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Started By
Message
re: What to tell kids when it’s time to put their dog down?
Posted on 9/13/25 at 11:44 am to 4cubbies
Posted on 9/13/25 at 11:44 am to 4cubbies
quote:
My kids are 6 and 8
If they are old enough to learn about transgenders and gender reassignment surgery they are old enough to learn about life and death.
0
Posted on 9/13/25 at 11:48 am to Stealth Matrix
quote:
The truth
Posted on 9/13/25 at 11:54 am to 4cubbies
RAINBOW BRIDGE
There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth.
It is called Rainbow Bridge because of its many splendid colors.
Just this side of Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills,
and valleys with lush, green grass.
When beloved pets die, they go to this place.
There is always food and water and warm spring weather.
The old and frail animals are young again.
Those who 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.
So each day they run and play.
Until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up!
The nose twitches.
The ears are up!
The eyes are staring.
And this one suddenly runs from the group.
You have been seen!
And when you and your special friend meet,
you take him in your arms and embrace.
Your face is kissed again and again and again,
and you look once more more into the eyes of your trusting pet.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together...
Never again to be separated.
There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth.
It is called Rainbow Bridge because of its many splendid colors.
Just this side of Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills,
and valleys with lush, green grass.
When beloved pets die, they go to this place.
There is always food and water and warm spring weather.
The old and frail animals are young again.
Those who 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.
So each day they run and play.
Until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up!
The nose twitches.
The ears are up!
The eyes are staring.
And this one suddenly runs from the group.
You have been seen!
And when you and your special friend meet,
you take him in your arms and embrace.
Your face is kissed again and again and again,
and you look once more more into the eyes of your trusting pet.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together...
Never again to be separated.
Posted on 9/13/25 at 12:06 pm to majoredinwhitehorse
i told them this morning that she’s an old lady and has already lived longer than most dogs do and we need to get ready to say goodbye - not today but probably within the next couple of months. They both cried, although my daughter took it harder.
I made another appointment for 9/29. That’s the day I’ll say goodbye. I adopted this mutt from the shelter in North BR in Feb 2010 and she was not a puppy. She’s been on borrowed time for a while now.
Thanks for all the kind words in this thread.
quote:I told my daughter about the Rainbow Bridge and it seemed to r comfort her.
RAINBOW BRIDGE
I made another appointment for 9/29. That’s the day I’ll say goodbye. I adopted this mutt from the shelter in North BR in Feb 2010 and she was not a puppy. She’s been on borrowed time for a while now.
Thanks for all the kind words in this thread.
Posted on 9/13/25 at 12:09 pm to majoredinwhitehorse
quote:
RAINBOW BRIDGE
That made me cry a little.
Posted on 9/13/25 at 12:13 pm to SallysHuman
Tears are streaming here. Someone must be cutting an onion in the kitchen.
Posted on 9/13/25 at 12:27 pm to 4cubbies
Truth. With kindness. Important life lesson.
Posted on 9/13/25 at 1:21 pm to Breesus
quote:
Definitely lie to them and tell them your vet has a farm you let them take it there to live forever
Kids need to be exposed to grief and learn how to deal with it. Better to be prepared and know that it’s coming rather than having it hit them out of the blue.
Posted on 9/13/25 at 1:47 pm to 4cubbies
We are getting a new dog.
Posted on 9/13/25 at 2:00 pm to 4cubbies
Explain to them well ahead of time how dogs and other pets won’t be around forever and that one day there will be a time that they will leave us.
It’s never easy when these things finally happen and there will be sadness but at least they will understand.
It’s never easy when these things finally happen and there will be sadness but at least they will understand.
Posted on 9/13/25 at 2:04 pm to 4cubbies
Edit: good job dad!
This post was edited on 9/13/25 at 2:06 pm
Posted on 9/13/25 at 2:09 pm to 4cubbies
My Border Collie Piper was a great dog who loved kids. When she went to the vet for surgery (twice), the three year old son of one of the vet assistant's would play with her all day before the surgery. When it was time for Piper, we took her to the vet and the little boy wanted to tell Piper goodbye. I wasn't sure but the boy came out to the Suburban and gave Piper a huge hug and told that he "loved her and would miss her." Hell, the vet and I teared up.
Piper had not moved at all that day, but she leaned up and gave the boy a big dog kiss and went back to not moving.
Kids can handle it.
Piper had not moved at all that day, but she leaned up and gave the boy a big dog kiss and went back to not moving.
Kids can handle it.
Posted on 9/13/25 at 2:12 pm to 4cubbies
Biggest thing is don't lie.
Unfortunately the last lesson your dog can teach your children is there is an end, and part of pet ownership is the mercy to put the dog down when it's time.
Unfortunately the last lesson your dog can teach your children is there is an end, and part of pet ownership is the mercy to put the dog down when it's time.
Posted on 9/13/25 at 2:14 pm to 4cubbies
quote:
What to tell kids when it’s time to put their dog down?
The truth and nothing but the truth. It also provides a good teaching moment for kids who have never experienced a close loved one passing.
Posted on 9/13/25 at 2:15 pm to 4cubbies
I’m so sorry Cubs. It’s such a hard thing to do for adults, much less children. I think how you’re handling it is perfect. I know a white lie would probably be easier on all. But the truth, handled gently, I believe will help them learn to grieve appropriately in the future. I admire parents that teach their kids the hard lessons in a loving way.
Good luck! And I’m sorry for your loss.
Good luck! And I’m sorry for your loss.
Posted on 9/13/25 at 2:19 pm to 4cubbies
Nope. Don’t do that. Dogs are wonderful for many reasons but this is a great lesson out of a very sad situation. That dog probably loved them and played with them through thick and thin and now it’s their turn to be there for the pooch to comfort him while he’s struggling and being mercifully euthanized. I guess it also depends on how old the kids are but this is a lesson in being selfless and thinking of something before you think of yourself during hard times. Your dog deserves to be surrounded by the people he loves and is comfortable with to say goodbye
Posted on 9/13/25 at 2:25 pm to 4cubbies
Yeah here too.
Like everyone else said - the truth and let them be there. When I was 10 someone shot my cat, and we had to bring her in. I was very glad to be there for him as they gave him the shot. 10 years later, my dad brought our dog in and didn’t tell me until after. I was pretty upset about that.
Like everyone else said - the truth and let them be there. When I was 10 someone shot my cat, and we had to bring her in. I was very glad to be there for him as they gave him the shot. 10 years later, my dad brought our dog in and didn’t tell me until after. I was pretty upset about that.
Posted on 9/13/25 at 2:25 pm to BrotherEsau
Rightfully so.
Posted on 9/13/25 at 2:25 pm to AcadiaParishTiger
quote:
Kids need to be exposed to grief and learn how to deal with it. Better to be prepared and know that it’s coming rather than having it hit them out of the blue.
Also better to learn from an animal than a grandparent or, God forbid, a classmate.
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