A friend of mine had to put her beloved family dog down today. I know she is heartbroken, and I am searching for some way to let her know that I care. We are relatively new friends, so not exactly close enough for emotional outpouring type support, but I would like to do something just to let her know I understand and am thinking of her.
Suggestions?
This is probably the perfect occasion for a nice card. Not too personal if you’re new friends, but lets her know that you know she’s hurting.
Just tell her. Call her and let you know you are thinking of her. Be there to listen if she wants to talk about her lost friend.
There are people who don’t understand hoiw deeply the loss of a pet can affect some of us. We are often made to feel silly because “it’s only a cat”. She may not have anyone who understands how badly this loss hurts.
It’s good of you to think of her. Let her know you are.
i had to put down a wonderful friend of mine, suddenly. A co-worker texted me these lines:
"It’ll take you some time to get thru this. Just know that you have memories and alot of great ones that you’ll always cherish. Nobody can take that away from you.
I’m so sorry. I just know that you gave him a wonderful/spoiling life he deserved, and he was happy. He is no longer suffering. Life really sucks sometimes. Radar loved you too I’m sure. In time, the loss of him will get easier but he’ll never be forgotten."
Those words meant a lot to me. That someone could recognize the importance & loss of a dear animal that I called “family”.
Send her a card for sure. Even if you can’t find one specifically for “loss of pet”, get a regular sympathy card. I had to send one last week to a cousin who lost his dog and the sentiment in the card was perfect for the loss of his boy, even though it was technically for people.
In the past I’ve made donations to the SPCA in memory of the pet. They’ll send a nice little card to the family. I’ve also sent sympathy cards “signed” by my cats, though you don’t mention if you have pets of your own. How kind of you to try and comfort her. Whatever you do will be much appreciated I’m sure.
I’d go along with those who say get a card. If you’re not close enough to feel comfortable talking about it with the person, then the card will be ideal. It allows you to show your sympathy and allows the other person to know that without requiring them to respond immediately when they may not know how to.
We had to put our older Lab down in January this year. Some friends talked about our loss, others sent cards, especially those who had had their own animals pass on. It means a lot to know that people understand or feel sympathy for your loss.