“How can I prepare my children” a friend asked when he found out they’d have to euthanize their beloved dog Rocky who was dying. Here is what I said: Always tell the truth. Be sure not to say “Rocky went to live on a farm” or “the goldfish went on vacation.” The death of a beloved (or even not so beloved) pet is often a child’s first loss. It is an opportunity to provide some education about death and what to do with all the feelings that accompany a difficult loss. You can say “You know how Rocky has been having trouble walking and eating and isn’t able to play outside with anymore?...