Losing a pet is often a child's first experience with death and saying goodbye to a best friend. Although your entire family will grieve after putting your dog to sleep, children will need some extra special care and support to understand and cope with the loss. Here are some ideas for how to communicate and celebrate their companion’s life.

5 Ways to Honor Your Pet & Support the Grieving Process

1. Talk About Your Pet

If you have to put your dog to sleep, your child will likely have questions. Answer them honestly, reminding your child of the good memories you had with your pet and that it’s okay to miss them.

Grief is a process, and pretending that everything is okay or expecting your child to move on in a few days or even weeks is unrealistic. Let your kids know that they can talk about their dog, and it’s okay to be sad and cry. 

2. Create a Memorial

Set aside space in your home for a small memorial to your pet with a photo, their collar, and perhaps a favorite toy. You may not wish to keep all of your pet’s gear, but an especially loved item can be a happy reminder of your life together. Consider having a small headstone or other marker made for your pet to keep in the yard or on a shelf. 

3. Donate 

Honor your pet's memory by donating money or supplies to a local shelter or rescue organization. This support helps them provide rescue services and place pets in loving homes.

If your kids are old enough and feel ready, volunteering time at the shelter can help them heal as well. Playing with or walking other dogs, for instance, will let them remember their dog while doing something tangible to help other animals. 

4. Make a Scrapbook

Help your kids remember their beloved friend by creating a scrapbook of memories. Spend time together reminiscing and writing down stories and memories about your pet, then add them to a book with photos and other memorabilia. Any time your kids feel sad or miss their friend, they can look through the book and remember them. 

5. Hang a Portrait

After you put your dog to sleep, keep your pet’s memory alive by hanging a portrait on the wall. Have one of your favorite photographs enlarged and framed, or work with an artist to commission a custom painting. Check online sites like Etsy for artists who will paint or draw your pet for a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork. 

Saying goodbye to your pet and having your dog put to sleep is never easy, but the compassionate and loving team at Sweet Dreams In-Home Pet Euthanasia will make it as peaceful as it can be. With more than 10 years of experience providing end-of-life pet care and in-home euthanasia for pets in the North Atlanta area, this team of veterinarians and licensed technicians will ensure your beloved pet is treated with dignity and respect. Call (770) 880-1596 to discuss your family’s needs and visit their website for more information.