Losing a dog can have a heavy emotional toll on a child. Here are some ways to help your child through their grief.
The loss of a dog is a difficult time for everyone in the family, but for a child it can be a particularly challenging. Losing a pet is often their first encounter with grief and can be confusing. It also means the loss of certain rituals; evening walks, a friendly greeting when coming home from school, and a source of unconditional comfort and affection. How children cope may vary from child to child, but there are several things you can do to support your child during this difficult time.
Funerals and similar rituals can help us acknowledge the loss of a loved one, process our grief, and begin healing. For pets, it is important that we recognise their passing, and allow our children to take part. Perhaps you can scatter the ashes together. Maybe your child can paint stones to leave on your pet’s grave. If your dog has become lost with little hope that they will return, perhaps you could bury something belonging to the dog, such as a collar, or a food bowl. This will allow your child to have closure.
Your child may act out in different ways. Whether they are more irritable than usual, or seek affection more frequently, these are normal occurrences. Talk with your child and acknowledge their feelings. Name them; sadness, anger, disbelief, confusion, fear. Explain that you too are feeling these feelings, and that you miss your dog as well. This will help your child to feel less isolated.
Unfortunately, dogs do not live as long as humans. Explain this to your child, and stress that the important thing is for dog owners to ensure their dogs live happy, healthy lives. Ask your child if their dog was a happy dog. When they say yes, acknowledge their role in enriching your dog's life, and praise them for being such a good friend to their pooch.
Share your favourite stories about your dog. Maybe you could both draw pictures of them and frame them. Maybe you could both write letters to your dog and post them off to the Rainbow Bridge.
“The Invisible Leash” by Patrice Karst is a beautiful book for children about coping with the loss of a pet.
For some people, remembering those cherished moments shared with a loved one can be beneficial and provide closure in the grieving process. Visit our memory wall to share your story and a photo of your loved one.
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