Death of a Family Pet
The death of a pet can hit children particularly hard, sometimes even more than grandparents. Pets are a constant part of the family - there every single day - and so their absence can be very jarring. For some children, this may even be their first introduction to the concept of death. Although it's tempting to move on quickly, many children may benefit from a chance to give thanks for their pet's life and to share memories as they grieve.
Opening Prayer
Holy God, we come to you in prayer as we remember ___________. He/she was an important part of our family and we are really going to miss having them around. But even though we're all feeling sad, we want to say thank you for our time together, because it was truly special for us. We wanted to take some time today to remember him/her and give thanks for his/her life - all of those things, both small and big, that made up who they were - and to remember that ______ is now with you in heaven. Amen.
Scripture Passages
"God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind: cattle and creeping things and wild animals of the earth of every kind.” And it was so. God made the wild animals of the earth of every kind, and the cattle of every kind, and everything that creeps upon the ground of every kind. And God saw that it was good." (Genesis 1:24-25)
And from a vision of heaven in Revelation, "I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing, “To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”" (Revelation 5:13)
Discussion Questions as a Family
Closing Prayer
Holy God, it's never easy to say goodbye. We loved _______ so much, and sometimes our memories of them make us miss them all the more. But while we may always miss them deeply, we are also grateful knowing that they are at home and are at peace with you. You love all of creation deeply, and so we give you thanks that _____ is now with you. Amen.
Opening Prayer
Holy God, we come to you in prayer as we remember ___________. He/she was an important part of our family and we are really going to miss having them around. But even though we're all feeling sad, we want to say thank you for our time together, because it was truly special for us. We wanted to take some time today to remember him/her and give thanks for his/her life - all of those things, both small and big, that made up who they were - and to remember that ______ is now with you in heaven. Amen.
Scripture Passages
"God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind: cattle and creeping things and wild animals of the earth of every kind.” And it was so. God made the wild animals of the earth of every kind, and the cattle of every kind, and everything that creeps upon the ground of every kind. And God saw that it was good." (Genesis 1:24-25)
And from a vision of heaven in Revelation, "I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing, “To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”" (Revelation 5:13)
Discussion Questions as a Family
- What are some things that you miss most about ___________?
- Share a few memories of time with your pet - what type of animal was he/she?
Closing Prayer
Holy God, it's never easy to say goodbye. We loved _______ so much, and sometimes our memories of them make us miss them all the more. But while we may always miss them deeply, we are also grateful knowing that they are at home and are at peace with you. You love all of creation deeply, and so we give you thanks that _____ is now with you. Amen.