Losing a loved pet can be heart-breaking, and yet not always recognised. When my children’s pet died it was the first death they’d experienced. We sat down together and created a memory book. Looking back they weren’t particularly fazed by Coco’s death, and yet it gave us the opportunity to talk about dying within a real context. It can feel awkward to talk about death and dying with children, and perhaps the death of a pet gives us an opportunity to explore together a little at a time. In my experience children can be very pragmatic and also ask a lot of questions!
These days you can create amazing photobooks online in a short time, but if you fancy something a little more homespun, this worksheet may give you some ideas.
Pet Memory Book worksheet (portrait)
If you wish to explore further there are some lovely books about death written with children in mind. Here are some recommendations from The Book Trust.
If you would like support for the loss of your pet, please look at the Blue Cross website. This charity has a wonderful section on Pet Bereavement.