Everyday growingOllie’s Worry Wobbles
Name a worry, share it and try one small brave step together.
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Free printable pack · When a pet dies
Remembering My Pet
Gentle words and activities to share when a much-loved pet dies. With Riley’s help, explain what “died” means, answer the questions children ask, and find your own way to remember, at your child’s pace.
Email me this packFree · Printable PDF · No book needed
What’s inside
A pet can be a much-loved friend and part of the family. When a pet dies, a child may cry, ask questions, then go back to playing. These free printables give you clear, gentle words and simple activities to share. There is no right way to feel.
- A note for grown-ups on telling your child, and What does “died” mean?, a simple explanation from Riley.
- Whatever I’m feeling, with no right feeling to choose, and Questions and worries, such as “Can my pet come back?” and “Where is my pet now?”
- When I miss my pet, with small comfort ideas, and My pet’s memory page to draw, color or write.
- Remembering in my own way, including a memory pebble from Pebble Hollow, and a page for grown-ups about the days afterwards.
The pack uses clear words like “died” rather than “gone to sleep”, and gently reminds children that nothing they thought or said made their pet die.
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Who this pack is for
This pack is mainly for children aged 4 to 9 whose pet has died, or is very ill, and for the grown-ups supporting them. Under-4s can join in with help, by pointing to pictures or drawing. You can use it straight away or weeks later, because feelings often come and go.
How to use it together
- Start with closeness, not perfect words. Tell your child somewhere quiet, using a clear word such as “died”. Give a little information, then pause.
- Answer honestly and simply. Avoid “gone away”, “lost” or “gone to sleep”. If a vet helped your pet die, the grown-ups’ page has gentle words you can use.
- Let your child choose. Read one page, skip an activity or come back another day. Children do not have to talk, write or finish anything.
- Expect the same questions again. Children often ask many times. Each calm answer helps them understand a little more.
- Remember together. Fill in the memory page, paint a memory pebble or have a small family goodbye, in your own way.
Questions grown-ups ask
What age is it for?
The pack is mainly for ages 4–9, with a grown-up alongside. Under-4s can join in with help, by pointing to pictures, drawing or having a short chat.
Is it really free?
Yes. The 8-page printable pack is free. Joining A Little Letter from Collyvale, our monthly email, is optional and separate.
Our pet is very ill. Can we use it now?
Yes. The grown-ups’ page includes ideas for an optional quiet goodbye, guided by your vet, and how to prepare your child. Never force a child to join in, or make them responsible for the decision.
How do I get it?
Enter your email address in the form above. We’ll email you the download link so you can save the PDF and print the pages you want. Check your junk folder if it hasn’t arrived.
Can I print it more than once?
Yes, you can print extra copies for your own family, for example a memory page for each child.
Can I share it or use it at school?
Yes, please print it for your own family, classroom, preschool or group. If you’d like to share it, send people the link to this page rather than the PDF. The packs, stories and characters are © Brendan Martin, Collyvale. Please don’t sell them, or upload them to other websites, including in changed form.
Where can we get more support?
The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement offers pet-loss support at aplb.org. Speak to your child’s doctor if their distress gets worse, or affects their sleep, eating, school or daily life. This pack is not a substitute for professional advice.
Who makes Collyvale's packs?
Collyvale is made by Brendan Martin, a father and grandfather who wanted to help families through everyday wobbles. Read more about Collyvale.
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Get this free packCollyvale provides general information, stories and family activities. It is not a medical or mental-health service and does not replace professional advice. If a child's worry is persistent, severe or interfering with everyday life, speak to their school, school nurse or doctor. If you're worried about your own wellbeing, please talk to your doctor. You can also find trusted information at healthychildren.org.