Hello!

Last year we found out our beloved family pet had cancer. After an operation and courses of antibiotics and treatments, the cancer is back with a vengeance. The vet has said that the time will come in the next few weeks when he will need to be put down because he will be in too much pain. How do I break the news to my 7 and 10 year old? Any advice would be great.


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  • You need to be honest. It’s going to be tough, but you need to always tell them the truth. We have recently put our dog to sleep due to cancer. It is devastating. And don’t feel bad about getting another pet. There are so many in shelters that need a loving home. You seem to have lots of love to give, your pet would be happy to know you will continue to share that love with others who need you


  • Be honest with your children.
    It is going to be heart breaking for the entire family but you need to deal with it as a family.
    Make happy memories with the time you have left & after your pet has passed make a special rememberance place in your garden with your children.
    Losing a pet is like losing a family member.
    I am very sorry to hear of your impending loss.
    You did all you could, & I’m sure you bought as much joy to your pet’s life as they did to yours.


  • Be upfront and honest, this would break my heart and you have my deepest sympathy, our dog is part of our family and we’d all be devastated if anything happened to him.
    All the best x


  • I really believe that honesty is best in this one. They are old enough to understand and done the right way it is a real life lesson. Goodluck


  • Be truthful. kids get it really. its a part of life all need to learn. explain that ur furbaby is in alot of pain nd explain it all to them. reality is much better than lies. then u can be totally open with emotions wen the time comes. i feel for u. its not easy but its obvious that love is there.


  • How did you go about it?


  • I would be honest and explain it to them. they are old enough to understand this


  • gently tell them the news and be there for them


  • Explain to them about death and make sure they understand the pain that he will be in. Let them know your pet would be much more comfortable crossing the rainbow bridge than staying here. Make sure the kids have a chance to say good bye and let them have a good cry.


  • Explaining it to them is the best way. Perhaps a ceremony such as a funeral will help. It will b difficult and I feel for you all.


  • You need to be honest and explain everything too them, tell them about how much pain he is in that it would be a cruel thing for him to keep living. I am so sorry for you and your family as well as losing a pet is hard.


  • Fortunately I haven’t had to deal with this issue yet, but I would gently tell them the truth.


  • with honesty and compassion and let them know it is alright to be upset and than find a star when the time comes and tell that that is their pets star. You will all go through some grieving for your pet when the time comes but just remember how loved they were and what a good life they had that was a great quality of life. Just keep in mind how they react is how they are going to deal with it and they all deal with it in there own way


  • be honest with them and explain that things die. it will be easier in the long run


  • you could make a nice photo book of their pet


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