Her dog was 13 years old and we loved the dog too.
Plus.. her husband just died suddenly last week of a heart attack. The funeral was 4 days ago, and now the dog was put to sleep yesterday. My heart aches for her and her sorrow. I know how hard it must be for her and her 2 grown children. Any ideas of a gift? or 'spirit lifter'?
Answers:
Just be there for her. Visit with her, take her to lunch, a movie. Just be there for her to talk to and lend a shoulder for her to cry on. Get a card of sympathy for both her husband and her dog. If you have pictures of her dog that she does not have, have them enlarged and framed. If you don't have any, maybe snitch some from a ohoto album. Maybe in a couple of weeks, take her to the pound to look at some dogs. She is going to be so lonelt and a new furry friend will help ease her pain. You are a good friend.
Just say "sorry for what happened".
A gift.if you can get a picture (from one of her kids) of her husband with the dog.put in a pretty frame, and tell her that's what they're doing right now, just hanging out being pals, neither is lonely, both are fine and happy. You could even photoshop pics together if there aren't any good ones of them together.
That's a hard one. The best thing would be to be there for her and not say, "I know it must be hard," because you don't know.
You could go two routes. You could give her something in memorium for the dog (a framed picture of him or a monetary gift to a local shelter in his name), or something to get her mind off her losses (a gift cert for a massage). I think another good thing would be to bring her meals. At a time like this, the last thing she'll want to do is cook for herself. Oh, another gift idea would be to hire a maid service so she doesn't have to clean.
Encourage her to get another dog as soon as possible, and even offer to go with her to look for one. My mother in law's dog died a couple of years ago. He was 16 years old, but she was grieving as if she'd lost a child. My sister in law went out and got her another dog the same week! My MOL said it really took her mind off of things and helped her get over her grief.
Listen to hear and spend time with her. She needs a shoulder and some companionship more than she needs anything else. Grief shared with another is easier to bear.
That's so sad. You just tell her that you're there if she needs you. She has suffered a lot. As far as buying her something, when my dog diied, a friend bought me a ceramic cookie jar with a beautiful picture of the breed on the side. It was so thoughtful, and I enjoy it whenever I look at it.
Sometime it is better not to say anything
Been there done that
Wow, what a nightmare.
Just being there and listening, take over a dinner or have her join you.
check out www.stephenministries.org there may be some ideas there.
Get her another puppy,if you think she would want another one.
I am not for sure maybe a new puppy but puppies are hard to take care of and would take alot of grieving time off of her but if she wants a new puppy?
try to acompany her as much as you can.and let her talk..encourage her to talk about it..it helps her to release the grieve and sadness..
let her cry and gives her a hug.it will take time but it's good to know that someone cares and help through the grieving process.it's hard.
Hi it's not an easy question to answer as we all know how hard it can be to lose someone close to us %26 a pet gets to be the same as losing a relative.
It's hard t say what the best course is to take but the best thing is just to be there for them %26 be a good friend.
These things take time to get over %26 it's all a matter of patience %26 being a rock for someone when tey have the need.
Regards Jake
Please don't simply get this woman another dog. While another pet is a comfort to some people, others don't want a 'replacement' immediately after the loss. You might suggest the idea of another pet to her, offer to take her to shelters or breeders to find another pup, but let HER decide if she wants another dog at this point.
I like the suggestions of bringing the family food and just being there to listen and talk. A small contribution to the local animal shelter or rescue organization in the name of the dog is a good one, too.
You are a good neighbor, and I'm sure you will do the best by this poor woman.
First, ignore the advice to get her another puppy: if her child had died, would having another 'fix' that? C'mon, people, this is not something you should do already! If/when she is ready, offer to help her pick a new pup (or maybe an older dog from a rescue?) - on her terms %26 in her time.
For now: buy her a stuffed dog she can hug - one that resembles her beloved dog would be a plus. Take dinner (casserole %26 soup or a salad) over to her, stay %26 let her talk %26 listen. Just being there with a sympathetic shoulder is best. Making some time for her a couple times a week for a month or so would be great, if you can. Sit %26 talk, take her shopping, help her in her garden or with other favorite hobbies, etc. Good luck.
Help put together a memory book with pictures and journalling. She may appreciate someone who wants to listen and rehearse the good memories. Remember to bring tissues!
That is sad- doubly so, considering how she just lost her husband too!
Flowers and cards are usually good. And in my family, if there is a death, those of us nearby will bring food to the bereft.
Was there any flower or tree the dog was especially fond of? Perhaps you can offer to plant one for her. Or if you have a picture of the dog, or the dog and man together, you can make it into a plaque that she can hang on her wall.
Feel better!
Maybe both families could plant a bush or tree in the backyard. You can either make or buy a stepping stone that can be placed by the plant as a marker or tribute to the bond they shared. Maybe have a little dedication with some refreshments.
My mother in law has a rose stepping stone for her dog Rose that is back by the pond the dog loved to be by when she was alive. Her ashes are also burried below the stone. If she ever moves, she can dig Rose up and take her with.
I'm sorry for her losses. She must feel quite alone right now.-
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