Their dog and our puppy were best friends. They always met at the fence, looked for each other outside, we doggy-sat each other's pooches on occasion. My question is, how do I behave with my dog? I plan to keep him at a discreet distance until they approach him again, that way he doesn't remind them of their loss. Would a donation, made in their name, to the local animal shelter be an appropriate *gift* in an animal-loss sympathy card? I won't ask them to puppysit, but if they offer later, should I take them up on it or just assume they are being nice and make alternative arrangements?
Note: I highly doubt they will get another dog, but I am not in a position to know for sure, obviously. Thanks so much for your advice/experience.
2006-08-20 11:31:08 · 10 answers · asked by ? 6 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Just let your dog do what it does. It will probably make them smile to see your goofy puppy. If you sequester your dog, they are suffering 2 losses. Send them a sympathy card and simply sign your name, this is often enough, since so few people do this.
If they offer to watch your dog, by all means, do not deny them, they WANT to.
It is nice you are so concerned, really let your puppy be natural.
2006-08-20 13:07:57 · answer #1 · answered by turtle girl 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In many instances, the loss of a pet is akin to the loss of a child.
I'm sure they feel devastated. A donation to the local shelter in their pet's name would be a nice way to show your sentiments for them. Don't try too hard though to shield them from anything that would remind them of their pet. They would more than likely welcome the opportunity to sit for your dog. They'll work back into the swing of things and probably will eventually get another dog.
It just takes time.
2006-08-20 18:37:04 · answer #2 · answered by J.D. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think a donation in the dogs name to a local animal shelter is a great idea.
If they ask to puppy sit for you in the future let them. Time will heal their wounds. They probably won't ask you for a while anyway.
When my mother n' laws dog died someone made her a beautiful collage for her. It had pics of the dog all over it and it had a beautiful poem on it that was dedicated to the dog.
2006-08-20 18:38:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think personally that your plan is a good one. Let them approach you and let them ask to pet sit. I personally think the donation in thier name to a local animal shelter is a GREAT idea. If they do happen to ask to pet sit; don't assume they are just being nice. They might realize that they miss your dog being around. It might help them over come thier loss.
2006-08-20 18:40:06 · answer #4 · answered by ~Compétences~ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't walk over with the dog but they may want to come over eventually and visit your dog so you may want to expect that. When it comes a time when you want them to pet sit ask them if they think they will be able too. If they say no then go and make other arrangement's but I would ask them first. The may get upset and think you didn't ask them to sit for your dog cause you think they will kill yuors too. But that is just what I would think if I always watched someones dog and just becuase my dog died they stopped. Good Luck!!
2006-08-20 18:41:00 · answer #5 · answered by Jemma 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes! Do the donation to a shelter in their name! That is such a great idea!
Also, if you do not know why their dog died, I would keep your dog away from their property. It could have been parvo, which could be anywhere on their property.
2006-08-20 18:38:35 · answer #6 · answered by Gothic Martha™ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well if he dog died at 13 then i think you should get them a nother dog my dad did that when the neighbors dog died and they love it! Also if they think of babysitting your pup tell them only if you want to cause people will say that to be nice and others to it cause they love animals like me lol any more questions email me bye!
2006-08-20 18:39:30 · answer #7 · answered by sambam93us 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that the decisions you've already made are good ones, and show a great deal of empathy. If they offer to puppy-sit, take them up on it - it might make them feel better to spend time with your puppy.
2006-08-20 18:37:40 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are being quite thoughtful and your ideas are good. Be sure and mention in your card how fortunate their dog was to have such a good family take care of him.
2006-08-20 18:37:43 · answer #9 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get a bunch a mayo jars with dogs pics and slits for coins....put them on every counter you can find local like....gas stations etc and milk it everyone will feel better and the dog will feel it too
2006-08-20 19:45:45 · answer #10 · answered by jdhayman 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋