Tips on how to be professionally supportive when a client's dog passes away?
Hi everyone. I know this isn't so much a question but am looking for a little fellow-dog-lover support. I've gone through the excruciating pain of losing my own dogs, but today I had one of my repeat pups pass away unexpectedly. I wasn't present when it happened - though I just saw her last night. I don't want to smother the owner, as I know she is grieving big time. I've become very connected with the dog, seeing her daily for a few months and I have been crying most of the afternoon. I want to send the owner a condolence card and some flowers but I don't even know if that is appropriate or overstepping. I've never had a client's pet die before and it feels absolutely awful. It's tough to know how to be supportive without being the slightest bit intrusive. Know how to grieve the loss yourself without interfering. Perhaps I am so sensitive because it's not been that long ago that I lost my soul mate dogs. I think this baby girl was the owner's soulmate dog. It's difficult to know what to say; you wouldn't think it would be since I've been there myself more than once. There is still another dog of the owner's that I will be caring for, which I am so glad about. I know pets can mourn such losses also. It's a sad day all the way around. Another wonderful canine friend left the world today, much much too soon.