<p>A close friend told me that their dog is very sick and may not be able to hold on until her son comes home from college in 3 1/2 weeks. I am so sad for them. She was upset that her husband told their son that the dog wasn’t eating and was weak. Stopping just short of telling him the prognosis. She’s afraid he’ll be too upset going into finals week. Have any of you had this experience? Did you tell your child who was away at school? Any advice for my friend?</p>
<p>My daughter’s dog had a recent major illness and surgery. We had to tell her. She calls him up and also Facetimes with him a couple of times a week. The dog, I mean. So we couldn’t keep it a secret. I would tell, anyway, college students aren’t toddlers who can’t understand.</p>
<p>I think the answer depends on the kid’s relationship with the dog and how well he might be expected to handle the news. I hope the doggie holds out. It would be a shame if the boy didn’t have the chance say goodbye to his family pet. It’s this sort of event that makes me glad we didn’t consider having our kids attend college too far from home–they both were close enough to make a quick and reasonably priced overnight trip home should the need arise. A few weeks ago my S (not in school, but employed 4 hours away) did just that to be present for the scheduled euthanasia of the dog who had slept in his room (and cried for hours) her first night in our home 15 years earlier. It meant the world to him to be able to hug her and tell her one last time what a good girl she was. Skyping wouldn’t have been enough.</p>
<p>I had a similar dilemma a year ago. She should tell her son. I agree that college kids are old enough to be told the truth.</p>
<p>This definitely hits home with our too recent experience.</p>
<p>We just euthanized our beloved dog of 13 years 4 days ago. Her first signs of illness began in mid December, then temporarily resolved before Christmas. Our 2 kids were home from college over winter break, but we had no idea at that time that she was approaching her last months of life. Her health began deteriorating throughout January and we just hoped that she would hold on until, first, her 13th birthday (Feb 13), and then, the kids’ spring break (Mar 2), as the kids wanted to see her again (both kids are 500+ miles away). Fortunately, she made it for both. There were many ups and downs throughout March and we kept our kids informed of her condition on a weekly basis. About 2 weeks ago, she stopped taking her meds and soon thereafter she stopped eating anything substantial. At that point, we knew the end was near and we told the kids as much. Making the phone call to tell them that we put her to sleep was very difficult for me and upsetting to both kids, but they both appreciated knowing the truth in a timely fashion. I do believe that it helped that they were kept informed, as it did not come as a total shock. </p>
<p>When was the last time her son was home to see their dog? Was there any warning at that time that the dog’s health was declining? Is their son close enough to make a last visit home without being too disruptive to his class/study schedule? If not, he might appreciate the opportunity to visit with the pet via Skype as Zoosermom’s D does. I agree with MommaJ that it depends on the relationship the son had with the dog if it would be important for the son to say good-bye. I would definitely let him know what’s going on so that he can decide if he wants to make the trip. Sadly, if the dog is not eating, I don’t think he will make it 3 1/2 weeks.</p>
<p>Hugs to your friend … this is a difficult time.</p>
<p>They really need to tell the him. At least he could say good bye via skype. I lost my pet very suddenly while I was at school and it was much harder to heal than with any pets that I got to say goodbye to.</p>
<p>Thanks for your posts. My friend’s son is too far to travel for a quick visit (opposite coast) and it’s too close to the end of the school year. He is also the one who is most attached to the pet. I agree with those who say he should be informed especially since the pet will most
likely not hang on til he gets home.</p>