*You arrive at work. You see your boss, with whom you are on good terms but have strictly a professional relationship. She spoke about her sick dog the other day. Let's call this dog "Muffy."*
You: Good morning!
Boss: Good morning. How are you?
You: I'm doing well, thanks, and you?
Boss: Fine, thanks.
You: So, how is Muffy?
Boss: Well, we had to put her down.
Me: Oh, no. I'm so sorry to hear that.
*long pause*
So, dear Yahoo! Answerers, what happens next? What would you honestly do or say?
2007-07-03 21:21:15 · 13 answers · asked by not y 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I think your boss would say, "Well, at least she's not suffering anymore."
Then you could say, "I'm sorry for your loss. I know this must be a hard time for you, so is there anything special I can work on for you today?"
That way, you switch the subject to work, and hopefully, so will your boss.
2007-07-07 20:54:02 · answer #1 · answered by I really hate my job... 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't think anything else needs to be said after you have said, "Oh no. I'm so sorry to hear that." You have said enough to show your sympathy. I mean if there is an ill family member or something you can always ask, "Is there anything I can do?," but this really isn['t a case where you can offer help.
2007-07-03 21:41:29 · answer #2 · answered by Patti C 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Cut the pause short:
ME: It may seem trite, but let me know if I can do anything. A pet really is a part of the family.
*gentle pat on shoulder and moving on...*
However - the initial pause was the boss's responsibility - the boss should have said thanks.
2007-07-03 21:49:30 · answer #3 · answered by Call Me Ishmael 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Meaningful and sincere say, she's in a better place, and then if appropriate, depending on the boss' sense of humor, you could say, she's in good company or she'll be there to greet you or she is finally out of pain, etc
2007-07-08 15:47:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, i know what i *should* say... but I'd probably panic and commiserate with a long winded story of how my hamster got eaten by a stray cat.
2007-07-03 21:58:08 · answer #5 · answered by JaceMonster 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would wait for her to say something, that would be the smartest option. Really, you've said enough about the subject anyway.
2007-07-03 22:20:25 · answer #6 · answered by Keyring 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ask her what she wants you to do today. After all you're there to work not to ask her about her personal life.
2007-07-08 16:16:11 · answer #7 · answered by Eugene 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
nuff said..I would change the subject as fast as possible and get back to work.
2007-07-03 21:36:55 · answer #8 · answered by Kat A. Tonic 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
she was a good dog you know i have fond memories of her
2007-07-04 00:16:36 · answer #9 · answered by know_it_all 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"I know its hard but sometimes it's the right thing to do if they are suffering"
Tough one!
2007-07-04 00:19:11 · answer #10 · answered by MB42 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋