We Lost Our Puppy Today Options

[mindy]

It's 4:30 a.m. and I can't sleep. I'm not sure what will help but maybe writing about the day will offer some comfort. My 15 yr old daughter decided to get a puppy instead of a newer car (she is about to get her license). We agreed and found the most beautiful and precious peke-pom mix puppy and took her home on July 1st. She named her Duchess and took care of her like a little mama. She loved that puppy!! This morning she was so proud of Duchess because she didn't whine last night in her crate at all. She was sleeping in my daughter's room. I was so happy for her and the whole family, including a 3 yr old mix dog we have named Trixie, loved little Duchess. Today was my 7 yr old daughter's b-day. She had the puppy outside and in a freak accident, tripped over the leash while Duchess was running and the puppy's neck snapped. I saw it happen and really came unglued. It was horrible. My 15 yr old ran upstairs and held Duchess while we tried to get to the emergency hospital but Duchess died in her arms on the way there. There was nothing we could do. Everyone is devastated. My 15 yr old can't stop crying and I am so worried for her because she has had some problems with depression in the past. And my 7 yr old! She is feeling so guilty and we are reassuring her but she is little and doesn't understand how accidents happen and it was her birthday!! This is all so awful I can't think about anything else. We do have a counselor we see for my daughter and we will see her on Tues. We only had Duchess for a week and a half, but she fit into our family like she was always there and we miss her so much. I feel so bad for my daughters. Please pray for us. This is so incredibly hard. I have never seen anything pass away right before me. It's just heart wrenching. In my head I know we will recover but my heart is broken and I can barely keep myself together for my kids. Thanks for listening.

[DJ - Edgar, Jess...]

I agree. Some sort of "ceremony" is definitely in order. As well, keep in mind that youngsters frequently become "obsessed" with the thought of family dying once they are exposed to the subject. It is very important to keep an open dialogue and organizing a ceremony might very well be the "grease" that ensures a smooth transition from grief to a more normal state.

Think of candle lighting ceremonies, perhaps have each child write a good-bye letter to the pet that they read and then burn in the flame. As well, although I am not a religious person myself, a small night-time prayer may help them "share" their grief in a way that counselling may not.

I wish you the best of luck and know that you will come through this. I'll send a wish out to my passed-on furry ones to take care of yours and teach her to fly.