Toddlers Heartbreaking Tribute to Their Late Dog: A Reminder of the Deep Bond Between Children and Pets
Grab a tissue because we're about to share a story that's sure to bring a tear to your eye. A Pomsky named Shenzi recently passed away, leaving their family heartbroken and missing them dearly. Their 3-year-old human sibling may not have fully understood the concept of death, but it's clear that they're grieving for their furry friend.
The video opens with the toddler sitting in front of the family's refrigerator, quietly staring at a picture of the pooch they're missing. Their mom wrote across the video, "Catching glimpses of your 3-year-old's grief after losing a pet," and it's enough to make even the toughest among us cry.
The video is a poignant reminder of the deep bond between children and pets, and how even the youngest among us can experience profound loss. It's touching to see the moments shared between Shenzi and their little brother, and how much the little boy loved his dog.
Commenters had all the feels after watching the sweet video. @Fred Beam admitted, "Man, the way he looked at that picture crushed me." @missmirokie shared this sweet comment, "Grief is just love with nowhere to go. Poor baby." @Ryu added, "That breaks my heart… too young to know why it hurts so much." Another commenter simply said, "That was enough to make this grown man cry."
As a parent, it can be one of the hardest things to do – explaining the death of a pet to young children. Family Education shared some tips for parents in this situation. If you know that your pet may be dying, they recommend starting the conversation with the kids at that point. "Speak with your child as soon as possible and choose a familiar, peaceful place and a quiet time to talk. Pets die for a variety of reasons – old age, illness, or injuries. Talk about the possibilities of a terminally ill or older pet dying, and the associated feelings, before the loss occurs. Reassure children that they can still enjoy the time they have with their pets."
Kristen Arquette, a licensed marriage and family therapist in Bellevue, Washington also recommends using words that are "direct, honest, and calm." "Use the words 'death' and 'dying' rather than phrases such as 'went to sleep,' 'went away,' 'went to heaven' or ‘crossed the rainbow bridge.'" She explains that "subtleties and euphemisms can cause confusion and anxiety, and lead to misunderstandings and mistrust." Answer any and all of their questions openly and honestly. And don't forget that different kids will process the information differently and grieve at different times. There are many great children’s books that explain the concept of death or the loss of a pet in a comforting, easy-to-understand way. One book that comes highly recommended is “Until We Meet Again” by Melissa Lyons. It may help your child process what is happening in a way that they can understand.
In conclusion, this heartfelt tribute from a 3-year-old is a poignant reminder of the love we share with our pets and how even the youngest among us can experience profound loss. Let us take a moment to remember Shenzi and all the special pets who have touched our lives in such a meaningful way.
