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You know better than anyone what you feel capable of handling. You should be guided by what makes you feel comfortable and by what you think you can live with later. Some people consider being present as a final demonstration to the pet of their affection, and take comfort in knowing their pet is actually dead and at peace. Others prefer to remember their pet as it was, alive and active. Pets feel more secure in the company of people they know, and pets do not have the awareness of death or the anxiety before death that humans do. An owner's anxiety can be conveyed to both pet and veterinarian, but if the owner is calm, the pet will remain calm also.
-What should I tell my children?
When children lose a pet, it may be their first experience with death. They need
the truth, in terms that they can understand, with an opportunity to ask questions.
The type and amount of information provided will depend upon the child's age and
level of understanding. Here are a few tips that I have found useful in my practice:
-Preparation is important, especially if a child will not be present at the euthanasia.
-Encourage the opportunity to say goodbye to the pet beforehand.
-Use appropriate language. Do not be afraid of the words death and dying. Don't use the euphemism "putting him to sleep" when you mean to say we are helping the animal to die.
-Don't be afraid to let your child see that you are sad.
-Remember that children have very short attention spans. They quickly turn from tears to "When can we get a new pet?" and back again.
PO Box 5386, Hercules, CA 94547
510-381-3389