Yesterday we said an emotional goodbye to our beloved guinea pig of 4 years. Okay, okay, those of you who know me well or have been following my blog, will be aware that I am not exactly what might be described as an 'animal lover' (see my previous post on this here). Sharpay (named by my then High School Musical-obsessed 6 year old) was quite possibly the ugliest guinea pig I've ever seen - DD2 chose her because she was 'blonde' (aka 'white') like the real Sharpay in HSM! Over the years, she has had various hygiene issues - the worst being her 'crusty nipples' for which we spent hours trawling the internet in search of a cure, giving up when realising that they didn't seem to be causing her any discomfort.
But this little guinea pig, despite numerous tiffs over cleaning the hutch, her not so attractive demeanour and the rather nasty 'crusty nipples', was loved. When the children noticed her somewhat lifeless state yesterday afternoon, DD2 immediately burst into tears - probably my first child EVER to show any emotion over an animal (I have to say that I was actually rather proud!)
As this death coincided with our return from a 2 week holiday, I was incredibly busy; in fact it was downright inconvenient. DD2 wanted to give her a proper burial, whilst I wanted to crack on with the washing and unpacking the food shopping. I wrongly assumed that after a quick cuddle we could all get on with the tasks in hand (told you I was callous!). After about 30 minutes, the guilt set in....I hunted out a shoe box, some pretty material to wrap her in and both girls set about making her a small coffin. DD1 was the only one brave enough to touch the dead critter (if she's serious about wanting to be a vet, these things need to be experienced, surely?!) and the mood lifted slightly.
When the OH got home, all 3 children hurried him out of his work suit and into suitable attire for digging a grave. Between them, they did a lovely job and the OH finished the burial with a little prayer of gratitude for the fun times she had given us over the years (forgetting the numerous times she had been ignored in her hutch for days on end!) They placed some flowers along with a couple of carrots onto the grave and DD2 created a personalised headstone. It was all very sweet.
Then came the questions about whether animals go to heaven. I am of the inclination that they don't, DD2 is adamant that they do - who am I to shatter her dreams? Don't even get me started on the recently created 'pet crematoriums' - what's all that about? Do you think that pets go to heaven? How do you mark the death of a pet in your family? Tell me your stories.....
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Great post. When our kids encountered pet death it was a chicken. We did the same - dug a hole, chucked in some flowers, said some words. Then my husband suggested that the kids helped with the fillingin of the grave. The next thing I know, my previously distraught daughter 9then about 3) is gaily leaping up and down on top of the grave to flatten the earth down. Kids get over these things pretty quickly, I'd say :-)
ReplyDeleteARen't they funny - think that's a typically child-like reaction. The following day my daughter is totting up how much money she can raise for the hutch on ebay - mercenary!
DeleteSorry to hear about Sharpay's demise.
ReplyDeleteFor various reasons, I don't believe that people or pets go to heaven, but that's another story. I do, however, think that the death of a much-loved pet needs to be acknowledged, and I completely get the pet crematorium.
Our lovely dog is chronically ill and when he goes, he will be cremated and his ashes scattered with my mother's ashes in the woods. They loved each other and we have spent many happy family hours on woodland walks x.
I have to say that our dog is in a different class as far as pets are concerned - I'm not sure he would fit down the bottom of our garden anyway to be honest! Thanks for commenting :)
DeletePets don't go to heaven because we don't believe in heaven even for humans in tour house.
ReplyDeleteWe acknowledge it's sad to lose a pet or person, but we have told our kids that as long as we remember them, they are never really gone. On a practical note, please make sure Sharpay is buried deep enough. At least a foot and a half down with something heavy on top. We had one of our rats dug up last year by foxes and the crows got it, luckily I found the body and it gave me nightmares. I wouldn't want a kid seeing that.
As christians, we definitely believe in heaven for humans but I'm just not sure what the bible says about animals! Thanks for the advice about the depth of the grave - will have to check with the OH on that....we also have a dog who likes to dig hmmmm! Thanks for your comment :)
DeleteWe haven't got pets in our house yet, so it's not a question that has arisen. But I am sure they'll be asking soon, and when they do I'll make sure to be prepared with my responses about pet death. I'll have to think about it!
ReplyDeleteLovely post. The grave looks pretty.
Probably best to steer clear of pets....we're going to do the same for a while! Thanks for commenting :)
DeleteI giggled at the your description of the guinae pig. Our cat died a few years ago, but neither of the children seemed that bothered, but they didn't see him. Cats just tend to go off & find somewhere quiet to be alone. So we told them he'd go e off to go to sleep & they were happy with that. I think it will be different if our current pets died.
ReplyDeleteWe had a chicken that was taken by 'the naughty fox' and then we had a puppy that died at 8 months ols after 4 months of battling with an unknown illness.
ReplyDeleteScamp asked me 'Where's Frinkle gone now mummy?'
I replied 'She's running and jumping happily in the clouds, darling'
Scamp thought for a bit and then added 'She can chase lots of butterflies - she loves chasing butterflies mummy'
It still makes me say 'ahhh' thinking about that now.
And I have to add that that is a very impressed grave / flowers/ service that your guinea pig got !
Good to know about Your blog i have read and i am very inspired form your idea please keep updating Your blog I will be back as soon as possible.
ReplyDeleteThank You for sharing with us.
Gedge