Losing Family Pets Most Difficult For Children

Family pets can be just as much a part of a family as a brother or sister. When the pet dies, it can be especially devastating to the children of the family.

The Murphy family's dog, Basie, died after being hit by a car that was racing through their neighborhood. Basie was hit in front of the Murphys' home and was witnessed by the dog's owner, Camden Murphy, reported WDIV-TV in Detroit.

"I loved playing with Basie. He was my best friend," said Camden, 6.

Camden's mother, Monyka, said that Basie was "definitely a sibling for Camden. They did everything together. Even though it's an animal, it does seem a part of the family."

It was the second time that the Murphy family had to cope with the loss of their family pet.

"He went through the invisible fence," said Monyka. "The next thing I know, (Camden) comes running in quite hysterical saying that Basie was lying in the middle of the street."

The Rev. Celia Thurston of Children's Hospital of Michigan in Detroit said it is crucial for parents to help their children learn to deal with a pet's death.

"Saying goodbye is a really important part of living," said Thurston. "It's a sad part, but if you don't say goodbye, you hang on to longings that never get articulated."

Thurston recommended helping the child cope by ritualizing the death.

"Read something that reminds you of the pet, or maybe bury the pet in your back yard," said Thurston.

Burying pets in the back yard is illegal in Novi, Mich., where the Murphys live, but a ceremony was held in a place special that reminded the family of their pet.

"I held hands with my mom and dad and we said a prayer," said Camden.

After losing a family pet, parents often question getting another to replace the lost loved one.

"You don't ever want to think that you can replace one pet with another because it's about the relationship," said Thurston.

Whether it is burying the family pet, planting a tree, or putting a stuffed animal in a special corner of a room, parents should show children how to honor the memory of a lost pet.