This visual explains what happens when a pet dies and how it might make us feel.
When a Pet Dies
Everyone and everything that is alive dies at some point.
When a pet dies, everything inside the pet stops working.
Their heart stops beating. They stop breathing.
They no longer feel when something hurts. They cannot tell if something is hot or cold.
When a pet dies, the body is still here but everything else is gone. They do not move or make sounds anymore.
When a pet dies, you may feel sad.
Feeling sad is ok.
People feel sad because they miss the pet that died.
When a pet dies, you may cry.
Crying is ok.
People often cry when they feel sad.
When a pet dies, you may feel angry.
Feeling angry is ok.
When we are angry, we may want to act out, but we should ask for help instead.
People feel angry because they want the pet to be here with them.
It takes time to start feeling happy again.
It is ok to feel happy.
We can look at pictures or videos of the pet that died to remember them.
We can share our favorite memories about the pet with our family, a close friend, or a trusted adult.
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