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> We have a bazillion pets of the "non-long-living" kind so the kids have seen it up close. In fact, we have a pet cemetary in the goat pen, complete with crosses (which is weird considering I'm pagan <grin>).
>

Yes; in our tradition we believe that there is a "circle of life" We are born, we die, we are reborn. Our physical bodies go through cycles of life and death as well. We've had pets and family members die. Recently I had a young cousin (young enough that he called me "Aunt Michelle") die. Josh was only 21. We had celebrated his 21st birthday just 3 months before he was killed. My girls took it very hard, especially my oldest who idolized Josh. The "how" questions were easy to answer. The "why" questions were harder. Having to talk about the "fairness" of it.

Michelle