Sympathy for a Coworker's Dog

bsidebella

Sorry to be a PW but I've been thinking about this all day:

My coworker had to put her beloved old dog down yesterday. He was very sick for several days, was diagnosed with diabetes and a stomach ailment that was common with his breed.

I sit directly across from her. On Friday, she recieved a phone call that made her burst into tears and she left the office not soon after that. Yesterday, she and her mom (who works in the office part time) left the office halfway through the day in a big hurry. Today, my supervisor asked my coworker's mom (in a whisper) if they had to put the dog down and her mom just nodded. My coworker hasn't said anything to anyone about it, but my heart is breaking for her.

My coworker and I frequently shared stories about our dogs and her dog was her baby. She loved him a lot. She isn't married and has no kids - she lived for her dog. I feel so terrible. I would like to get a sympathy card or something and leave it on her desk but I don't want to upset her. Is there a delicate way to do this?

Ollie08

I'm not sure... I suck at death and sympathy stuff... I'm so awkward. That's terrible though.

[Deleted User]

bside - when I lost my dog a few years ago, it was a big deal.  the vet and some of my closest friends sent me cards and I still have them.  I don't think it would be a bad idea at all to just show her you care.  I'm not sure there's a "delicate way", but a card and maybe something small could mean an awful lot to her.

my mom's dog (13.5 years old) has been having trouble getting around... starting to go blind, arthiritis, etc.  she broke her leg this weekend and has about a 50% chance of making it.  all the vet could do was put a splint on it and see if it heals.  it's absolutely devastating to a dog-lover.  we got some treats for a "get well" present, and then I got a black marker to sign Sassy's "cast".  I signed it from me and H, and then put a paw print for our dog, and some other paw prints for my dad's bird dogs.  it brightened my mom considerably just to know that other people cared.  it's inevitable that we'll have to put Sassy down sooner rather than later, but we're just trying to enjoy her time left and ease the transition for my mom.  it won't be easy, that's for sure.

you are so sweet to even think to do something for her! 

stacybean

Oh my gosh, I can't even imagine what kind of pain she must be feeling. My dog is like my baby too. I think a card is a nice idea. I would say flowers but sometimes that can be over the top if it's a huge bouquet. Maybe a small plant or something to go with the card. Inside the card, I would just leave my sympathies, such as "I am so sorry for your loss, Fido was such a wonderful dog, I could tell by your stories and how happy he made you. I'm sure he is watching over you and is thankful for the loving home you provided him. Fido will be remembered. Please let me know if you ever need a shoulder to cry on." I feel so sad for her. I do social media for a pet company and whenever someone posts on our Facebook that their pet passed, I get teary-eyed because I feel like I knew the pet.

bsidebella

I'm definitely going to pick up a card, but I just don't want to get her upset, so I was thinking putting it on her desk when she's not there.

Hallmark makes some really nice pet sympathy cards. I always cry when I read them.

Slightly unrelated: the puppy fever is back with a vengeance, though, guys. FI has a coworker who has Chihuahua puppies for sale - already with shots, already neutered/spayed. Aaagghhhh the temptation.

leia1979

I also think a card would be nice. When Tabitha died, I really cherished all the good thoughts and sympathy I received from the ladies here, even if it did make me cry.

doubleSS07

Oh no that's awful   I know when my parrot died last year all the cards I got from friends and even the vet did make me cry but I needed to get out all that emotion so it really helped to know there were people who got what I was going through.  I think you are sweet to think of her and a card would be a wonderful thing to give her. 

zipis1

When Bumbledog passed, I received a few cards from some people. I loved getting them. I started wailing again with each one, but it was a good wail. It made me feel supported. The one from the vet I used to work for touched me the most and I read it about ten million times.

I would say leaving it on her desk would be the way to go. As much as I loved receiving the cards, I would have felt pretty embarrassed to start wailing right in front of the person who gave it to me.

It's very sweet of you to do this for her.

dwest2201

I think that a sympathy card is a nice gesture and would be appreciated.  A plant or a special treat to brighter your co-workers day would be a nice addition as well. 

Also, if you are concerned about upsetting her at the office with your kindness consider giving her the card and anythign else towards the end of the day incase she needs to let out some tears.

MLekathLEEN

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_sympathy-coworkers-dog?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:913be894-f3d0-4279-a9e2-37ea68435214Post:b7f716fc-533f-4585-a41c-df17417ad431">Re: Sympathy for a Coworker's Dog</a>:
[QUOTE]When Bumbledog passed, I received a few cards from some people. I loved getting them. I started wailing again with each one, but it was a good wail. It made me feel supported. The one from the vet I used to work for touched me the most and I read it about ten million times. I would say leaving it on her desk would be the way to go. As much as I loved receiving the cards, I would have felt pretty embarrassed to start wailing right in front of the person who gave it to me. It's very sweet of you to do this for her.
Posted by zipis1[/QUOTE]

Every Zip said. I think just putting a card on her desk would be perfect.