Unsure how to go about letting Bo go

[BOMOMMY]

I could use some advice here. We are going to have to let our beloved Bo go very soon, he has been with us 13 1/2 years. We have a son that is 2 and I wonder should he be there when we do this or should I have grandma come and get him for a while? I have been struggleing about helping Bo to the bridge since October when he had a stroke. He just seems to go day by day, one day good and the next not good, I know I have to do this. I can see the pain in his eyes and that makes my heart ache. I hope to have the vet come out to our house so he can be at ease and in his favorite place. I just don't know what to do about our son, he loves Bo very much. Any advice would be hugely appreciated.

Thank You!

BOMOMMY

 

[Chiefsmom]

I'm so very sorry to hear what you are going through! Our thoughts and prayers are with you during your tough time! It's a very difficult decision to make; but ultimately, think of Bo. He will be more peaceful to not struggle anymore! He will always be your ; and you will always have wonderful memories with your baby!

As for your son.... I'm sure this is a very hard part about your decision! I do have a suggestion for you.... (we did this when my five year old cousin lost her first pet). We had a portrait done before Dicey was put to sleep. We found a person who painted portraits to do a pic of Jada and Dicey together! We couldn't actually get them together; but we brought in two separate photos which the artist drew together. We had this portrait framed with the Rainbow Bridge poem posted underneath! She loved this and has cherished it ever since. I know an artist may be hard to find (but maybe you could find a recent photo to use, if not a portrait). A memorandum would be a great thing to give him!

 

[javapup]

I don't know about a child that young, but when I've lost someone close to me, I've regretted not having closure and a chance to say goodbye.

With a child that young, they may or may not actually remember this when they grow up - I don't remember my parent's dog who died when I was 2. I don't know about telling them ahead of time because I don't think they can grasp the concept. But if you do, you could always say that Bo is going away soon for a long time and it would be very special if he could make Bo a card to 'take with him' on his trip? This might be an easier way of describing it to your son. Or if you decide to tell him after, you could also do some sort of craft/drawing to remember Bo (even frame it with a picture - this will be something you remember for years).

 

[Chiefsmom]

I don't know about a child that young, but when I've lost someone close to me, I've regretted not having closure and a chance to say goodbye.

it would be very special if he could make Bo a card to 'take with him' on his trip? This might be an easier way of describing it to your son. Or if you decide to tell him after, you could also do some sort of craft/drawing to remember Bo (even frame it with a picture - this will be something you remember for years).

Cute idea!!!

 

[Austin's Mom]

I'm sorry about your baby, I wish you the strength to do what you have to. ((hugs))

 

[Biff]

I think you should go with Debbie's idea - a nice portrait or photo of the two of them together.

Personally, I think he's just too young to actually be there with you. I don't think he would be especially traumatised, because I don't think he would actually understand what was happening, but you will be upset, and that would make him upset. Also, at two years old, well, over here we call it the "terrible twos" - I'm not suggesting for a minute that your boy is anything but the perfect child - but 2year-olds do sometimes have the knack of behaving "inappropriately" at times.

I am so sorry you are having to even think about this, do what you think is right, but if it were my grandson, I'd want my daughter to leave him with me. ((hugs))

Take care x

 

[liamsmom]

I'm so sorry to hear you are going thru a difficult time with Bo. But know that so many of us know what you are going thru. I wish you stength to do what you need to and peace in knowing Bo is no longer struggling.

My niece is 3 and an extremely well behaved child and she knows our dogs well. she was 2 when we had to help our 12 year old boxer to the bridge last may. she knows that he is in heaven. but i don't think she would have understood what was going on if she was there when he went to the bridge.
i like the idea of having your son make a card and explaining that Bo will be going away forever. i would try to explain that so he understands that Bo won't be back. i would certainly let him say goodbye to Bo, though. whether or not he remembers Bo later on in life......he knows him now and would be sad if you didn't allow him to say goodbye.
if you have Bo cremated, you can set him in a spot where your son will know....it's Bo's special place.

 

[ELubas]

I am so sorry to hear of your sad decision-heartbreakinf.

I agree that your son is probably a little young but I think you have gotten some great suggestions here. Particularly creating a way for your son to remember your pup. I will keep you in my thoughts as you go through this sad time.

 

[Bogeys Dad]

We lost our Bogey 2 months ago and our son was 4. I was the only one that was with her during her time. The memories of those last moments still haunt me everyday. I was, and am still devestated by her passing. I wouldn't suggest having your son present. Explain heaven to him prior to the date you have chosen. Prepare him as best as you can for a 2 year old and make a video of all of the pictures of the two of them together. My son still watches the video I made of our beloved friend. Kids are resilient, they heal quicker than adults. But don't put your son in a position in which he may not understand. God Bless you in your decision and I'm sure you will do what's best for you and your family.

 

[1breed4me]

I am sorry that you are going through this. It is the toughest, hardest thing, but it is better then letting sweet Bo suffer. We put our Kingy down last September and I just knew that it was "time" and although it hurt so bad, I knew he was in better place. Our daughter was 6 at the time. She knew King was sick, but we took her on to school that day and had the vet come to the house.Thjat was alot more peaceful for everyone, especially him. She asked me if today was the day Kingy was going to die. I told her I hoped not for our sake, but he would be happier if he were in heaven.
I will say prayers for you because it hurts. We all know this, but it is a small thing we can do for our babies after they have been such great kids.
My daughter handled his death okay at first, but that night she broke down, along with myself and my husband we all just held each other and cried and cried. She did good after a week, but as far as my husband and I go, we still cry if we talk about him or think about him.
We got a new baby Boxer just a month after King died after swearing we would never have another animal again because it hurts too darn bad, but it helped all of us. And now as I speak I have a huge 7 month old "son" chasing the cat, chewing my daughters toys and just enriching our lives as sweet King did for 10 years. Hang in there. I would not recommend a small child being there, they just can't wrap their brains around the magnitude and the finality of it all. I have a hard time myself. Best wishes, you'll know when it is time.