Tagging on to what Sveta said, I remember some family pet funerals from when I was a kid. They were sad, I cried a lot, but it also gave us a chance to share memories of our pet and the ceremony helped I think, especially if there was a place I could visit to think of of them or leave a flower or toy.

I am so sorry!

We lost a beloved dog and a very old cat while DS was under 5. He was upset but recovered much more quickly than we did. DD will grieve but be fine if you are able to avoid being too emotional when she is told - I think kids get their cues from us in these stressful situations.

Hugs and sympathy...

How sad, Thistle. I'm sorry you and your family are faced with this loss. When I lost my dog, I had to keep telling myself he had a good life. I know it's going to be so hard to bear for a while.

I'm so sorry your beloved furry family member passed away, it's so sad to say goodbye to our loving and loyal friends. May the memories of him make you smile and warm your heart.

Oh Thistle, I'm so terribly sorry. Animals never, ever live long enough. But you did exactly the right thing by sparing Kitty from any more pain and suffering. If that isn't showing love and respect for a creature that brought you joy, I don't know what is. *hugs all around*Oh Thistle, I'm so terribly sorry. Animals never, ever live long enough. But you did exactly the right thing by sparing Kitty from any more pain and suffering. If that isn't showing love and respect for a creature that brought you joy, I don't know what is. *hugs all around*

I'm so sorry! This is so awfully hard. I'm sending hugs and good thoughts to your family.

Oh no, Thistle, I'm so sorry to hear this. I know how hard it is for you. However, you did the right thing by letting him go and not try to hold on when he was so sick. Hugs and warm thoughts to you and your family.

Oh, I'm so sorry Thistle. I can't imagine how hard it must have been, but to prolong would have been unfair. Kitty is resting peacefully now. (((HUGS))

You have my sympathy and complete understanding..Be kind to you as you go through this...Best...

Sorry for your loss, Thistle. Such a special pet!

I used the phrase "his/her body stopped working" with my kids and found it very helpful. More info can be added depending on age and circumstance.

All the best as you remember your cat.

I'm sorry, Thistle. What a sweet kitty to have become so attached to your husband too. Hugs.

Oh, Thistle. I'm tearing up. I am soooo sorry, for your kitty and for your family. These creatures imprint on our lives forever and there is no substitute for their love and companionship. May your sweet kitty rest in peace, and thankfully, there is no more suffering. The dear little thing will be very missed. Much love to you. xo

I'm so very sorry, Thistle. Take care of yourself and your family and know that we are thinking of all of you.

I'm so sorry to hear this, Thistle. It sounds like your sweet kitty had a wonderful life with you, though our pets' time with us is always too short. I'm glad that he is no longer in pain and can rest in peace. Hugs to you.

Big hug, Thistle. Big hug.

I'm so sorry Thistle. I'm sending you big hugs.

Oh, I'm sorry you have to go through this. There's no easy way to say goodbye to a beloved pet. You did the most loving thing possible for your Kitty, by letting him go. But it sure leaves a big empty hole in the house, I know.

I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved pet.

I'm so sorry. I remember what it was like to lose our beloved dog. My heart goes out to you.

Many hugs, Thistle. You did the right thing by not prolonging kitty's distress. May you have wonderful memories. Children as young as DD do not yet have an understanding of death. A very simple explanation that is in line with your beliefs will probably be enough.

I am so sorry Thistle. Making a decision about saying good bye to a beloved pet is so difficult. You were such a caring fur parent. Kitty was so loved.

I'm so, so sorry for your loss.

So sorry, Thistle.

Sorry for the loss of your pet, Thistle.

I'm so sorry Thistle. It's always so hard to lose a family pet. I hope your DD will be OK. Hugs.

I have two cats that are getting pretty old, 13 and 16. One of them is losing a lot of weight and we think he may have cancer--they just took biopsies and we are waiting for the results. The other one is sick too with some thyroid and kidney issues. I am worried about how things are going to progress, especially since these are the only pets my kids have known since they were born.

Hugs Thistle! We had to put down our 14 year old kitty down early this year and it was and still is heart breaking. I miss him every day!

Thistle, I am so sorry. It is a big loss - a family member. I am glad that DH was holding Kitty. I believe it is an incredible honor to be there with them and share in a profound moment that speaks of Kitty's importance.

So sorry for your loss. We lost a cat and dog when my two older sons were 1.5 and 3.5. They got over it pretty quickly. They would occasionally ask where the dog or cat was and we would remind them that they had died and were in heaven and they seemed okay with that. It was definitely more traumatic for DH and I than the kids. After a few months we went to the pound to pick out a new kitten (Domino) and they loved that.

Thinking of you and your family, Thistle.

So sorry, Thistle. Hugs to you and your family.