On this week’s Parenting segment, one family grieving the loss of a pet is ready to get a new dog – except the youngest. 

“Our family dog [Millie] died just before Christmas,” the parent told Moncrieff. 

“She was with us for 13 years and our three kids, aged 10, seven and five, have only known a home with her. 

“The two older girls because the house seems so quiet but the five-year-old is distraught at the thought of it. 

“She gets very upset, saying we’re replacing Millie and Mille would know we replaced her because she can see from dog heaven.” 

The parents said they are torn between what the rest of the family wants and what the youngest child wants. 

“Do we just go with it and include her in the process in the assumption she’ll be okay with it or do we wait until she’s ready and put her needs above those of her sisters?” they asked. 

Child psychotherapist Joanna Fortune said the parents shouldn't make the assumption their daughter will accept the new dog – especially when she has made it clear she won’t. 

“I don’t think waiting is the same as putting her needs before her sisters’ needs,” she said. 

“Millie was a family dog and I think it’s important until everyone is ready before there’s another family dog.” 

Joanna pointed out the daughter may reject the new pet if it’s adopted too soon. 

“At five years old, they still don’t have that sense of permanence of death and I'm hearing that in her saying Millie will know if they get a new dog,” she said. 

“I get another way of expressing grief is the [older] girls saying the house is too quiet and they need a dog... but you’ve got to slow down a bit. 

“I wouldn’t drop the conversation entirely, but it doesn’t have to be now.” 

Listen back here: