The family dog has died, do I tell my child during exam week?

I would wait. I know she’s old enough to handle it, but the extra distraction right now is not a great idea.
I am sorry for your loss, they do become family members, don’t they?

You know your daughter best and how she would feel about the news. Will she be mad if you hold off on telling her? Does she need to see the dog’s body in order to grieve properly? If these are not overriding concerns, I would be inclined to wait and tell her at the end of the week. As you yourself are experiencing, the death of an animal is a tremendous loss and she probably would be best off without that pain for this week.

I would wait. Telling her now won’t change the situation but it could affect your exam outcomes. Sit her down at the weekend and tell her then. It will be hard for you in the meantime and I’m sorry for your loss.

I’m so sorry for your loss. That sucks. I would hold off on telling her. The choice sucks but these test will affect her life for a long time.

I’d probably wait, but you know your daughter best. She’ll probably be angry, but the exams are more important and she can’t do anything for the dog at this point. She won’t know what day the dog was cremated unless you tell her, you can present it like the dog was cremated right away if she asks. Although, everyone would have to be in on the lie if you decide to lie about that detail.

@canidmajor, @janbb, @Earthbound_Misfit and @Adirondackwannabe, thank you all for your kind words, and thoughts. I think, I have not even permitted myself to process what happened. If I let myself think about it there will be no hiding what happened. They sure do become family!

Thank you for weighing in with your thoughts about the circumstance. My inclination is to wait too, for all of the reasons you have expressed. I have no experience with learning about something like this after the fact, and I wanted to make certain that I was not missing something in my addled state!

I really appreciate your kind thoughts and wishes, thank you, very, very much! Our pug was really cute dog, so silly and such a joy! We will miss him, but my last memory with him was a wonderful early evening mother’s day walk with my mom and daughter. Sigh!

@JLeslie Thanks for your thoughts. Fortunately, my daughter is not the type to become angry about such things. She’ll be sad that I had to hold the pain in all week. She is that sweet!

Sadly you are right knowing now or later will not return him to us!

Thanks for helping me with this decision!

Sorry for your loss. :(. Sorry you will have to hold it inside around her for the next several days. That will be difficult I’m sure.

@JLeslie, thank you very much for your kindness! It helps a bit to be able to share it here. It is the second pet passing that I have experienced, and it does not come easier the second time around. Again, thanks!!!

Wait. I am so sorry for your loss. The dog has been around almost half your daughter’s life.

@marinelife Thank you,very, very much for your kind words. Yes, our little pug was with my daughter as she grew up. I have not even permitted myself to think about all of this! It will be most difficult to remain outwardly cheery all week. I guess trying to remember the sweet times will help. Again, thank you for your kind thoughts!

@Qipaogirl I guess our jelly friends have answered your question so well. So so sorry for the loss of your beloved little friend. It was blessed to have you all during its short life.

@ZEPHYRA, yes I feel much better about the decision. We will miss him terribly, but I think it is best to tell my daughter after tests are over. I am grateful to have the benefit of this kind group! Thank you for you thoughts sand kindness!

I’m so sorry for your loss. I have an aging cat and absolutely dread losing him.

I totally agree with @janbb, you probably should wait. But do consider the points she raises (you probably already have) and then follow your gut instinct.

@Pachy I thank you for your thoughts, and I do not think that my daughter is the type to be angry. So, I am going to wait.

We had a cat prior to our pug and just adored him. It is hard to see them go. I hope you are able to hold onto your beloved cat for many more years.

Take care, and much appreciation!