Parent to Parent: Losing a pet

Eight-year-old Leann is crazy about canines. So when she lost her precious pets, she was understandably upset.

Jann Briguera, Leann's mother
"When our pets have passed on, Leann reacted, I think, pretty normal, like any child would. She was confused, she had questions and she was distraught. She was emotional, and she would talk about it quite often."

To help them cope, experts say encourages your child to share their feelings.

Dr. Valerie Goode, parenting expert
"You can invite him to express feeling when he's ready, if he's ready. But understand that he's doing it in the way he feels most comfortable."

In some situations, your child may feel most comfortable expressing his or her thoughts on paper. Ask them to write a story or draw a picture.

Dr. Valerie Goode, parenting expert
"What you're explaining [is] animals give you great opportunity to speak about life with your child, and that's important."

When a pet is sick, don't ignore the situation. Tell your child as much as you think they can handle and let them play a role in the animal's care.

Dr. Valerie Goode, parenting expert
"We see this every single day. It's the same way you'd prepare them if grandma had a serious disease, but you don't just shut them out of that experience. You try to be as loving as possible."

When the inevitable does happen, don't rush out and replace the pet.

Doctors say hurt feelings need time to heal.

Dr. Valerie Goode, parenting expert
"You can't replace friends, and you can't replace mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers. That person has a special memory, or that animal has a special memory in your heart. So, just sit with it for a little while."

And to create long lasting memories make a pet scrapbook with your child. This will help them remember the happy times they shared.

Experts say it's also important for parents to show their own feelings. This way a child knows it's OK to feel sad.

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