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So long, Dudley. Supporting Kids Through Pet Loss: A Father's Story & Guide"

So long, Dudley. Supporting Kids Through Pet Loss: A Father's Story & Guide"

aParently! A Podcast for Parents · Shawn Hopkins

April 21, 202510m 38s

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Show Notes

Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the hardest moments a family can face—and delivering that news to your children can feel almost impossible. In this deeply personal episode, Shawn shares his own experience of making the heartbreaking decision to put down his family’s dog, Dudley, and walks parents through how to handle the conversation with honesty, compassion, and steadiness. You’ll hear practical steps for preparing yourself, guidance for answering your children's tough questions, and heartfelt advice for sitting with their grief (and your own). Shawn also talks openly about anger, sadness, and the emotional waves that come with losing a pet—and reminds parents that simply being present through it all is an act of real love. If you're facing this moment, you are not alone. Tune in for wisdom, support, and encouragement.