A handicapped child can feel tremendous loss when his service dog dies.
The bond between a child and a dog can be strong, and the death of that animal can be devastating. For a handicapped child, the loss of a service dog is even more overwhelming. A service dog does not only extend companionship, it also provides increased mobility and independence. A dog can bring normalcy to a potentially difficult situation. Handicapped children with service dogs often have better social experiences with their peers and have more self-confidence. The death of a service dog can be a terrible blow to a child. With empathy and understanding, parents and caregivers can help children overcome the grief of losing their service dog.
Instructions
1. Show compassion. Understand that grief does not have a timeline and is not fluid. While your child may seem better one day, he may feel tremendously sad the next. Understand that he must grieve both the loss of a dog and the extra mobility and independence the animal afforded him.
2. Tell your child in simple, developmentally appropriate language what you believe happened to the dog. Your explanation of death should not scare your child, but it should reflect your family's belief system.
3. Create a photo album of pictures of the child and dog together. Allow the child to participate if possible. Encourage your child to talk about what the dog means to her and how she feels looking at the pictures. She may also want to keep sentimental items such as a collar or leash. A memorial service may be helpful for some children to express their grief and loss.
4. Begin the application process to attain a new service dog. Explain that the process to obtain a new service dog can be lengthy. Discreetly provide extra help and attention to your child during this time. Do not be surprised if your child is not ready to get another dog right away.
Tags: your child, handicapped child, mobility independence, Understand that