Just visited "Oliver" for the last time. He is scheduled to be euthanized tomorrow. He has survived 18 long months of terrible cancerous tumors for a 14 year old retriever. I want to show my sympathy. What do you feel is most appropriate - a card? flowers? a memorial gift? being with the dear owner??? Thank you in advance for your compassion and empathy.
WyrDachsie
Favorite Answer
I'll tell you what my good friend did for me. She actually met me at the vets office and was there with me when we put my dog down. She hugged and petted my dog and cried along with me, let me stay there as long as I needed. She then took me for a cup of coffee, where she let me cry and talk about my girl and then drove me home.
She never once told me to get over or to get another pet.
The other thing that people did was send me cards, which I thought was thoughtful. The other thing I thought was really special, was when my obedience club made a $200 donation to the local shelter in memory of my dog.
Becky B
For a lot of people losing a companion animal can be quite a bit like losing a family member or child, especially when they've been part of the family for so long. A card, a small gift basket full of pampering stuff, a plant (flowers die, an easy to care for plant is a great choice and something that will be associated w/ you and their beloved dog in a positive manner), bring over dinner, make yourself available but don't be pushy and respect whatever way they choose to deal with their grief.
Ellen
Be available for your friend -- I'm sure you already know that.
Cards are always good.
I've gotten memorial gifts that resembled the beloved dog for some friends, or given a donation to an organization about which the person cared (in one instance, the place where the dog and person visited as a therapy dog team).
Messykatt
It's really nice of you to be so caring. The most important thing (having been on both ends of this) is for your friend to know you're there for him/her anytime 24/7, but you recognize the need for space. When my pets die, I want to be left alone and I know I'm not that unusual, so make sure your friend knows this. Maybe you could even call later tonight.
Beyond that, a card is always appreciated. I got some really nice ones from co-workers when my first cat died. But anything beyond that might be too much - just your friendship and understanding is what matters most.
imsomething63
Just you being there supporting your friend should be enough.
Print this out for your friend.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
There are also may pet breivment hotline he can call.
I know your friends pain. I had to put my beloved scottie to sleep in Jan. He was only 11 1/2 yo.
My sympathies.