Guise. I need a hug.

LaurelBee · February 2014

We have to put our 7 yo Lab, Reese, to sleep tonight. She's been sick since Dec and has slowly declined and the vet is unsure what's causing it. We've done 100s of tests, so we know what it's not! Our vet doesn't suggest exploratory surgery bc Reese is so weak, dehydrated, and lethargic, she doesn't expect her to survive surgery...

I'm having a rough time, but what I'm really concerned is my son. How do I explain that she is going to the Dr, but not coming home? I tried to explain on his way to school today, and said that she was going to Heaven to be with God. His answer: Jesus is a Dr. He can fix her! It is breaking my heart bc Reese is legit his best friend.

Sorry for the PnR, I have to pick him up from school. Here's a pic of them at Christmas time.

Unknown · February 2014

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EVA116 · February 2014

That is so sad. I am so sorry.

Smootchy · February 2014

I'm sorry LB. ((hugs))

EVA116 · February 2014

Maybe tell him that Jesus is going to keep in Heaven. That it is her time to be Jesus' dog now.

fancynewbeesly · February 2014

I am so sorry to hear that.

*hugs*

LoveActually4 · February 2014

I am so sorry. I will be thinking of you all tonight.

nanabanana06 · February 2014

I'm sorry sweetheart. You have all my good thoughts and prayers. I hope your pup has a peaceful passing. No matter what age the loss of a pet isn't fun.

ETA tons of hugs!!

angelashly · February 2014

(( hugs))

Maebb · February 2014

I'm sorry. It looks like your son will have good memories and sweet pictures to remind him of the good times with Reese. Losing a pet is hard. Hugs.

willy_gert · February 2014

I am so sorry that you are having to deal with this! I can't imagine having to explain it to a child on top of that.

Since you already talked to him about it and he says God is a Dr. and can fix him, I would give it some time, and then maybe when he asks tell him that God needed your Reese to look after other sick doggies in heaven? Something like that?

I also like the idea of telling him that Reese isn't coming home and it is okay to be sad but that he is in Heaven. {{Hugs}}

SpaceGirlSpiff · February 2014

I'm so sorry...

MamatoA2010 · February 2014

I am so so sorry @LaurelBee

It is so heartbreaking to lose a pet. Whenever an animal passes away I explain to DD (almost the same age as your son) that he/she is now with God. Big gigantic hugs!!! Thinking of you...

Drea926 · February 2014

I'm so sorry. :-( Big hugs Mama!

wesleycrusher · February 2014

So sorry to hear.

aforst · February 2014

I'm so sorry you are going through this. My heart breaks for your little guy.

MrsCodeMonkey · February 2014

I'm so sorry! Many hugs! It must be so hard.

shadypines · February 2014

((hugs))

wiggyslilsis · February 2014

I am so sorry *hugs*

littlestjerry · February 2014

Such a sweet picture! I'm so sorry you and your DS are losing a friend.

msdrdg · February 2014

Such a sweet picture.
I am so sorry for your loss.

jorkz821 · February 2014

So sad! I'm so sorry

ShakeyJakey · February 2014

EVA116 said:
Maybe tell him that Jesus is going to keep in Heaven. That it is her time to be Jesus' dog now.

I like this explanation. Hugs laurel.

missyishere · February 2014

I'm so sorry. Lots of hugs.

LaurelBee · February 2014

Thanks you guys so much. I'm just trying to make Reese's day the best I can, but she won't even eat PB or stand up to go outside

So I'm giving her all the belly rubs.

Ds doesn't seem to get that she can't come home after going to heaven, so I guess it'll be a while before he understands... Thanks again for your kind words and hugs

chardonnay24 · February 2014

Oh no, I'm so sorry. That must be so hard. :-(

MrsT0514 · February 2014

Ugh I'm so sorry. I'm a firm believer that our pets are our family members...not just pets.

But if she's suffering, you know this will put her body at rest and her soul in a much more peaceful place. Bless her little heart.

kellijo1013 · February 2014

I am so sorry! Lots of creepy hugs headed your way!

Did you try changing your dog food? I had a friend in a very similar situation and they had been feeding dog food that was recalled. They were ready to put her down as well when they found out about the recall.

RondackHiker · February 2014

Oh hell. That sucks.

I'd be as honest as you can. I'm sure he knows Reese has been sick. Tell him that the doctors have tried really hard but because Reese is old and sick they can't make him better, and that Reese hurts a lot and is sad right now. So because you love him, you're going to go to the vet and let him die so he can go to heaven and be happy.

With the Jesus can fix him thing, I'd just say that sometimes it's time for animals to go to heaven and that you'll miss him but that Jesus won't fix him this time. Go ahead and cry. It's okay for him to know your heart is breaking.

Can he send a special toy or drawing with the dog to keep him company? Or can he go? I went when I was pretty young and I am still so glad I did, though I know not all kids would feel the same.

Monkeybabe · February 2014

I'm so sorry. Putting down a pet is just so damn hard. My heart breaks for you. *hugs*

klondikebar · February 2014

I'm so sorry. Hugs. Maybe a small album for your DS to keep with photos of her might help. It depends on the child though.

MamatoA2010 · February 2014

@LaurelBee- YGPM

myatala · February 2014

I'm so very sorry for your loss. If it's any consolation I was very young when we lost each of the cats who were part of our family when I was born and have good memories to balance out the memory of the losses.

phunkyphish · February 2014

That really is heartbreaking, I'm so sorry. I have no advice, but I did see this really sad/cute book that might help...https://www.amazon.com/Dog-Heaven-Cynthia-Rylant/dp/0590417010