Losing a dog -what to say?
- Thread starter Athebeau
- Start date
you know... i really don't think it was lame.
between having to take a dog in to be euthanized (or having a vet do a home visit) and a dog peacefully dieing at home, possibly in his sleep, i think the latter is the better thing to happen. easier on the dog and easier on the owner.
but i agree, printing out the rainbow bridge on a nice card would definitely be a kind gesture.
between having to take a dog in to be euthanized (or having a vet do a home visit) and a dog peacefully dieing at home, possibly in his sleep, i think the latter is the better thing to happen. easier on the dog and easier on the owner.
but i agree, printing out the rainbow bridge on a nice card would definitely be a kind gesture.
here's a link to the animated story, have your kleenex ready
http://www.indigo.org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html
http://www.indigo.org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html
R
ok, from one who has experienced such a loss.
Do not minimize anything. Don't say "at least" or She's not suffering anymore", or any of those things.
Give her a hug. Send her a card, and if you knew the dog, recall a special memory of her. Say you are sorry, and if you have had such a loss, say you understand how it feels.
Offer an ear to listen, or a shoulder for a hug or to cry on if needed.
The loss I experienced was the sharpest of my entire life so far. The support I received from understanding friends, many from very far away, who really did understand helped me get through it.
Do not minimize anything. Don't say "at least" or She's not suffering anymore", or any of those things.
Give her a hug. Send her a card, and if you knew the dog, recall a special memory of her. Say you are sorry, and if you have had such a loss, say you understand how it feels.
Offer an ear to listen, or a shoulder for a hug or to cry on if needed.
The loss I experienced was the sharpest of my entire life so far. The support I received from understanding friends, many from very far away, who really did understand helped me get through it.
I know how I felt when I lost my dogs and some things people said really made me sadder. For instance people who say "Oh,you can always get another one"...or the worst from a VET!!! "You should be used to this by now"...I almost fainted.
Thank you Box Mom, I think I will send that link to my friend. Thank you RedyreRottweilers I will try to be there for her. She lost her Rottweiler - Raven...she and the dog were very close.
My friend missed a week from work, that's how hard she is taking her loss.
Thank you Box Mom, I think I will send that link to my friend. Thank you RedyreRottweilers I will try to be there for her. She lost her Rottweiler - Raven...she and the dog were very close.
My friend missed a week from work, that's how hard she is taking her loss.
R
I honestly thought I would drown under the weight of the grief.
It was the first time in my life I had emotions that were truly uncontrollable. I cried every single day, several times. for months.
I hid it pretty well except from those closest to me.
Please convey to her my sincerest condolences. At the time I did not believe it, but time, (and in time, a new little puppy) healed most of the wound for me.
I truly do know how it feels.
It was the first time in my life I had emotions that were truly uncontrollable. I cried every single day, several times. for months.
I hid it pretty well except from those closest to me.
Please convey to her my sincerest condolences. At the time I did not believe it, but time, (and in time, a new little puppy) healed most of the wound for me.
I truly do know how it feels.
Ditto, and I agree. Tell her that if she needs anything that you'll be there for her. She may want to withdraw from you or her friends. Don't smother her, but don't let her exclude you from her life now either. I successfully withdrew from my friends, and hid every cent of emotion I had. I went to work the Day Of, and there was only one person who noticed something was weird. I was very good at it, and it always worked, but every night I would cry over my loss and how empty the house seemed, and wished someone would notice, or make me do 'normal' activities with them.
Don't rush getting another pet. When she finally decides she wants to, but is unsure -- even if you are thinking 'Yes! It's about time!' Keep that one in your head. Help her weigh the benefits against the inconveniences, and choose a dog for the right reasons.