She has no children, so her animals are her "kids" and she LOVED that dog, and obviously she is a complete wreck. I'm used to the death of people, not of animals...is there a protocal or etiquette to this? As her friend and the guy who is now running the company while she is grieving (I fully expect her not to back to work for at least a week)...what is the best way to tell clients, business asscociates, etc?
2006-06-13 02:16:24 · 21 answers · asked by gotalife 7 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I forgot to mention that EVERYONE knew this dog...it was like the company mascot and never left her side, went to the office with her, etc.
2006-06-13 02:23:43 · update #1
You know what? It will probably be easier for you to tell them than for her. Everyone knows this dog so just come out and say, "Hey, I need to tell you what our boss is going through." She will appreciate it so much because this will help her when does return back to work. Sometimes it is just hard to relive the story over and over again for each person you must tell. This will also brace everyone for the suppor that she will need. It is so nice to know that people are there for you when you are down and need that extra boost. Right now.......be her boost. It will take a bit more effort on your part to get out there and spread the word, but I'm sure you could email your clients and co workers and very kindly put it in words that will show the urgency of her absense and the necessity for everyone to pull together during this time. It will mean the world to her to know she can depend on you to keep the business going while having a heart where friends are concerned as well. You will do the right thing. I have no doubt. :)
2006-06-13 04:59:01 · answer #1 · answered by Marianne not Ginger™ 7 · 16⤊ 5⤋
Gus has to go to have a lump removed tomorrow, taking the day off from work. The last one was cancerous, but will hope for the best with this one. I sometimes sit and think about how many good years are left for her as she is 11 now. Hell, it's only a dog some would say. You know it doesn't really take much to love a dog, they make it fairly easy most times. They are devoted, loyal, and make very good listeners.
Thinking about what I would say to others when the day will come when Gus is no longer here, it would have to be something along the lines of " Lost a good and faithful friend and need time
to reflect on the bond that was shared, the good memories that endure, and the need to cope with the sadness that remains."
Another dog owner would understand completely.
2006-06-13 20:39:18 · answer #2 · answered by Sanitizer 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry for her loss.
It would be best just to tell anyone who knows about her dog and is a close enough associate the truth and if they know her they will be able to appreciate the bond and her pain. Many people are sympathetic to the loss of a pet though. Our society has let animals into the family circle like never before. If everyone knew the dog well everyone is going to wonder where it is. A heads up from you can keep your friend from having to explain it a million times. Anyone who doesn't know the dog and how special it was can be told "personal reasons" and just accept that.
2006-06-13 22:43:13 · answer #3 · answered by Ragdollfloozie is Pensive! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with all of the above answers. Clients do not need to know personal information. A general statement of "death in the family" or "personal time" should suffice.
A death of a pet is horrible. I lost my dog of 10 hours (yes, 10 hours...she slipped out of her collar while we were out on a walk and was hit by a car), and I was completely devastated. My friends and family sent cards (it had been a long time coming for my adoption of this puppy), and some even went so far as to send flowers. I would definitely suggest a card. Pets are family members too!
2006-06-13 10:55:40 · answer #4 · answered by binzer581 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
UGH! Where the *%$@! was I 9 hours ago? *recaps her morning* Oh.....that darn Savant! Boy do I feel like an "idiot".
Gee Wiz, Monitorhead, I am so sorry. Your partner must be so upset. A loss, be it people or pets, is never easy. Perhaps some advice would have been useful 9 hours ago......or at least shortly after. Sorry. All I can say is, do what you feel is necessary and what feels comfortable. You know the situation, you know the people involved and you knew the dog.
I have a friend who LOVES her dog more than anything else in the world. She has pictures of him on her desk at work, pictures in her wallet....she treats him as she would a child. I can not imagine what she will be like if she loses him. I have a feeling she will lose part of herself. He is her world. If your business partner is anything like my friend I underestand how she must feel. It can't be easy......
Remind her you are there if she needs you and help her by telling the people who need to know.......
2006-06-13 18:21:37 · answer #5 · answered by Mr. Sky 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be open and honest with your customers. If they knew the dog - they will probably be sad too.
As for your partner, be there. You don't have to "come up" with anything to say. Tell the truth. It is hard to not see dog here. I keep expecting to come around the corner and see him laying there. It has to be so difficult for you at home. Not hearing those little doggie nails clicking across the kitchen floor. Take the time that you need. Try coming back to work a little at a time. It might be tough at first - but it might also be healing to get back into a familiar routine. If your partner is thinking of getting another dog to replace the one that is gone......remind them there is no replacing such a special part of their life. Take time, and if time is not an option because the loneliness is more than they can handle....get a different breed. It won't be fair to the next dog to look like loved one, but not act like loved one.
My deepest sympathies. I have had dogs that have lived to be 13 years, 15 years, and as little as 7 years. To say goodbye to our four legged loved ones is hard.
2006-06-13 11:07:53 · answer #6 · answered by Freeadviceisworthwhatyoupayfor 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell the clients that she has had a death in the family.
That will suffice for them.
Get a pet sympthay card (they make them) and send it to her.
She may need to talk if she does just listen and try to be compassionate just like you would if she had lost a child.
They are animals but it does not mean that people love them any less and sometimes more than other people.
Keep in mind her pet never lied to her or did anything really bad to her. It loved her unconditionally. That is more the she would get from most people.
Be kind and listen if she needs to talk.
You sound like a great business partner.
2006-06-13 09:47:37 · answer #7 · answered by tlctreecare 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Send her a sympathy card. They have loss of pet sympathy cards. This dog that was put to sleep evidently was like her child, and the loss of a child is a traumatic experience. Tell the clients that she had a death in the family. This dog was her family and it would not be lying or exaggerating. If they ask you who passed on, then just simply explain she is mourning the loss of her dog that was like her child for 13 years. If the people do not understand that then that is really their problem.
Just be sympathetic to her, I lost my dog that somebody shot and threw in a creek to dispose of, and it is a very empty feeling inside. She will have to heal, and that will only take time.
2006-06-13 09:27:37 · answer #8 · answered by badgirl41 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If people ask (such as clients) where she is just tell them she is out on personal business.
As a Friend you handle this the way you handle the sadness of any friend. Ask her how she's doing and let her know you care about how she feels. A loved pet can leave a hole in your life when they die the same way a person you love does. Maybe not to the same extent. Just let her talk a bit. Grieving is grieving. It's all the same. It just has different intensities.
2006-06-13 09:24:56 · answer #9 · answered by jymsis 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I myself just lost my dog in March, and I also have no kids. The loss of a pet can be just as devistating as the loss of a person. Give her the time she needs, understand her grief, NEVER say 'it was just a dog' or 'you can always get another one', this was her irreplaceable baby, people need to respect that. Treat her as you would treat someone who has lost a loved one, the grief is the same.
As for clients and business associates, just let them know she is grieving the loss of 'a loved one'.
2006-06-13 09:23:57 · answer #10 · answered by HazeX 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
" She is off this week" is all the clients need to know. If they press for details, just say she had a "family emergency".
She is going to have to grieve her loss, just like she would the death of a person, so the only thing you can do is be supportive of her.
2006-06-13 09:22:00 · answer #11 · answered by fire4511 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋