Why does it hurt so much when a pet dies? A pet is part of the family. It can be a playmate and a comfort every day.
When a pet dies, its body stops working. It does not start again. It cannot see, hear or feel anymore. It does not need to eat or drink.
It is not the fault of the child. Nobody did this. You did nothing wrong.
Grief is how people feel when they lose someone they love. That includes a pet. You might feel sad, angry or lonely.
It is okay to feel sad. It is okay to cry. Most pet owners will lose a pet sooner or later. You are not the only one.
You can say goodbye to a pet before it is buried. Some families hold a small memorial. Everyone shares stories and pictures of the pet.
You can look at photos and draw pictures of your pet. A photo album or scrapbook can hold your favorite pictures.
A memory box can hold a collar, a toy and photos. You can write a letter to your pet. Some families plant flowers or a tree.
People and families believe different things about what comes after. Ask yours. Their answers may help you.
Talk about your feelings with a grown-up. A parent or a teacher can listen. Grown-ups should listen to you.
Words to know
- grief: deep sadness
- memorial: remembering time
- scrapbook: picture book
- collar: neck band
