what to tell someone who lost their dog

As a designer and writer of sympathy cards, Mary helps you put into words what yous're feeling.

It can be hard to know what to say to a grieving friend, but these words of support will help. — It tin be hard to know what to say to a grieving friend, simply these words of back up will help.

Photo by Ryan Walton on Unsplash

Condolence Messages for the Loss of Pets

This past April, our dog Daisy died. She was an 8-year-sometime mongrel with a sweetness personality and an annoyingly high-pitched bark. She loved swimming and would sooner swim across a lake than walk effectually information technology. Daisy was a subcontract canis familiaris and was treated every bit such. She slept outside and often would sneak over to the older woman who lives across the lake for a cuddle and the occasional os.

Losing a Furry Companion Tin Exist Similar Losing a Family unit Member

Although I didn't feel the need to exist consoled when she died, the majority of people I know who take pets will need some kind words and acknowledgment of their loss. Her decease got me thinking nigh what I would say to people I know whose dogs and cats are more like family to them. Our views of our pets may be different, but a few thoughtful words to ease their sadness would be needed.

For some people, losing a pet that has been role of the family for many years is almost like losing a family member or a well-loved friend. The loss of that pet will leave a pigsty in their heart, and the owner may experience real grief. This shouldn't be pushed aside as nonsense, because the pain they feel is existent. Although y'all may non share their passion for animals to the aforementioned extent, you'll want to ensure you lot don't say the wrong thing and jeopardize your friendship at this sensitive time. If you feel that you might, a simple menu with a condolence message may be the better option. No matter what yous choose, reaching out to a friend will help them as they movement through the stages of grief.

What Practise You Write in a Sympathy Card for a Pet?

Whether you choose to call them on the phone or send a menu or a text bulletin, information technology can be difficult knowing what to say to ease a friend's sadness following the loss of their pet. I have put together some sympathy messages which tin can exist used when pets die. These can be tailored as you lot run across fit with the name and gender of the animal and perhaps a few simple words of your ain.

Heartfelt Condolence Cards for Pet Loss

If you have an fantabulous local bill of fare shop, you may be able to detect a suitable pet sympathy card. Some of these may depict an animal that looks similar to the one that recently died. Some other pick could be a tranquil view of wood, a beach, or clouds. Did your friend take their dog for walks on the beach or in the woods? These would be advisable. Many cards are left blank for you to write your message. Beneath I accept provided you with simple words of condolement and quotes about pets that will aid you lot create the perfect message.
Alternatively, if you know the pet is sick, buy the card early on. Past doing this, you tin can get a card on Zazzle, where I am a designer, that you can have printed with the animal's name and if y'all have it, a photograph. A thoughtful carte or small personalized gift will be a lasting keepsake for your friend whose pet has died.

Sympathy Messages for the Loss of Dogs or Cats

Let'south get started with the condolence messages you can either use or modify for your situation.

I am sorry for your loss. [Insert pet's proper noun hither] will be greatly missed.
[Insert pet's proper name here] was such a wonderful [cat/domestic dog]. He/she was lucky to have found a family as loving every bit yours. Know that we are thinking of you lot.
They say a dog is a human being's best friend. [Insert pet's proper name] was a special dog. May the fond memories ease the hurting of grief for your family at this difficult time.
Losing a loyal and faithful friend isn't easy. Please know that I'm thinking of yous, and if you lot need to talk or share memories of him/her, delight call me. I'm and then sorry for your loss.
[Insert pet's name] left paw prints of dear on everyone who knew [him/her].

For some people, losing a pet is like losing a family member.

pixabay

Brute Sympathy Messages for Cards

A devoted friend and beloved pet such as [insert beast's proper noun] volition always hold a special identify in your eye. [He/she] is gone but never forgotten.
Although others may not sympathize your grief, I do. Losing a pet such as [pet's proper name] can leave a hole in your heart and a void in your life. Know that I am thinking of yous and offer my condolences. Telephone call me if you desire to chat or need a shoulder to weep on.
[Insert pet's name] will always be by your side, watching over you lot—my sincere condolences to yous and your family unit.
Nosotros can't imagine the grief you feel afterward losing [insert pet'due south proper noun]. [He/she] was a lovely [animal type] with a sweet temperament and will exist missed by those who knew her.

Here are a few messages that volition work well on a pet sympathy card. Where possible, add the pet'southward proper name for a personal touch. If you don't know the correct spelling, your friend has probably referred to the pet via text, Facebook, or other social media channels. Besides, be certain to get the gender correct if the message includes whatsoever gendered pronouns.

A personal message is always well received and is a thoughtful way to show you care. Some of these ideas are specific to a particular type of pet, some are religious, and some are more generic.

Roll to Keep

Thoughtful Pet Sympathy Gifts

Some other kind way to panel a grieving friend is with a pet sympathy gift. These gifts are easily customizable and can provide a lasting memory of a beloved pet. Hither are several appropriate gifts to give someone who has but lost a pet.

Memorial Stone
Garden Statue
Framed Photo
Portrait
Current of air Chime
Memorial Ornamentation

Religious Pet Sympathy Messages

Our pets are like gifts from God—they come into our lives and bring us such joy without asking for anything in return. We were sorry to hear of your loss and extend our sympathies to y'all and your family. Your [dog/true cat] will exist greatly missed by all who knew [him/her].
Our heartfelt prayers are with you as you come to terms with the loss of [insert pet'south name]. [He/she] volition be missed!
I was and so sorry to hear of [insert pet's name] 's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this hard time.
[Insert pet's name] 's joyous spirit and loving demeanor touched everyone who met him, and [he/she] will live on in the hearts of many. May God give you forcefulness and peace at this difficult time.
I am securely saddened to hear of your loss. [Insert pet's name] was such a cute ray of calorie-free in the lives of all who knew [him/her]. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I know that [insert pet's name] 'due south companionship was a blessing in your life and that [his/her] passing has been incredibly difficult for you lot. I pray that God volition requite you strength and continue to bless y'all in other ways.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for the loss of [insert pet's proper name]. May the Lord comfort you and yours during this time of sorrow. Please have my deepest condolences, and know that I am available to pray with you at any fourth dimension.
I take many addicted memories of [insert pet's name], and learning of [his/her] passing was very upsetting. May God restore your spirit and give y'all condolement in this difficult time. My deepest condolences.

If finding the right words to say when a friend's pet dies feels impossible, sending a greeting card with a quote is a nice option. — If finding the right words to say when a friend's pet dies feels impossible, sending a greeting card with a quote is a squeamish selection.

Photo by Sabri Tuzcu on Unsplash

Pet Sympathy Quotes

"What we accept in one case enjoyed we can never lose. All that we beloved securely becomes a part of us." — Helen Keller
"Information technology came to me that every fourth dimension I lose a dog, they take a piece of my center with them, and every new domestic dog that comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I alive long enough, all of the components of my heart will exist dog, and I will become as generous and as loving as they are." — Anonymous

Dogs are not our whole life, but they brand our lives whole.

— Roger Caras

"If I have whatever behavior about immortality it is that sure dogs I know volition go to heaven, and very very few people." — James Thurber
"I accept sometimes idea of the concluding crusade of dogs having such curt lives and I am quite satisfied it is in compassion to the human race; for if we suffer and then much in losing a dog after an associate of x or twelve years, what would information technology be if they were to live double that time? The misery of keeping a domestic dog is his dying so presently. Only, to be sure, if he lived for fifty years and then died, what would go of me? — Sir Walter Scott

Until one has loved an beast, a function of i's soul remains unawakened.

— Anatole France

"If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans." — James Herriot
"Those nosotros love don't get abroad, they walk beside us every 24-hour interval. Unseen, unheard, merely always near, so loved, and then missed, so very love." — Anonymous

Poems Almost the Loss of a Beloved Pet

Four legs, a large centre,
information technology was dear from the offset.

Those we love are ever close,
particularly when we demand them most.
In our hearts, they'll ever be
young, happy and running free.
Although they're gone,
in our retentiveness, they'll live on.

— Anonymous

"I Dreamed of Rainbow Bridge" past Ron Tranmer
"Lend Me a Pup" past Joy LaCaille
"A Dog Has Died" by Pablo Neruda

Lord Byron's Epitaph for His Dog Boatswain — Lord Byron's Epitaph for His Domestic dog Boatswain

wikicommons

Lord Byron'southward Dog Boatswain

If you call back that the love of pets is something new, it isn't. I used to alive in Nottinghamshire, England, and at Newstead Abbey (which is located at that place) is an epitaph written by the poet Lord Byron (1788–1824) for his canis familiaris Boatswain. His dog was a Newfoundland dog, and the quote beneath can be seen on the canis familiaris's tomb. Newstead Abbey was Lord Byron's ancestral home.

Near this Spot
are deposited the Remains of 1
who possessed Beauty without Vanity,
Strength without Insolence,
Courage without Ferocity,
and all the virtues of Human without his Vices.

This praise, which would be unmeaning Flattery
if inscribed over human Ashes,
is but a only tribute to the Retentivity of
Boatswain, a Dog
who was born in Newfoundland May 1803
and died at Newstead November. 18th, 1808

When some proud Son of Human being returns to Earth,
Unknown to Celebrity, merely upheld by Birth,
The sculptor'south art exhausts the pomp of woe,
And storied urns record who rests beneath.
When all is done, upon the Tomb is seen,
Not what he was, but what he should have been.
Just the poor Dog, in life the firmest friend,
The first to welcome, foremost to defend,
Whose honest heart is withal his Chief'due south own,
Who labours, fights, lives, breathes for him lonely,
Unhonoured falls, unnoticed all his worth,
Denied in sky the Soul he held on earth –
While human, vain insect! hopes to be forgiven,
And claims himself a sole exclusive sky.

Oh man! chiliad feeble tenant of an 60 minutes,
Debased by slavery, or decadent by power –
Who knows thee well, must quit thee with cloy,
Degraded mass of animated dust!
Thy love is lust, thy friendship all a cheat,
Thy tongue hypocrisy, thy heart deceit!
By nature vile, ennobled only past name,
Each kindred brute might bid thee blush for shame.
Ye, who behold maybe this simple urn,
Laissez passer on – it honours none you wish to mourn.
To mark a friend's remains these stones ascend;
I never knew but one – and here he lies.

I hope this article has given you some ideas and guidance to ease the grief of your friend who has recently lost a pet. For some pet owners, it can be a devastating time. Others may choose to get another pet to ease the pain.

Whatever your friend decides to exercise, try to exist supportive of their choices. Everyone handles grief differently and information technology may take some time earlier your friend seems back their erstwhile cocky.

If yous have other sympathy messages you take used or received comfort from, delight post them in the comment department for others to come across.

Thanks for reading.

What Would Yous Do?

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author's knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

Questions & Answers

Question: Is there a give-and-take to identify the loss of a pet? For example, when a woman loses her husband she becomes a widow and a human becomes a widower.

Answer: You lot've asked an interesting question, but in my research, I oasis't found a specific word that would represent a person later the loss of a pet.

Question: How can I ease my girl's pain in regards to the death of our dog? She is studying in another continent currently.

Answer: It is a hard situation, and I'chiliad lamentable for your loss.

I believe your girl volition take a circumvolve of friends who can aid her through the grieving process. It is likely most of her friends of the same age, (I'm bold she is at university), have likewise experienced this.

If she has difficulty in coping with the news, virtually adept universities take on campus counselors. I believe she is probable to be more concerned how the balance of the family is dealing with the loss of your dog.

Mary Wickison (author) from Brazil on August 21, 2020:

I am pitiful for your loss. You were a blessing to him, equally I'1000 sure he was to you.

Sasha Sawyer on August 21, 2020:

I lost my wonderful dog Playful today. He was ix.5 years sometime. He was a stray whom I rescued, merely information technology happened in such a way that another dog of mine got friendly with him on the road and brought him home. He lived with me always since. Stray dogs are stiff and don't brandish whatsoever symptoms until they are actually very sick, which is what happened to him. He became ill almost 1.v months ago and nosotros institute out information technology was kidney failure.Despite the grim prognosis, he lived and ate all his meals although he walked slower. The last 24 hours his status worsened, but I'thou thankful the suffering was not prolonged. I'thou crying today, I miss him!

Mary Wickison (writer) from Brazil on June 02, 2020:

Hi Beverly,

I'yard sorry to hear about the passing of Max. Some people cope better than others with losing a pet. For some, information technology is like losing a friend or family member and the grief can last a considerable fourth dimension.

Others handle grief differently and the event tin can pass without others being aware of it.

Thanks for highlighting the departure.

Beverly on June 02, 2020:

Last April I lost my best friend Max he was a piddling Yorkie but you wouldn't know

Mary Wickison (writer) from Brazil on March 17, 2020:

I am sorry to hear of your recent loss. The historic period of your dogs shows the care and love they were given.

It is heartwarming to hear your special connection to dogs.

Thank you for sharing your story.

debbie lariscy on March 16, 2020:

Iii weeks ago I lost my mini doxie (a rescue). Non sure verbal age, have had her 6 years and I think she was effectually 15. I'one thousand comforted that she died in her sleep. I've had two Toy Fob Terriers and one was 4 1/ii pounds and lived till 21 and the other was v 1/two pounds and died at 17. They both kept a good quality of life till the cease. I never had children, so they were a pleasure to nurture, love and take care of. And they gave me all the beloved they had. I accept a senior dog now, my Father's last dog when he passed , I cherish her for giving him such love and at present me. I volition e'er accept a canis familiaris, equally long every bit I tin can care for it. " Dogs lives are too curt. Their only fault, really." - Agnes S Turnbull. Approving to all dogs and their humans who beloved them then.

Leah on May 17, 2018:

Cheers for posting these thoughts and sharing stories. It helps.

Mary Wickison (author) from Brazil on June fourteen, 2017:

Hi Peggy,

Our new domestic dog Tess, seems to know her chore as a watch dog and walks downwards to lock up the gate and doesn't back down if people make it until we tell her it'southward okay.

As a pet ages, I think it is easier to cope with their passing. You lot know they have had a good life and although it is not easy letting go, we can prepare ourselves for the void they leave.

One of my friends here is hoping to find a puppy to bring it up to speed every bit both of her dogs are now about 9. She knows they will shortly be passing.

I hope with these few suggestions in my commodity, people volition be able to offer some comfort without sounding condescending or draconian.

Thank you for reading and your comment.

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on June 13, 2017:

Your Daisy looked like a beloved of a dog and I know you miss her. I run into from reading the comments that you have given another dog a practiced domicile with lots of room to roam.

It is definitely hard losing beloved pets. Nosotros have had to part with them all as well often. As diogenes mentioned, their lives are short every bit compared to ours therefore bringing smashing happiness when they are gracing u.s.a. with their presence and great sorrow when they die.

Right now we have an older dog and an older cat. We can see the handwriting on the wall so-to-speak and are just enjoying each and every day to the fullest with them.

You have given many good suggestions as to what to say when others lose their pets. Thanks!

Mary Wickison (author) from Brazil on June 07, 2017:

Hi Nell,

Yes, comments such as, "you can get another dog" or "it was only a canis familiaris" aren't helpful and are downright hurtful. Kindness doesn't price anything and the world would exist a better place if people used it more frequently.

I am pleased you like Byron'due south verse form, how lovely to think that the love of dogs has gone on for so long.

Corking to hear from you, Nell.

Mary Wickison (author) from Brazil on June 07, 2017:

Aye, it can be difficult. Before I had kids I was so fastened to our dogs we took them to the United kingdom with us. In that location they were in quarantine for 6 months and lived their lives there. Their passing was difficult to take.

I know many people who have been devastated when their pets died. That is when a friend, is really needed to help ease their grief. For those who don't understand that stiff bond, it can be hard to prove support fifty-fifty if they are a good friend.

Thanks for your comment and kind words.

Nell Rose from England on June 07, 2017:

Sorry topic, and when I lost my canis familiaris I sobbed bucket loads! so anybody who had a kind thought would be crawly in my eyes. love that verse form by Lord Byron, he must have loved his domestic dog!

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on June 07, 2017:

I'thou sorry about the loss of your dog, Mary. Although the loss of a pet affects people differently, it can sometimes be a very difficult experience. Pets are members of the family unit for some people. Thank you for sharing your helpful ideas and the poem.

Mary Wickison (writer) from Brazil on June 07, 2017:

Hello Dora,

I am sure as a counselor yous know that grief can be all consuming, even if it is for a pet. Being there for someone can oft help more than than they know.

Regarding Byron'south ode to his dog, I have always wanted to share that since I beginning read it. I recall he put into words, feelings many of us have for our pets.

Cheers for your back up.

Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on June 07, 2017:

This is my favorite: " Four legs, a big middle, information technology was love from the starting time." Thanks for these wonderful suggestions of grief expressions. What a powerful tribute from Lord Byron! He really loved that Boatswain.

Mary Wickison (author) from Brazil on June 06, 2017:

It can be difficult to let go of them especially when you've had a dog for then many years.

I retrieve it is easier to share feelings with those who have lost a pet when nosotros accept experienced information technology. The feeling of grief is real and I'm sure it helps if they merely have someone who will heed to how they are feeling and share memories.

Sometimes people just can't share in someone's grief, although they might exist close. In this case, I think only a unproblematic carte at least will show yous're supportive.

Thanks for your comment.

Heidi Thorne from Chicago Area on June 06, 2017:

What lovely sentiments to share when this happens. Sorry to hear about the loss of your girl in Apr! Nosotros had to say goodbye to our 10-1/2 yr-old golden girl terminal month.

I totally recall that sending messages of sympathy are appropriate for animals. They are cherished family unit members. Thanks so much for the ideas for when I need to send these letters to grieving friends!

Mary Wickison (writer) from Brazil on June 06, 2017:

Hi Bob,

I had many pleasant walks effectually Newstead Abbey as my in-laws lived within the abbey walls.

Lord Byron was a lad, did you know he used to put his staff on a gunkhole in i of the abbey's lakes and fire cannons at them? He apparently loved his dog more than than people.

You've touched on another favourite, James Herriot. I have a book upstairs. I should re-read information technology, I love the simplistic way of life he captures.

I know people dearest their minor dogs equally as much but I always accept a soft spot for larger ones. We had a Brazilian mastiff and he was a lovely dog.

My sister has an ageing domestic dog and after he dies, she will exist on her own, I am concerned how she will deal with that. As well the security of having a dog, there is also the companionship they provide.

Cheers for reading and reminding me about my favourite Yorkshire vet.

Mary Wickison (writer) from Brazil on June 06, 2017:

Hi Beak,

I know it tin be upsetting for some and I think those feelings need to be best-selling. Sometimes they just need to share their memories or have a shoulder to weep on.

We have replaced Daisy with some other dog, which looks similar, albeit a chip larger. She had been owned by a French family who had a pizza parlour hither in town only returned to France. Now, the dog has 8 acres to run about on and she seems to exist settling in well.

Glad to hear your weather has finally turned.

diogenes from UK and Mexico on June 06, 2017:

Thank yous for bringing Byron's magisterial poem to the hubbers and others. Information technology is, in my stance, one of the best poems in English ever written and certainly the most endearing regarding the loss of a pet. I had a Newfoundland in one case, and they tin can steal your middle for all the reasons Byron spoke of. I also had a mini Schnauzer with all the marvelous qualities in a small package.

Many people, specially those left alone, exercise miss their pet as much as any human family member, and never forget them.

As the Yorkshire vet, James Herriot, bemoaned, they simply don't live long plenty when compared with our own span, so buying is bound to bring great happiness and great sorrow.

Lovely and thoughtful article.

Bob x

Nib Holland from Olympia, WA on June 06, 2017:

It's an interesting topic, Mary. We are close to our animals; we even mourn, a bit, the loss of a quail or a chicken, but I, too, don't feel the need for consolation. Having said that, I know many friends who are deeply afflicted by the loss of a pet....most notably the loss of a dog or true cat...so these suggestions, I'g sure, are helpful.

I promise you are enjoying your day. Our summer finally arrived, reminding us all why we love this portion of the country.

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Source: https://pethelpful.com/pet-ownership/sympathy-messages-pet-loss

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