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 ?

Eh? Who are you to tell that poster they are naive when you don't know either?

It's ridiculous and pathetic.
What's next? People keeping a few guinea pigs and knock one off whenever they need a day off?
Let's be serious.

A dog is a family member. Last year I lost both my dog and my mother within 3 months of each other. I grieved far more for my lovely dog, who had been my constant companion for over 16 years, than my mother, who was a difficult and demanding woman.

I don’t understand it.

I have a dog and two cats. They’re nice, fairly civilised wee buddies and I’m very fond of them - but I don’t think I’d cry if they died. I don’t know. I’m fond of one cat in particular, he’s my cat. The house would be quiet without the dog, right enough. She’s definitely my husband’s though.

The children would be inconsolable, but everyone will definitely be at work and school on the day they depart this world.

“A dog is not the same as a family member”

What if you don’t have any family members and that dog is the only company someone has had for the last 15 years. It’s a massive shift for some people. If someone doesn’t like pets fine for you but for some it’s all they have.

Also, we do like the other cat, but she’s more of a semi-feral lodger who eats and sleeps here.. she doesn’t bother much, has a lot of personality problems due to her past life and she only lives with us because I couldn’t see her homeless and neglected. She is safe and warm, she gets treated and the occasional ear stroke when she wants it - but she keeps herself to herself.

Irony overload.

I will compare it, thank you. I was far more upset by the deaths of all my dogs over 40 years (and cats) than I was about the death of my mother. But that maybe because the dogs were loving, trusting and precious. My mother was possibly the most self centred person I have ever known.

I work with someone whose dog died on a Saturday and she took Monday and Tuesday off work because she was so sad. By the Friday she had cheered up because she was getting her new dog the next day. People are funny about pets!

im a line manager. One of my collegues dog died recently , she was devastated and took the day off as was waiting for the vet to the dog to sleep.. she had every intention of making up her hours at a different date. I authorised a day’s compassionate leave. She was clearly devastated and generally not a piss taker. She has children too who never knew life without that dog…….. so she needed to support them as well. It’s tricky, often lots of factors to consider with these situations.

I'm not a dog person, but I can imagine it might have been quite painful. Some people are as close to their pets as they are to the actual blood relatives (or even closer).

It is a bit weird but I would try to be understanding. Its not like she took a month off.

Another weird thread where people seem to be shocked that people exist in the world who don’t have identical lives, emotions, views and experiences as them🫣.

Who knew people can feel differently about animals, pet and loss. Who knew work places and managers will respond differently to life events. It all just so shocking.

My assistant found out her dog had died at the vet (she'd dropped the dog off before work) at about 11am and was devastated. I sent her home for the day and didn't clock her for leave. She was back the next day.

I don't think that was unreasonable.

Of course it wasnt. Absolutely the right, compassionate thing to do. That is good leadership.

Can’t help thinking that you should probably mind your own business, OP; and stop nosing around about why your colleagues are taking time off. Or are you happy with everyone in the office scrutinising your personal information about why you take leave, too?

If she is taking annual leave and it hasn’t impacted the rest of the team then I can’t see the problem

I worked with someone who had a fortnight off sick when her rabbit died, I think most of us thought that was OTT, but she was an emotional wreck and unable to get a sentence out without crying let alone work, so who are we to question what anyone else can cope with. I was bereft when my cat died, I didn’t take time off work, I welcomed the distraction to be honest but we’re all different. I think in the main, people should use their annual leave if they’re mourning a pet.

You’re an insensitive arsehole.

If this is acceptable, I'm going to buy a dozen mice

My partner did. He is male, I am female. Fortunately, his manager (also male) is a dog owner and had a lot of compassion, unlike many on this thread.

Why (would tou not have taken time off work)?

You sound like such a warm person 🤨

Someone I work with is ALWAYS off sick, don’t think they’ve done a full week in ages. Currently they’re taking the rest of this week off as their cat is sick - not dead but sick…

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻