2 yr old and death of dog! Help!?!?

Question

Our family decided to get a puppy and my 2 1/2 yr old adored him. Well, last week he got terribly sick and passed away. We told her that because he was sick he went to stay with his mom for awhile. She continues to talk and ask about him, a wk later. Should I continue with the story about his mom, or should I just tell her the truth, that he went to Heaven??????

Answer 1

If you're not ready to get into the whole death subject yet, how about saying that you are very sad because you won't be able to see the puppy anymore because he got too sick to be able to stay with you. Then say that sometimes puppies get sick, but maybe someday there will be a new puppy.  I'd also add that just because this happened with the puppy, it'll NEVER happen to her.  When people get sick they can go to the doctor and stay with their mommies.  This story is technically not lying, it's just leaving out the death concept.  The puppy DID get too sick that he had to leave.

But, if she's known of death before (maybe a grandparent, neighbor, goldfish), you could say "remember how grandpa/Mr. Jones/goldie went away to heaven, that's where the puppy went.  We can't see him anymore, but we can still think about him and talk about him".

I think the second option might be easier if she already has a concept of heaven.  You could say "Puppy's up in heaven with grandpa".  

If you opt to stick with your mommy story, I think it wouldn't scar her for life.

My mom told me that when our kitten died and I think I believed it for a years.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I'm sorry this will only help if you believe in god and heaven.

Tell her that her puppy went to live in the clouds. Though she is young giving her false hope could be potentially damaging to her emotional state. I suppose if you still think she is too young you could just go get a similar dog and hope she doesn't notice but, honesty is the best policy.

Answer 3

At her age I would tell her that his mom was so happy to have him back that you decided to leave him with her and get a new puppy for her if you plan to. At 2 explaining death raises more questions than it  answers.

Answer 4

I would get another puppy did he have parvo? If so make sure you clean the areas he was in well

Answer 5

I wouldn't consider it lying to "withhold" certain info.  A 2 y.o. isn't mature enough to understand it all.  I would stick w/that he got sick and couldnt' stay w/your family anymore and will not be coming back.  when she is a little older (even 4 or 5), you can explain what really happened, if she asks.

Answer 6

never lie to a child about death it is the ineviadable start to teach them what death is and that it is as much a part of life as living. so that when they get older they will have a better understanding and not be afraid of death.

Answer 7

Please tell her the truth.  Go to the store and get the movie all dogs go to heaven or find a book to read to her to better explain death if you don't know how.  If you kept the ashes or buried the dog you should allow her to put flowers, drawings, etc out for the dog.  She needs to say goodbye!

Answer 8

that is soo sad the truth is probobley your best bet and get a new dog that what i do when i lose a pet