now he is feeling a bit better, he is ready to bury him, im going to encourage him to write something to read out and also to write something for himself just expressing how he is feeling about it, i think this will make him feel better. :)

[WeThree]

well we had the funeral. Flame was very solemenly wrapped in a piece of purple fabric (he was purple) and put in a plastic container. Then we found a nice spot in the yard and thomas dug a spot, with his 2 yr old brother crying loudly 'that he wanted to dig too':rolleyes: then i read the lovely poem that ness provided, which resulted in thomas dissolving into tears, and his step sister having to step in and say the words he had composed. then we has a short prayer, and said 2 yr old indignantly declared that 'fishy not with Jesus, fishy in the garden!':p :o

[Peaceangels]

I'm so glad it all went well, it will help him.

I too sobbed when I first read the poem, it was all a bit raw with the loss so recent, but on the same account it made me feel good about where our dog was.

[Rockett]

Oh poor little guy.:( How's he feeling?
I think it's great that he loved that fish so much,I know of kids the same age who wouldn't give a toss about "just a fish". It's not "just a fish' when it's your precious pet.
Hope he feels better soon.:)

[reAllytee]

Awww Erin this is so sad :(
Give him lots of cuddles poor thing but then its better he cries as it will help him deal with it all. Maybe in a few days when he is ready take him to choose another this may help him heal his heart. Isnt it lovely though that you have raised a very kind hearted soul.
I love that poem there is also a version for pound/foster doggies who never have made it to their new owners, they both make me howl when i read them.

[WeThree]

Thanks guys :)
Last night when he got into bed, he started crying again and couldnt stop, I think because he was lyeing there just thinking about it, nothing to take his mind off it, you know? Anyway I told him to just cry it all out, although it upset his little brother and he started crying as well, so i had to put him in my bed, lol :o

[StormAngel]

Oh, poor little guy!

My kids have grown up on a farm all their lives so the death of a pet/animal is nothing new to them, just a part of farming life, so i really don't have any suggestions that might help him :confused: sorry, not much help am I!

Hope he starts to feel better soon!