How to tell kids about death of pet?

We have been back and forth over this for a long time, and the time has finally come. My beloved husky needs to be put to sleep. We have decided to do it over spring break since I'm off and I know I will need time to grieve. I'm a mess just typing this. I have no idea how to explain this to my boys- ages 3 and 6. I think my 6 year old will get it more, which is both good and bad. He knows she is not good right now, and he has dealt with death before, but never someone so close to him. My little one will not really understand, but he adores my dog and will miss her like crazy. I plan on having her euthanized at home, and obviously I will not have the boys present. Do I prep them before hand, or tell them after the fact? I have no idea how I'm going to get through this.

Re: How to tell kids about death of pet?

No one?

Re: How to tell kids about death of pet?

My DD was too young (and still is) to understand. Just wanted to give you - I'm so sorry.

How to tell kids about death of pet?

Maybe you can tell them the dog is with so and so, wherever you told them so and so went. We dont believe in God or heaven and hell, when my grandma passed we told ds, she went up in the sky with the moon and stars. And every time he saw a sparkly star, that was yaya.
A little girl in ds daycare told me friday her cat died, point blank. She is maybe 2.5, thats what her parents told her. I was a bit shocked it was so direct, but she got it.

Re: How to tell kids about death of pet?

I'm so sorry!
I don't really have any advice but I am looking for help with this as well. We found out one of our cats has a rare cancer and we don't really know what or when we are going to do anything but I am worried about telling our 3 1/2 YO when the time comes. When he was at the vet the other day DS was saying how "I miss Mr. Blue" and that was just for a day.
Lots of to you!
This is the part that makes me say I never want another pet.

Re: How to tell kids about death of pet?

I am so sorry for you and your family.

I think there is a book you can buy and read to little ones about death. Maybe that would help and maybe someone here knows the name?

Overall I would try to be as honest as possible with the children. That the doggie was sick and in heaven.

My friends dog died when her son was 3-3.5 and she told him the dog was in heaven and took his leash and bowl and food. Then her son found the dog bowl a few weeks later and was super stressed about how the dog was eating. That's why I think honestly is usually the best.

Good luck!