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How do you tell kids when the family pet dies?

It's a conversation every parent dreads. Losing a beloved family pet is hard enough, but how do you tell the kids?Dr. Robi Ludwig, TODAY contributor, offers advice on breaking the news gently: Don't lie. Break the news gently, but truthfully. It's OK to show emotion, but don't break down into hysterical sobbing in front of the kids. Be prepared to answer questions about death -- and it's all right

It's a conversation every parent dreads. Losing a beloved family pet is hard enough, but how do you tell the kids?

Dr. Robi Ludwig, TODAY contributor, offers advice on breaking the news gently: Don't lie. Break the news gently, but truthfully. It's OK to show emotion, but don't break down into hysterical sobbing in front of the kids. Be prepared to answer questions about death -- and it's all right if you don't have all the answers.

So, what's your strategy for breaking the news that Fido or Fluffy has gone to that great dog park/scratching post in the sky? Do you dance around it, or just go for the brutal truth? How do you tell kids that their family pet has died?