Their dog had been ill for at least the last two years. They are a small family unit and doted on their pet dog. I told my friend I would be there to support her because I know how much they adored him. I have no pets of my own. I really want to help my friend get through this but have no idea what to do or say. Any suggestions please?
2006-09-04 12:17:23 · 27 answers · asked by Zawadi88 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Have them talk to you about the good times they had with the dog. Help them to remember that the dog is no longer ill and that it is feeling great now.
2006-09-04 12:19:39 · answer #1 · answered by bcringler 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Whatever you do, dont suggest a new dog at the moment. Ask them if they had their dog cremated. If so, maybe they could consider spreading his ashes on his favourite walk? That made me feel better when my dog died after 16 years. They should write down how they are feeling and talk to each other about all the good times they were lucky enough to have with their dog. Time is the only thing that really makes this easier, then maybe they could consider going to a welfare centre and offering a dog the opportunity to have what is obviously a very caring home. Good luck.
2006-09-05 06:59:52 · answer #2 · answered by speakmankev 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Be there for them. Pets are often seen as family members. A pet of 15 years is like losing a child or sibling, and some cases a caretaker. Maybe offer to help put together a memory book, plant a tree or some flowers for the pet. It can take months to get over the loss of such a family pet. Be a friend and just let them know you are there to listen and support them.
2006-09-04 12:26:53 · answer #3 · answered by joythegreat 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Remind them that the dog was a dog...I know this is cruel but reality will set in after a while and this is just hurrying it up a bit. Our first dog died on a snowy early morning and you thought our house fell to pieces! After three days, a family friend roughly reminded us that it was a dog, not a person. I thank him to this very day because we may have never really got over the hurt of loosing our dog of sixteen years. The funny thing was that the dog had a rotten disposition..I really remember the not listening and roaming out of the yard from this animal. Our dog was slowing down for about two years before he died.
You are a wonderful friend to try to help out. Keep your ideas in the land of reality and you will do just fine...
2006-09-04 13:18:28 · answer #4 · answered by Patches6 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be supportive of your friends and their grief. Everyone deals with grief differently. Everyone has to heal on their own time. Just be patient with them and most importantly, just let them talk about their pet. It will take time. After having a dog that long, that dog was more than just a part of the family. It was a part of their hearts and to lose it would be like losing a child or other member of the family. I feel for them.....
2006-09-04 12:23:00 · answer #5 · answered by Keri E 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You cant help. You can just be there for them. I lost my dog 2 months ago and still cant go to bed without her picture by my pillow. I loved her so much. The pain is now getting less, but I still cant talk about her without a tear. I have her ashes, and talk to her all the time. My partner wants a new pup but i DO NT FEEL READY.
Pets give you unconditional love.
2006-09-04 14:17:31 · answer #6 · answered by linloue 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a dog for nearly seventeen years. It was sad when she died. My friends were very supportive and kind to me. I didn't need them to do or say anything particular to console me. The most important thing to me is their acceptance of the dog as a member of my family and that they didn't say things like: "Oh, it's only a dog. You can always get another one", "When are you getting a new puppy?", " You are making a big fuss over a pet's death." Believe me, there are people who actually say such things.
2006-09-04 12:28:53 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Listen. just let them talk about how their dog was and sincerely listen .
Then you can go to a pet cemetery on the web and dedicate a memorial as a surprise. put a picture (herfav of her dog)and quote all of here bestt memories of the pooch and at the end note that you want to console your best friend a dog owner and since you are not one, this is your way of showing how much you mourn as well for their pet and you are there for her.
2006-09-10 13:10:22 · answer #8 · answered by calisweet61 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When my beloved collie Kip died earlier this year what helped me was making his grave nice. If your friends had their dog buried at home, offer to buy a plant or shrub to plant on his grave. My Kip have a rose called 'forever young' on his grave as he was only 5 years old.
Talk about the dog and all the funny ways he had. Remind them that he had a lifetime of love and happiness with them and that lots of other dogs have a terrible life. Let them talk about him to you and don't be embarrassed if they cry. It all takes time to get over.
2006-09-12 06:16:55 · answer #9 · answered by fenlandfowl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This might NOT be the answer for them; but my beloved Chow of 9 years died last week while I was out of town.
I could NOT live in my house without her...........I am in Texas and knew of a Rescue Shelter for Chows (adoption); so that's what I did ---- drove to Lubbock and adopted another one.
Got a great dog. Got one that needed me as much as I needed Him, and this is how I'm able to cope with the loss of my best friend, it still hurts, but not near as much, coz' now I have this one to love and care for..
2006-09-04 12:27:49 · answer #10 · answered by Uwanna Kissimmi 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋