My manager was off today because her dog died on Saturday morning.

[IwishIwasacaterpillar]

Am I being an arsehole to think this is a bit ridiculous?

It seems like it sets a precedent. I have three cats, will I get a day off each time one of them dies ?

I personally think its a bit ridiculous but I'm not a pet person so 🤷

It is ridiculous, but get the popcorn out OP as you’re going to be told it’s more than reasonable, as it’s not just a dog.

I am a pet person. I think it’s ridiculous. And CF

Whilst I didn’t take a day off when my dog died, I do know of some staff, managers included, who needed a day off. You might find that your manager shows you some compassion when your cats die. Especially if you afford her the same compassion

People still have to work

If my cat died on the day I would take the day off and expect to use a/l or unpaid leave. If my cat died on a Saturday and I had the Sunday off I would come to work on the Monday.

I did that when my grandparent died.

Not at all ridiculous to have a day off ! I was sent home and given an extra paid week off when I put my dog to sleep

Yes you are being an arsehole (to use your words). It's clearly having enough of an impact that she's not able to work. If your cats dying has the same impact on you you should do the same.

When I ran a business it was more common for my staff to take time off for sick/dead pets than for their actual relatives!

I understand pets can be like family, but three days off for a dead lizard is taking the piss.

That absolutely would not wash in my workplace.

I will be really sad when my dog goes but imagine I will still make it into work. Does she have other things going on maybe?

Yep your an arse hole.

I’m on the fence. I love my dogs very much and will be distraught when they die, if I can take a day off without letting others down I will do so. I’d assume she will take annual leave rather than be given bereavement leave?

Last time I had a dog that died i couldn’t take leave without letting people down and had to drive to work for a late shift as a midwife direct from the vet with my dead dog still in the boot. I kept crying in the kitchen when making toast for people and if I could have not come in then I absolutely wouldn’t have done.

did it have a major effect on you OP? Her not being there?

I was absolutely devastated after my dog died. I've grieved her and missed her more than relatives that have passed!

But I wouldn't have taken time off work.

I lost my dog earlier last year and I was surprised at how much grief I felt. It was a physical pain in my heart
I didn’t take time off work but my partner did take me away for a long weekend to cheer me up
I’d had the dog since he was a puppy and he was so loyal and beautiful natured, it’s a loss

You don't know how much her dog meant to her. For many people they are family and it completely devastating.

If she's taken annual leave, yeah you're being a bit of a dick.

I'm taking a week off when my dog dies. I dont have any family so he's my only chance at recouping the same time off as all my colleagues by the time they've had multiple family deaths

I did take a day off when our first dog died. She was run over by a car and it was pretty horrific.

I am an animal Person with multiple pets and I think it’s ridiculous. And CF. My friend had a dog put to sleep a year ago and still cries about it so we can’t talk about the ex-dog. yawn

No effect on me at all. I just find it a bit ridiculous, particularly as she is the manager.

People deal with things differently. Yabu.

It would be daft if she was on compassionate leave, but if she's a crying mess not fit to work then a sick day is appropriate.

I didn't take any time off when my cat died last year, but did cry in the office on more than one day the week after. That was awkward all round!

It seems ridiculous, but surely it’s unpaid leave anyway? Check your workplace bereavement policy - I bet there’s zero compassionate leave allocated to pets.

I suppose if it was an emergency vet visit on the day it would be reasonable to take time off.
I'm assuming it wasn't special / compassionate leave, if it's annual leave and the line manager agrees it doesn't really matter what it's for.

If she hasn't slept since Saturday and can't stop crying, she won't be much use at work. Not everyone responds the same to a loss.