[Aim]

Was there something someone did that made you feel better?

My good friend is facing the death of their 14yr old Australian Shepherd. I actually think he is due to turn 15 very soon.

Anyways, she is having a really hard time with it. And I feel awful.

Any ideas one what I could send? Or do?

 

[Retriever Mama]

I am so sorry to hear about your friend. While we haven't personally gone through a loss, we have friends who have. Several in our group have found these pet reliquaries to be a touchstone for them to keep their lost pet close.

http://www.petreliquaries.com/

 

[jzgrlduff]

Definitely send a pet sympathy card, with something special written in it. I cried when I got the cards when our first, Tango, passed away. I was so touched. Also, my SIL sent a framed poem with a place to put the dogs picture in it. It still hangs in my hallway. I can't remember the name of the poem.....it starts with "There's dog hair on the sofa, there's dog hair on the chair....."

 

[MidwestGirl]

I agree a card is a nice way to let them know you are thinking of them.

 

[3TailsWaggin]

I'm confused by your question. Has the dog already died, or is she facing putting him down. If it is the latter, I strongly suggest she be with the dog. I never used to think I could do this, but since I have done it, it makes me feel better and gives me closure with my pet. I've had many animals put down over the years, some go quietly and some don't, but I am always glad that I was there with them at the end.

If the dog has already died, I agree that a card is a lovely gesture, and if you have a photo of the dog, include it with the card. I know when my horse died several of the boarders sent cards with photos that they had taken of my girl. It really touched my heart. Made me cry too.

 

[Paddysmom]

Oh! The most wonderful thing for me when it was Paddy's turn was to have someone give me a gentle hug, maybe just around the shoulder even, and to hear their words "I'm so sorry you lost Paddy. I know how much you loved him."

It just... helped.

 

[Retriever Mama]

Also, several people I know have done these picture frames that allow you to make an imprint of the pet's paw for one side of the frame and then the other side holds a picture.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0VWMD93PMC8T0R80YXZM

 

[Aim]

No, the dog hasn't passed. I was talking about when the dog does pass away.

They've just decided in the last half hour or so to put him to rest.

 

[pbc]

If you are close enough that you could offer to drive them to the vet that would be a Godsend. I was in no condition todrive us nor was my SU the last time we had to PTS our dog. My son in law volunteered. He even took the day off work to do it.

Mollyrock has done some beautiful paintings of dogs that I have seen. Depending on your budget, that might be an option. There are some nice sites that make small garden flags and or memorial stones. A card is always comforting.

 

[jzgrlduff]

Mollyrock has done some beautifl paintings of dogs taht I ahve seen. Depending on your budget that might be an option.

Aim, I did this when my Dad and his g/f's dog died a couple of years ago. They cried like babies when they opened it. They were so touched. They say it's the best thing they've ever gotten.

 

[joflake]

My friend is facing the same thing with Ruger. It is so hard.

 

[gailatmsu]

I'm so sorry. I think a card is a nice gesture too. What about one of those memory garden stones? It'd be something they would have to use now, but they could get his paw print and write his name and dates on it.

 

[BauersMom]

A friend of ours built us a bench after Reggie was PTS. He attached a little plaque with In memory of Reggie, the world's greatest dog and his birth and death dates engraved on it. We had him creamated, but it is nice to have a place to go and sit and remember him. A ride to and from the vet's office was awesome too. There was no way we could drive ourselves, and it gave us a few extra minutes to enjoy his presence. Wow, I am tearing up just remembering . . .

So sorry for your friends, it is a very hard thing to go through.

 

[Labs4life]

When we had to put Maxie down, we were new arrivals to Georgia and didn't know too many people.We did have an aquaintance in our apartment complex who had a Golden that we saw when we were out with Max. Somehow she realized Max was no longer with us and when we arrived home the next day she had sent a beautiful flower arangement with a card showing nothing more than a simple frowning face. Only pet lovers know what to say or what not to say.

 

[labwrangler]

I agree with 3TailsWaggin - if your friends can be with their dog when it's time, it will help them, even though it's very hard. I was glad to be there with Bella, I never could have forgiven myself if I'd let her go alone instead of holding her in my arms. Other than that, a kind word or card from a friend will help to ease the sorrow a little. Or if they want to talk about it with someone who understands, you could be there to listen.

 

[Allie]

For me, having a framed picture or a memento to display would just be too heartbreaking. I lost my GSD mix Taffy almost 8 years ago now and it still kills me. I have her collar but I keep it put away. I couldn't stand to look at it every day. Just try to be there for your friend as best you can. A card and a donation to a local shelter would probably mean a lot, or to an Aussie rescue if you know of one in the area.

 

[Kaylasmom]

When I had to put our Husky down a friend donated money in his memory to the local no-kill shelter. I was so touched that I have done the same several times for friends who've lost pets. Usually the shelters will send a very nice card to let the owner know.

 

[Sara]

When I had to put our Husky down a friend donated money in his memory to the local no-kill shelter. I was so touched that I have done the same several times for friends who've lost pets. Usually the shelters will send a very nice card to let the owner know.

This is what I was going to say. Just today I took in a very generous donation at my shelter in honor of a woman's sisters beloved dog...
We have beautiful cards that we send notifying them of the donation made in their pet's honor.

 

[RangerMom]

A written card is really nice. So is a hug. Spontaneous acts of kindness go a long way. A friend did a surprise watercolor of Reggie. Someone donated to the Grey Muzzle Organization in Reggie's name. I got a wonderful card, a silver ornament and a rainbow bridge bracelet which I now wear every day. I think remembering their loss down the road is touching too.

 

[kaytris]

a card and a donation.. the farley foundation provides assistance with vet bills to seniors and disabled, as well as helping out abused women... http://www.farleyfoundation.org/