Preparing a child for a dog's death?

[treehugger]

Sad situation. My dog has really, really gone downhill. I've come to accept the fact that she may not make it through the week; we have a vet appointment on Wednesday that she may not come home from.

How do I prepare an eight year old girl (who looooves Lady) that Lady is not around or not going to be around anymore?

Kath

[oldkzildjians]

In my opinion you should gently explain the facts of life. She's gonna grieve for a while, depending on how close she was to the dog.

Outta curiosity, what's your relationship to the girl? Maybe another dog would cheer her up?

[kermit]

maybe get a new dog??

it sounds like a bad idea, but I am looking at getting a new dog just to help me out.

my doggies are 13 and 11... and getting older.

I am going to have to change my standing and say wait untill she asks. but I hope youd doggie has fun in doggie heaven,

ahhh like the movie :-D maybe that will help???

[treehugger]

The girl is not related to me; she is a disadvantaged child who lives near me. I've sort of taken her under my wing; I guess maybe I'm kind of a mentor?

Another dog is out of the question, LOL...I've found it to be too time consuming to take care of a dog anymore; I work too much. Plus I'm planning to move to a condo soon.

The thing about this girl is she falls in love with things and animals and people Very easily. I know, as does her mother, that she will be heartbroken.

I think that will be the worst part about Lady's passing...telling Sabrina. :(

Kath