Pet Memorial World

A pet is more than an animal. It is a family member. Many pets live for a good number of years. Perhaps your pet is a 15 year old dog, or maybe it is a 30 year old horse. What ever your pet is, and no matter how old, the chances are you have developed a loving bond.

When faced with the loss of your loved pet, it is painful, sad, depressing, and will tear away a part of your heart. You will need to mourn in the same way that anyone mourns the loss of a loved one.

For children this loss can be one of the toughest challenges they face at their stage of life. Often the family pet is older than the child, so they have known them all their life. Growing up with their pet a child can spend more time playing with a dog or cat, than they do with two busy working parents.

A child will have many fond memories of a loved family pet. They have developed a significant bond. Animals are not judgmental, they do not have high expectations, and they love to PLAY.

The first time a child faces death it will often be that of a family pet. They may have no concept of death and it will be a confusing and possibly frightening time.

The day "Spud" died will forever be etched in my memory. I was only 6 and Spud was my life long companion. Until I had to go school we were inseparable. He was usually the first one to greet me in the morning and the last one to say good night.

On that fateful day when I arrived home from school and Spud did not greet me at the gate I knew something was wrong. He always waited for me to arrive home. When I raced inside to find him my younger sister was crying and my mother was also in tears trying to comfort her.

Spud was old (10 years) but not in poor health when he passed away. I spent many lonely afternoons and weekends thinking about my friend. Together we had "saved the world" on many occasions and now I was alone.

My parents were sympathetic but I don't think they really understood the whole that was created in my life. We did eventually get another puppy, but it was not my Spud. My friend and my confidante.

Helping a child recover from the loss of a pet, requires honesty foremost. Do not try and explain away the passing of an animal with euphemisms. To say the animal is has gone to sleep, for example, could lead to fear of sleeping in case they or another family member also disappears.

Do not immediately try and replace the pet without giving the child a chance to grieve. In stead celebrate the life of the pet, and create a special memorial to remember their friend. Create a special photo album or story book. If they have a close friend or relative that they can share the experience with that will also help. Make it a family time of remembrance and openly discuss the passing of your loved family member.

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