dealing with the loss of a pet

[marley2580]

We discovered today that our 12 year old dog has an inoperable tumour - odds are it's cancer and we're going to lose her at some point this year. How am I going to explain this to my kids? My 3 year old is probably too young to care that much, but my 5 year old will, won't she? When do I tackle it? Do I wait until she's close to the end? Or do I start laying the groundwork now? We've had pets die, even recently, but none as important as Willow. I'll be upset and they'll see that.

 

[seoj]

Sorry you have to go through this ... do what you feel is best... but personally, I would wait to say something. I think kids at that age don't comprehend time- I remember my friend telling her 5yr old they would go to the zoo tomorrow, and 5mins later he asked "is it tomorrow yet?". So I think waiting till you knows she's at the end would probably be best.

I'd just be honest- within reason and keep it age appropriate. Like you said, the 3yr old won't really get it... but the 5yr old will probably just need some extra comfort.