I appreciate all the responses to my post a few weeks ago. The next day I apologized to my 16 and 12 year old, Told them it was my fault that it happened. I should have been on top of the guinea pig like I am with the dog, 2 cats and fish.

I buried it with a headstone thats a cross but still feel horrible about her dying but I also feel better I took the responsibility I should have the night she died instead of blaming my kids.

Sometimes I wish I could have a re-do.

Parenting is an imperfect thing and we make mistakes. You've been a good model for your kids on how to handle them. That's really valuable over the long run, much more than if you were a "perfect" parent.

It's ok to make mistakes as a parent, and it's even better when you can admit the mistake to your kids and apologize. Parents aren't perfect, nor are they God. It's a good example you have just set for your kids to follow when they are parents.

we grew closer over this family tragedy.

Good.

I went back and read the original thread. We had several guinea pigs when my kids were growing up--and mishaps. It feels bad, but we learned some lessons. You're not alone.

A cross headstone ?

Was it a christian guinea pig ?

That's good you grew closer as a family. Hopefully, it's a lesson well learned for everyone. Losing a pet is awful, especially when he or she suffered.

If you still want some info from a professional psychologist who worked with juveniles, you can ask Susan I/S for my email.

Just to be clear, the guinea pig is still dead, right?