Question:
I'm hoping you can give me some insight to help my 7-year-old bright and wonderful grandson.His family (my daughter and her husband) had a most endearing golden Labrador ever since it was a puppy. But Capri was not healthy and was found dead one morning about a year and a half ago. My daughter wants to get another golden Lab puppy, but my grandson cries so hard and says, "I didn't say goodbye to Capri so she's coming back to us." He wants no other dog but Capri in their home. He is such a dear, sensitive boy and loved his dog unconditionally.What can we say or do to help him realize Capri is not coming back? My grandson is heartbroken. It happened so fast, and he wasn't able to say goodbye.
R.A.J., Barnegat, NJ Oct 22, 2006
Answer:
Perhaps your grandson would benefit from visiting the local animal shelter and petting some of the dogs and playing with puppies, if such arrangements could be made. Encouraging him to have contact with one or more friendly dogs may help heal his broken heart.Your grandson is still at the age of "magical" thinking. This means that he may well believe that if he wishes or prays hard enough, that Capri will return. Plus, he has memories of Capri that won't go away, especially when he dreams. You might want to suggest to him that adopting a golden Lab pup (or any pup that appeals to him) would be to bring into the family a not-too-distant cousin of Capri's, and that part of Capri has come back in the new pup's spirit.
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