Rip Tank, The Most Beautiful, Gentle, Generous Friend Options

[MylorMum]

On Sunday night my son's gorgeous Maine Coon Tank was hit by a car. He managed to drag himself back home and call out to us that he was hurt. I don't know how he did this, as the vet said he had catastrophic injuries. My son, who is 12, came with me and Tank to the vet, who immediately told us that he had been hit by a car. He called us again about two hours later to say Tank had died.
My son has had Tank from when he was a tiny kitten - 8 years ago. He was the runt of the litter, a tiny ginger fluff ball who grew up into a characterful gentleman. He was handsome, playful, funny, hugely vocal, a big presence in the family. Our son is devastated. I am devastated. I can't think of anything to say to make things better. We also have another cat who is now looking for Tank and will, I am sure, be grieving too.
It all makes me wonder why I have pets. Every time we lose one I feel as if my guts have been ripped out and now my son is going through the same pain.
Does anyone have any words of comfort I could pass on to my son please?

Many thanks everyone.
I am trying to post a photo of Tank as a kitten, not sure I have done it correctly though.

[moon_beam]

Hi, Jane, thank you so much for sharing with us how you and your son are doing. Indeed, although clinical professionals now recognize that the grief journey for the physical loss of a companion is the same as for a human family member or friend, sadly our society in general, and sometimes the people who are closest to us geographically and emotionally, do not. I am keeping your son in my thoughts and prayers that his teachers and school mates will offer him comfort and understanding.

Please let me try to reassure you and your son that what you are feeling is very normal deep grief - - very painful both emotionally and physically, yes - - still very normal. Clinical professionals recognize that the physical loss of a beloved companion is usually a child's first experience of loss, and will help to form the child's ability to cope with any type of loss in the future. Your son is very fortunate to have your comforting love, support, and understanding. I hope in time your son will find peace and comfort in his heart remembering his beloved Tank.

I hope today is treating you and your son, and your precious companion, kindly, and that you and your son will have a peaceful evening blessed with your beloved Tank's sweet Living Spirit to comfort both of you. Please know you and your son are in my thoughts and prayers, and please let us know how you both are doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam