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My friend's beloved pet Springer Spaniel, has been put to sleep/

(20 Posts)
Agnieszka Tue 17-Jan-23 02:38:35

Hello
I wonder if I can ask you ladies, if it is ever appropriate to mark a very sad occasion. I do not include Funerals of course.
My best friend has had to take her dearly loved pet, to the Vet for Euthanasia.
I personally have never owned any animals, as I have severe allergies around them.
However, I would like to give her a small gift of some kind, at this sad time. I am really unsure what to choose, or indeed if it is the right thing to consider.
Do any of you have opinions on this sensitive subject?
Thank you for reading.
Agnieszka.

Ali23 Tue 17-Jan-23 02:59:57

I think it would be lovely to acknowledge your friend’s loss in some way. A simple bunch of flowers and a hug might be sufficient.

lixy Tue 17-Jan-23 06:14:15

Agree with the small bunch of flowers - daffodils are available here now - and a hug.
Owning a dog brings a structure to the daily routine. Perhaps you could invite your friend for a coffee at a time when they would usually have been out walking with the dog?

AussieGran59 Tue 17-Jan-23 06:15:16

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

BigBertha1 Tue 17-Jan-23 06:33:13

It's a very sad time and it would be so kind of you to acknowledge it. When our Goldie died I felt that no one indoor that it was as sad as a member of the family dying for us. When my friends dog died she was so pleased to get some flowers and a big big from me. Yes it's very appropriate to support your friend in this thoughtful way.

BigBertha1 Tue 17-Jan-23 06:33:32

Understood

Alioop Tue 17-Jan-23 06:38:39

My friend bought me a bunch of flowers and a pet sympathy card when I had my last dog put to sleep, Another friend had a beautiful card made with a photo of my dog on it and had her name in the poem inside. It was lovely that although they weren't dog owners themselves they knew how devastated I was when I had to let her go.

FannyCornforth Tue 17-Jan-23 07:15:55

Hello Agnieszka
What a lovely friend you are.
When my first little dog died.
I was devastated. It was a huge bereavement, and like BigBertha says, you do feel alone.
Yes, I’m sure that your friend would appreciate some flowers, or even a small plant.
And, yes, of course, the all important hug.

sodapop Tue 17-Jan-23 09:11:20

My daughter bought me some lovely wind chimes with a short verse inscribed. I think about him when I hear the chimes.

Strongcoffee12 Tue 17-Jan-23 09:58:45

When we lost our beloved Labrador it helped just to be able to talk about him to people and for them to listen. What didn’t help is people saying things like “it’s only a dog” or telling us to get over it
Some friends bought us a slate drinks coaster with his name on and a piece of poetry on it about dogs stealing your heart. Some people sent us cards with verses in or just a message saying they were thinking of us.

Germanshepherdsmum Tue 17-Jan-23 10:04:11

Such a kind thought. It is the loss of a much loved member of the family and it really is comforting to know that others understand. Flowers are a traditional way of expressing sympathy on a death, and just as appropriate for a pet as for any other family member.

SueDonim Tue 17-Jan-23 12:17:32

I’d say even a pretty card is acceptable. When we lost our cat recently I received some lovely cards from a couple of close friends. That was enough to know they were thinking of me and it’s a really kind gesture. ❤️

Oldbat1 Tue 17-Jan-23 19:22:29

A bowl of bulbs or a bunch of flowers would be much appreciated I’m sure.

Smileless2012 Tue 17-Jan-23 20:32:03

You can also get cards for the loss of a pet Agneiszaka which with a few flowers would be a lovely gesture.

Agnieszka Wed 18-Jan-23 04:04:45

Hello everyone.
Thank you so much to everyone who responded.
I ordered one of those cards for Pet Bereavement purposes, which I knew nothing about. So many thanks Smileless.
I personally loved the idea of the wind chimes Sodapop, but my friend is very hard of hearing, so that would be unsuitable sadly.
I think I will send the lovely card and also a bouquet of flowers. I will of course invite her over for a Polish feast, and gallons of coffee!!!!!!
She is a very good friend to me, and I do my best to return her love.
Thanks again for all the helpful ideas.
Agnieszka.

Blondiescot Wed 18-Jan-23 08:56:11

That is such a lovely thing to do, Agnieszka. What a good friend you are. The loss of a much-loved pet is a bereavement like any other, and just as keenly felt.

dogsmother Wed 18-Jan-23 09:03:07

Please, please do. It’s as painful a loss as a family member and you have to go through this to understand. Your kindness and thoughtfulness will be truly appreciated.

Agnieszka Thu 19-Jan-23 01:56:33

Hello
My thanks to all of you for the kind words.
I really do appreciate this forum, and feel welcome here.
I also think that my written English may improve, as I gain confidence to post.
Take care.
Agnieszka.

Germanshepherdsmum Thu 19-Jan-23 09:35:34

Your written English is perfect. Please don’t hesitate to post! You are indeed very welcome here.

FishandChips15 Thu 19-Jan-23 09:43:40

I collect things for our local animal rescue home. When I go to a house where they have lost their pet I always give them a card and if they have given me things in the past or I know them a bunch of flowers or a candle.