Pet Funeral – Help Your Child Learn to Deal with Grief

Our family recently lost a family member. This precious family member was small, furry, and had only been with us for about 7 months. Gunther, our hamster was adored not only by our children, but the neighborhood kids as well.

One evening Gunther seemed to be out of sorts, and even bit our 11yr old daughter, Leigh, his owner and caretaker. She was very upset, Gunther had always been gentle and loving. He had been a little out of sorts for a day or two, she had noticed that he had not been using his running wheel in the night.

I rounded up a soft, clean pair of garden gloves to wear while picking him. I didn't want a repeat of a finger bite. I cuddled him a bit, but he seemed listless and not his usual curious self.

The next morning, little Gunther seemed cold and frozen hunched over his food bowl. I reached in and petted him, not a whisker moved. He seemed to have died during the night.

Both of our girls were devastated, and tears poured. Fortunately, summer camp was in session, and the youngest, Grace, was kept busy at camp all day. While the 8 yr old was at camp, Leigh and I went to the local Dollar Store to see if we could find and appropriate casket for our beloved pet.

After searching the store, we settled on a Valentine box. It was cardboard, so we knew it would be suitable to give Gunther back to the earth in, as it was biodegradable. At home we found a picture of Gunther to place on the top of the casket. After all Gunther should have a closed casket service.

Later in the afternoon, we picked up Grace from camp and talked together about our funeral service.

In the evening, when Dad arrived home, he dug a small hole in the flower bed in our back yard. While he was doing this, we wrapped Gunther in a soft cotton towel and placed him in his casket.

The girls each selected roses from our garden, and we proceeded outside for our funeral service. Gunther was gently layed to rest in his grave. We gathered around and each said a little thought about Gunther and held a little prayer to say thanks for the time we were given with him. Then my husband gently packed the dirt on and around the casket.

We added some large stones and twigs to mark his grave, as well as placing the roses to rest as a final goodbye.

For several days, both girls went out to visit Gunther's grave. They talked with him and told him how much he is missed. As school is beginning, Gunther is occasionally brought up. He will always hold a special place in our heart.