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Learning about Death

Veterinary medicine is obviously a huge part of our lives. We own a vet clinic where we regularly take our kids while we're working. Paisley absolutely loves it there and feels comfortable just roaming around the whole place like she herself owns it.

She is known to greet all of our clients and play with every dog who comes in and comfort the pets during surgery. This little vet wears her stethoscope around and listens to everyone's heartbeat. She is willing to hold or pet anything we give her the chance to.

But one area that is going to be particularly difficult is when a pet dies.
And unfortunately they do that. A lot. Our job is not just seeing cute puppies and kitties. We are there for end of life too.

For example, this week we had to put down a neighbor's dog due to cancer. Paisley was there and wanted to pet her as she laid on the table. I knew she would have a fit if I moved her away and there was no chance of distracting her while we did it, so I let her sit there. Dressed up in her adorable vet outfit holding her medical tools.

She just kept petting her and saying "it's okay" and when the dog closed her eyes and rested her head down Paisley said softly "dog, dog night-night". Almost as if she understood.

We took her away for the cleanup part which I just don't feel like she's ready for. But how do we do this with her? Do we just let her be part of it from an early age so that it's just part of being at the clinic? Do we shelter her from something that is inevitably going to be part of her life? She also sees surgeries, blood and other procedures on a daily basis and has no reaction to those because she is so used to them. They're just interesting normal things to her.

I think it's fair to say that our kids are going to have an interesting life!

Comments

  1. she is absolutely adorable in that vet outfit! I think you guys are doing it the right way she is going to see a lot of those things in her day to day life. And if it is addressed early maybe it won't be such a shock later.you are right though your kids are going to have a very interesting childhood!

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  2. INteresting life for sure! I am jealous - what a great way to grow up! I think if she is handling it so well, you should keep down the path you are on. She clearly has a handle on it as much as she can at her age. Just explain things to her in a way she can understand at each developmental age and I think she'll be very well adjusted - and way ahead of her peers! For the record, this story made me cry - reminded me of the last moments we had with our King when we had to let him go. It's a powerful experience for sure. Her vet outfit is just too much. I hope she gets paid a salary because I KNOW you have clients who come back just to see her;).

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  3. Oh she is so, so adorable. What a unique opportunity your kids have- and so wonderful P already has such a heart and connection to animals. Hopefully her learning about death will be a natural, organic experience- I'm sure as she gets older her understanding will be greater.

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