How do Kids Say Goodbye to their Pets?

Thank goodness it’s Thursday.  It has been a long week and I am glad to be on the other end of it.  I did a detox fast for three days sipping water and juice and noshing on fruits and veggies.  I was working on an assignment this weekend all about fad diets and by the time I was done I was convinced I need to flush my system of all its impurities. :-)  Now I am a little grouchy for no particular reason other than lack of nachos and maybe little dread that next time someone walks by Cheese’s cage he won’t be breathing.

My poor hamster Cheese is hanging in there but I believe his days are numbered.  We’re finished with the meds, he’s balder than ever and a little wobbly when he walks.  Sari’s crying every day when she visits him.  She’s a titch on the dramatic side but she is sincere.  Andrew doesn’t acknowledge him anymore.  This will be our first lost pet and I am not sure what to expect from the kids or what exactly to do.   Ham’s loss was never really acknowledged.  When I found him in the sump pump I didn’t tell.  We all “assumed” he finally broke free and was living free in the wild.  He was the free spirit.  Whereas good ol’ Cheese has always been content rollerballing around the house and humoring our hugs.

As I contemplate the kids losing their first pet I am reminded of my favorite dog growing up, ToJay.  He was with me from pup to old dog.  I slept with a can of his dog food under my pillow for weeks when he went missing.  I wonder now if he ever really “went missing” or if my parents protected me from seeing the truth, like I did with Ham.  I have a lot of little moments like that… where little mysteries of my past are uncovered through the things I do for my kids.  It’s fun.

Have your kids lost a pet yet?  Do you have any advice?