Reply from the Highlights Editors
We’re sorry that your dog died. We understand that you miss her very much.

We suggest that you try to allow yourself to feel sad. Have you had a funeral service for her? Even if you don’t have a formal service as some people do, you may want to conduct a service within your home at which family members share special memories they each have had with your dog. They might talk about reasons why they will miss her. It’s a good time for everyone to get their feelings out in the open.

Some people whose pets have passed away make memorials to their pets. The memorial may simply be a picture with a letter you write to your dog. You might keep these items in the corner of your bedroom. A memorial would give you something to look at or go to at times when you just need to feel sad about missing your dog.

Talk to your mom or dad about your feelings. Since you said that your parents are sad, too, they may want to talk about their feelings with you.

You may even want to discuss the possibility of getting a new dog, when all of you feel that the time is right. Discussing the possibility of a new pet may make your family feel less sad and more hopeful.

We hope this helps.

Best wishes,
The Highlights Editors