T


hey’re the first to greet the kids when they get home from school. They’re a child’s best friend and con-


stant companion, which makes los- ing them difficult. “They are family members. When


you lose one, it’s hard,” said Annette Lagunas, director of operations at the Humane Society of Yuma. But learning to cope with this loss


will help them throughout their life. “It’s an opportunity to talk about


life and death and especially about loss and how it’s OK to cry and be upset,” Lagunas said. Dr. Cheryl Haugo, owner of


Desert Veterinary Clinic in Yuma, says it’s best to “be honest with children as much as possible in an age-appropriate matter. “Kids know and understand a lot


more than we give them credit for. If you’re honest with them, they know it. If you lie to them, they also know it.”


She believes it’s better to speak


to the kids even before the death occurs, if the family is considering euthanasia for a dog that is very old or ill. “Explain what you’re doing, if


euthanizing. Tell them it’s the last nice thing you’re doing for your


How to help children prepare and deal with loss of a pet


Saying goodbye... Story by Mara Knaub


pet, that last act of kindness and love, although you’re making it die, because you love him and don’t want him to suffer,” Haugo said. Kidshealth.org notes that


parents might consider a child’s age, maturity level and questions in determining whether to offer a clear and simple explanation for what’s going to happen. “Be brief, and let your child’s


questions guide how much information you provide. If so, it’s OK to use words like ‘death’ and ‘dying’ or to say something like, ‘The veterinarian will give our pet a shot that first puts it to sleep and then stops the heart from beating,’” the website states. “Many kids want a chance to


say goodbye beforehand, and some may be old enough or emotionally mature enough to be there to comfort the pet during the process.”


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Lagunas believes it’s good


to be with the pet during its last moments, “holding its paws as it goes. It means the world to you and them,” she said. Haugo has no objections to


having children present when she’s euthanizing an animal. Haugo notes there are “all kinds


of things” parents can do to make it easier for kids. They might explain animals have a different biological clock or an illness or injury may make euthanasia the best option. “Explain animals don’t live as


long as people. They come into our lives, we love them and then it’s time for them to go. “At home, talk about what might


have happened, whether it’s an illness or accident. Help them understand about life and death and the circle of life. It’s a natural process and nothing to be afraid of,” Haugo said, noting that parents


don’t want their children to develop a fear of hospitals or veterinarian clinics. Nevertheless, children will still


grieve. “There will be crying, gnashing of


teeth, unhappy children. Kids will go through a grief process, just like we do. They’ve lost a family member. I always say there’s no statute of limitation for grieving,” Haugo said. Parents shouldn’t feel compelled


to hide their own sadness about losing a pet. Showing how they feel and talking about it openly sets an example for kids, according to Kidshealth.org. Lagunas believes it’s therapeutic


to remember the good times the family had with the pet and share stories together. And when the time is right, the


family might consider adopting a new pet — not as a replacement, but as a way to welcome another animal friend into the family, as Kidshealth.org suggests. For more information on adopting


a new pet, visit www.hsoyuma.com or call 782-1621.


Mara Knaub can be reached at mknaub@yumasun.com or (928) 539-6856.


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Martin C. Armijo, Agent 708 E 32nd Street Bus: 928-341-1150 www.armijoins.com


Armijo Insurance Agency Inc.


Martin C. Armijo, Agent 708 E 32nd Street Bus: 928-341-1150 www.armijoins.com


Armijo Insurance Agency Inc.


Martin C. Armijo, Agent 708 E 32nd Street Bus: 928-341-1150 www.armijoins.com


Martin C. Armijo, Agent 708 E 32nd Street Bus: 928-341-1150 www.armijoins.com


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