How to support a colleagues bereavement

[chanie44]

My boss has a couple of dogs who are about to be put down due to serious ill health which has been getting worse over recent months.

My boss adores his dogs and they are his babies.

I was wondering whether we should get him a card (if they exist) or something else (suggestions please).

Not sure if sending a card is a bit weird or ott. We do send cards for bereavements, but only id the loss was a close relative etc.

How about a small shrub that can be planted out in the garden, in memory of them?

Other people might think this is a bit naff, but when my dog died, a friend bought me one of those " name a star" packs. She thought it would be nice for the DCs to name a star after him, but I found it comforting too.

I think anything you do to acknowledge his loss will mean a lot to him, it did to me.

My vet always sends me flowers when I have to get a pet put down. I don't really like flowers but I appreciate the thought.

I would say that the main thing is to acknowledge their loss in some way. Lots of people will not mention anything because it is "just a dog" and that is the worst thing. So, card, flowers, picture frame, whatever you think is appropriate, just some recognition that these dogs have been important and their passing has not gone unnoticed.

I think something for the garden and a little note is a really nice idea. Welling up just thinking about losing both dogs at once, awful for them.

I think plant for garden plus note/card would be lovely - my dad was always hit very hard by the loss of any of our dogs and having that loss acknowledged was very important to him

Agree that a card is a good idea. I've kept all the ones I've been sent for all my dogs' deaths. If you wish to buy a small gift then a shrub or something is a great idea. When we came back from the pet crem last time our good friends had left a rose, planted in a lovely pot, outside our front door. It is one shrub we want to keep forever ... but I kept some petals in case that doesn't happen.

Just wanted to say that this is really kind and thoughtful of you. Your colleague will really appreciate your thoughts whatever you choose to do.

That's lovely - acknowledging what your colleague is going through will really mean a lot. One of my dogs died last year, and I was really hurt by people who didn't acknowledge that it was a sad thing to happen to us.