How to explain to a child about the death of a pet?

Question

When I was young my mother rescued a dog we named Bogart. He was my best friend! He is the reason I'm a veterinarian technician today.

One day I get home from school and my mom turns around with tear-filled eyes to tell me

"Bogart ate the ant poison I sprinkled in the yard today. I took him to the animal doctor and we had to put him to sleep so he could be with Jesus."

I can't even explain the feeling I had. I cried for weeks. My best friend died. Was this a good way for my mom to tell me? Is there really a good way to tell a child their pet has died?

Answer

I think you need to be honest. I think telling them the pet ran away or running out to buy a replacement that looks the same isn't right. Kids need to be told the truth. You should be as age appropriate as possible though.

Answer

My mom was honest with me and I've always been honest with my daughter. I let her cry it out because of course it hurts, but she understands that everything (and everyone) lives and then they die. It's a natural part of life.

Answer

I had a bird my Gma bought me when I was in grade school, and I remember one weekend my mom dropped me and my sister off at our grandparents house and the next day my mom came to get us and told me my bird died. I had him for like maybe a few months but apparently my sister before we left shoved his head back in the cage cause he liked to poke his head out and it got stuck that time and she was 5 at the time and she thought he was helping him by shoving his head back in but it broke his neck and when I found out my mom just gave me a hug and said we could burry him when we got home

Answer

I told my kid his kitty ran away to find him a gf and have a family ! ( he got hit ) :-( I cryed for a week RIP TABBY CAT !

Answer

Our bird just recently passed away. I wasn't sure what to tell my son though, he's 5. I don't think it's fair to lie or keep it secret. We took him with us to bury the bird. He didn't see it but my husband explained it to him. He wasn't all that affected but he understood. If you believe in heaven go with that, no matter what honest but sensitive is the way I'd go

Answer

My mom and dad always told me that they went to Heaven.

Answer

My parents never even told us! They literally thought they could just bury our dogs and not even tell us. Like we had 3. Went down to 2. And then eventually 1. When we asked, they just looked away all sad like and that's how we knew. Even at 20. My dad didn't have the heart to tell me my husky died. I got back from a trip with my friend. And I called asking where diesel was. He just got quiet. And I balled my eyes out. Somehow my sister and I always just knew. 
Like when my mom passed, no one had to tell me. The look on my sister and the cops faces said it all.

How to explain to a child about the death of a pet?

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