death of an animal

[moonstar1964]

how do you tell a 6 year old that his favourite dog (my sister's pet) has had to be put to sleep forever? Many thanks

[swanko]

i`m probably stating the obvious,children are very resilient ,tell him the truth in a way a child will understand you could say the pet was very old and the angels took him to heaven and now he is a big star in the sky,HTH.

[moonstar1964]

thank you swanko, i like the big star in the sky, "Jingo" was a gorgeous Chow and if he is a star, he is certainly a big one! Shining bright tonight, bless him, I miss him too, knew him since he was a pup, like a toy from Hamley's, 12 years ago, feel like he was my first nephew! Sad but true! thanks again, x

[sophie_1003]

Avoid using the term 'going to sleep forever' as this can lead children to associate sleep with death and cause problems. There are lots of books about these days to help with the death of a pet, there's a really nice Mog one called Mog goes to Heaven or something like that.

[moonstar1964]

thank you sophie_1003, i agree about the sleeping forever theme, or he would never go to bed again! Tonights the night to let him know about a new bright star in the sky...

[cruella]

Hi moonstar
Just say the dog has now gone to Rainbow bridge.
Lovely story behind Rainbow bridge. Animals are all happy there. xx