Would You Allow A Nine Year Old Attend?

[chrissa1]

Very sadly I am going to have to come to the decision to have Toby, put to sleep.

He is loved dearly by my granddaughters, especially my nine year old, so it’s gong to be very hard.

If she asks to be there, would you allow it or say, no?

[Old_Geezer]

I don't believe Toby is about to be shot by the cops. It'll be much more peaceful a departure.

[puzzled54]

I would not want a child to be there, but I would let her see Toby afterwards when he is looking peaceful

[Mamyalynne]

You handle that situation as it arises Douglas, in our house as the childre played next to Grandad's bed, the reality was never hidden and openly discussed.

The fact that the increasing amount of medicine going through the pump was making his journey as easy as society allows was explained.

On the day he died, they sat on his bed and tucked his hands under the duvet to keep him warm and comfy until he left the house.

[tamborine]

I couldnt watch any of my pets put down. The sound of the slump in the horse box when my horse was shot, still haunts me. Livestock are sent to abbatoirs where I dont witness their demise.

[hereIam]

I would allow a child to witness it yes, if she or he wanted to. I remember when I was nine and my Granddad died, I so wanted to see him, but none of the adults would let me and it took me a long time to get over that. I loved him.

[ladybirder]

I think the least you can do for your beloved pet at the end is to hug or stroke him/her as the needle goes in. At home if possible.

[pixie374]

I agree, lb. I just couldn't leave mine at the time, I had to stay with them. I remember my mum showing me our dead rabbit when I was about 6. It takes the fear and mystery away.

[Jahulaye]

You can tell when it's nearly halloween as the avatars change and morbid thinking becomes normal.

No I wouldn't, some kids have a hard time with deaths, flora, fauna or human and aren't ready to take it yet. What if the poor girl in question sees it and then takes it a lot worse then you expect?

This happened to a friend of mine, her daughter became reclusive, depressed, no respondent and then changed her whole look to a grungy dark emo, her diary was found with many poems, lines about death, suicide, the occult etc.. Luckily it was found and she was carted off to the brain quack before she could harm herself So please rethink.

[Jahulaye]

Say the dog ran away in the park after a female dog, that way you can entertain her later saying she's probably in a better place surrounded by pups.

[chrissa1]

Blooody Hell, jahulaye! That’s not going to happen.

Very interesting to see the arguments for both sides. Thanks all. I’ll let you all know what she and her daddy decide.

[pastafreak]

Every child is different...some fragile and worriers, while others take things in their stride. I think any decision has to be based on the character of chrissa's grand daughter.

[lankeela]

If the parents feel she cope could then I would give her the option to be there, but explain what is going to happen so there is no question of what the outcome will be. Perhaps it would be better to tell her what was planned and ask if she wanted to come and say goodbye before you take him to the vet.