What's an appropriate response when a beloved dog dies?

Question

My brother's wonderful golden retriever, only 6 yrs old, suffered massive internal bleeding this weekend (likely from a tumor on her heart). What should I do for them?

Answer 1

Send a card with a handwritten note inside.  The note can be as simple as "We are so sorry that you lost Fido.  Please feel free to talk about him with us when you are ready."

FYI, if you go to a mall that has a fairly large Hallmark (or any other brand) card store, you can sometimes find sympathy cards specifically for pet owners.

Answer 2

Send them a card, maybe write the Rainbow Bridge poem on there. I'm sorry...

Answer 3

Just be the wonderful sister you have always been. Let him know you are there is he needs to talk. I received many pet sympathy cards when I lost a dog 3 months ago. They made me cry, but they also helped as it showed so many people cared.

I'm so sorry for your brothers loss.

Answer 4

I have always found it safe to let them know you understand how they feel, losing a pet is very similar to losing a human family member. Allow your brother time to grieve for his loss, and be there as a shoulder to cry on and remember his dog when he needs it. Good luck to your brother in this sad time

Answer 5

Send a sympathy card.    

Answer 6

Flowers and a card. Or food. Let them know you are sorry for thier loss. Pretty much what you would do when any family member dies.  

Answer 7

Send a card.  When my sister's dog died, we sent a card.  That way, you're not forcing them to talk about their pain while it's still so fresh, yet you are letting them know that you are there if they do want to talk, and letting them know you care.

Answer 8

Card shops have wonderful  cards to send for the loss of a dog.  I would send one of those.  this way it shows you care without forcing them to talk about it.

Answer 9

You might be surprised to learn that there are greeting cards for pet loss. You can find them at Hallmark as well as bookstores.  

Pick up one, add a few of your good memories of this dog along with your sympathies.

I received something similar to this from a friend when Iost one of my dogs recently.  She mentioned a couple of situations that had slipped my mind.  They made me laugh -it was such a wonderful feeling knowing that my dog gave her good memories too.

Answer 10

Well, after I sat down and cried with them, I have given a framed copy of the Rainbow Bridge poem with a favorite snapshot of the dog inserted somewhere in the body of the poem. It pretty much says it all, and is always a treasured reminder of their lost pack member.

Answer 11

In additon to sending a card, see if you have photos of the dog and make a collage on poster board.

Please direct your brother to:  www.petloss.com

Answer 12

Everybody grieves for their lost friend differently.  And for sure, it's extra hard when they go so young.  You just feel so cheated.  Your brother may want to talk about what's happened, or he may just want to be alone and adjust to his loss, and shock too because this will have been a terrible shock.  The card suggestion is a nice one, but I think the best you can do is just be there for him, in whatever shape he needs.  So sorry for his loss.