Joanna Fortune: My son is finding it difficult to get over the death of our family dog 

"The loss of a family pet is significant for adults and children. For some, losing a pet who was loved and who provided love and companionship can be as deep as the loss of a person."

"The loss of a family pet is significant for adults and children. For some, losing a pet who was loved and who provided love and companionship can be as deep as the loss of a person"

Our much-loved family dog died of natural causes during the summer. My eight-year-old son is finding it difficult to get over the loss. 

We buried the dog’s ashes in the garden and erected a small gravestone. Every time my son sees it, he tears up. I’m not sure what to do besides getting a puppy.