Saying Goodbye: Helping Children Process the Loss of a Pet

Taryn Kaplan (they/them), Director, Heights Cooperative Preschool, PreK Teacher, Pawrent
As the Director of Heights Cooperative Preschool and a devoted pet parent, I’ve always believed in the unique lessons pets can teach young children. In our PreK classroom, we also have a full-time therapy dog, Cooper, and a tortoise named Glitter. Their presence fosters empathy, responsibility, and love, shaping meaningful connections that stay with us for a lifetime.

Welcoming Guinea Pigs into the Classroom
When I adopted our class guinea pigs, Sushi and Kiwi, just before my first school year atHeights Cooperative Preschool, I knew they would bring something special to our classroom. I met them at the Cleveland Animal Protective League, choosing them from among many others, and spent the final weeks of summer socializing them and preparing them to meet our students. I named them after Harry Styles songs that made me smile, playful and easy for children to say. From their spot near our classroom door, Sushi and Kiwi welcomed shy children, offering comfort and encouraging them to step inside. They provided a distraction for parents in a rush to leave, soothed tears, and became a meaningful part of our daily routine. One of the children's most important classroom responsibilities was feeding Sushi and Kiwi each day. This task gave the children a sense of purpose and helped them develop empathy and responsibility as they cared for these tiny members of our classroom community.

Over the years, Sushi and Kiwi inspired countless imaginative projects. The children designed elaborate cities and crafted new worlds for them to explore. My favorite was a winter wonderland created by a previous class, built from a large TV box and including bridges, lots of sequins, creative drawings, and cotton snowballs. We still use it today. These guinea pigs were more than just classroom pets; they were companions, calming presences, and friends who played a significant role in our learning environment. While having pets in the classroom is meant to be a learning experience for the children, I have grown to love these girls as well.

Gently Addressing Loss: Supporting Children Through Sad News
One morning, just before winter break, I discovered that Sushi had passed away. My heart sank as I realized how this loss would impact not just me, but the children who had cared for and bonded with her so deeply.

Later that day, after yoga, we gathered on the circle time carpet. I gently shared the news with the children, explaining that Sushi had passed away and would no longer be in the cage with Kiwi. We took time to honor their feelings, answering their questions and validating their emotions. L., age 5, talked about how much he liked watching Sushi eat fruit. T., age 4, drew a beautiful picture of Kiwi and Sushi with a heart between them. A. and L., age 5, spent many quiet, tearful moments by the cage grieving our loss. These tender moments showed just how deeply connected the children had become to our classroom pets.

Helping Children Heal with Stories and Art
To help the children process their emotions, we read The Invisible Leash by Patrice Karst, a beautiful story about the enduring love we feel after losing a pet. The story reassured the children that love remains even when someone we care about is no longer with us.

The children then expressed their feelings through art. They created heartfelt drawings of Sushi, which we used to decorate the area around her cage. This creative activity allowed them to channel their grief into something meaningful, giving them a way to honor her memory.

We also discussed Kiwi’s feelings, emphasizing the importance of giving her extra love and care as she adjusted to losing her companion.

Tips for Families: Supporting Children Through Pet Loss
While this experience happened in our classroom, many families face the loss of a pet at home.

Here are some tips to support children in these situations:
Talk About Death in an Age-Appropriate Way: Use clear and honest language when explaining what has happened. Avoid euphemisms like “sleeping” that might confuse young children. For example, say, “Sushi’s body stopped working, and she has died. She won’t be with us anymore, but we can remember all the good times we had with her.”
Give Children Space to Grieve: Encourage children to express their feelings and reassure them that sadness, tears, and even anger are natural. Creating rituals, like drawing pictures or making a memory book, can help them process their emotions.
Model Healthy Grieving: Share your feelings with your child, too. For example, “I feel sad because I loved Sushi, and I will miss her. It’s okay to feel this way.” This teaches children that grief is a normal part of life.

Emotional Growth in Times of Loss
Through this process, I saw our students grow in ways I hadn’t expected. They comforted each other, showed tenderness toward Kiwi, and learned that even in sadness, love remains. Losing Sushi taught them about empathy, responsibility, and the importance of cherishing the moments we have with those we love. Sometimes, when we help others, we unknowingly heal parts of ourselves that are in need of repair. Reading The Invisible Leash to the children was an emotional challenge for me—not just because of Sushi, but because it brought back memories of my beloved dog, Chance, who passed away the same year I took over the preschool. Chance had also played a special role in socializing Sushi and Kiwi when I first brought them home, and her gentle nature helped them adjust to their new environment. In those moments of grief and healing, I was reminded that the love of a pet extends far beyond their physical presence. Their impact is lasting, shaping not just our days but the way we love and connect with others. Sharing this journey with the children reaffirmed the beauty of these bonds and how they leave an indelible mark on our hearts.

Resources for Families
Here are some helpful resources to support children and families navigating the loss of a pet:
● Recommended Books:
○ The Invisible Leash by Patrice Karst
○ The Goodbye Book  by Todd Parr
○ When a Pet Dies by Fred Rogers
● Articles on Talking to Children About Grief:
  ○ Helping Young Children Grieve: This article from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) offers practical tips for supporting
young children through the grieving process in developmentally appropriate
ways.
  ○ Nurturing Children Through Grief:  Published by the American Psychological Association (APA), New Sesame Workshop, guided by psychological science, this resource helps caregivers support children as they navigate the grieving process.
  ○ Supporting the Grieving Child and Family: This comprehensive guide from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides insight into how to support
children and families experiencing loss, including strategies for addressing grief
in a sensitive and supportive way.
● Pet Adoption:
  ○ Cleveland Animal Protective League 
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Final Thoughts
The loss of a pet is never easy, but it can be a valuable opportunity for growth and connection. Sushi’s legacy will live on in our classroom, not just as a memory but as a lesson in love, empathy, and resilience. Through her, our class learned that even the smallest lives can leave the biggest marks on our hearts.