Ideas/Opinions - dealing with the death of a pet

How have others dealt with this?

My SS just lost his dog (a Lhasa Apso) and he is inconsolable DH sat with SS for hours and he was still in tears. I know they talked about when DH's dog died many years ago and his feelings at the time and even now DH misses his dog.

The dog died of kidney failure and the doctor's office disposed of the body so there is no opportunity to have any kind of burial service. What have others done in this situation

Is a memorial service too much This is not something where I would participate since the dog lived with DH's ex GF and her other 2 kids. She and I do not speak (never met in fact) but if it would help SS then I do want DH to suggest it.

Ideas and/or opinions are appreciated

Message edited 6/23/2007 2:09:55 AM.

Re: Ideas/Opinions - dealing with the death of a pet

I used to work at a vet, we would make a plaster of paris pawprint of the doggie before it went down and send it to the family as a memorial for those who didn't get the ashes and did a mass burial.

I would get him a nice picture of him and the dog and put it in his room for him.

Re: Ideas/Opinions - dealing with the death of a pet

I think a memorial service would be fine. If it helps SS feel better about the death of his pet, go for it.

What about the little ceremony in a park where the dog used to go & release a balloon or something?

I know some posters on here suggested All Dogs Go to Heaven which was helpful for my son. But I think my son is younger than your stepson.

I think the important thing is to encourage him to talk about it.

Re: Ideas/Opinions - dealing with the death of a pet

Kara (karacg) had a memorial service for Ebony when he passed. She had bought a plaque to put outside with the ashes (you could just put a plaque outside) and had a few people over who knew Ebs. She made a little speech and each person in the room said a little something about Ebony.
I thought it was a beautiful ceremony and a great way for closure.

Re: Ideas/Opinions - dealing with the death of a pet

Posted by MrsT


Is a memorial service too much This is not something where I would participate since the dog lived with DH's ex GF and her other 2 kids. She and I do not speak (never met in fact) but if it would help SS then I do want DH to suggest it.

Ideas and/or opinions are appreciated

Re: Ideas/Opinions - dealing with the death of a pet

Here's what I did when my beloved cat died and it made me feel better so maybe it will help your SS. I made a list called "10 good things about Max" the list included things that made her special to me like the way she liked to sit in the bathtub when it was wet after a shower. Or how she had the cutest little black spots on her nose, the way her whiskers splayed out when she was happy and purring, etc. We did a small memorial service for her (we buried her in the yard) and I read it and then put it in the hole before my DH covered her with dirt. Losing a pet is so traumatic at any age. I was weeping like a baby but it made me feel good to do a little tribute to her like that.

Since you can't do a burial , maybe you can get a box and put a pic of your SS or family with the dog as well as anything your SS wants to put inside. Have him do the list and read it as a memorial and then put it in the box and bury the box in the yard. You can put a marker on it later if you want but SS can always have a physical connection to his dog even though his body is not there.

I'm sorry about the loss, how heartbreaking for anyone, esp a child. to your SS.

Message edited 6/23/2007 11:30:38 AM.

Re: Ideas/Opinions - dealing with the death of a pet

Thanks ladies!!! These are all great ideas.

Re: Ideas/Opinions - dealing with the death of a pet

Re: Ideas/Opinions - dealing with the death of a pet

You can get the book the 10th good thing about Barney.