I have had a whirlwind time since my Josephine was born! I will post more as I think of things and sort thru the pictures. One thing that has happened over the time REALLY sticks out in my mind.
Some people (trust me I know I lack this sometime) have ZERO clue about tact! If you have a friend or family member who loses an animal be sympathetic. Get them a card, tell tem you ate sorry, sponser a Lost Dog "adopt me" vest in their memory. Each of those is acceptable depending on your level of familiarity, both with those who lost the pet and the animal. What you should never, ever, ever, ever ( especially when you know that this animal was a family member and like a child to those who lost them) is......
1) say "animals don't have souls" and comment about how they are just gone now! (Go read that rainbow bridge poem, if you don't cry there is no way you will get this post anyway....)
2) tell them it was JUST a dog, cat, etc., and can get another one.
3)tell them they should not have put them to sleep. They have probably agonized over the decision, they don't need you to judge.
4) pretend like it didn't happen.
There are probably numerous more but one, or more, of these actually happened. The situation may make you uncomfortable or you may not understand how someone could feel that way about an animal. Just express your sympathy and listen. Seriously keep the feeling of negativity about pets or "stupid" animals to yourself!
That pet may be just as important, or more, to that person then you are. It may be hard to understand but it is true in many cases. I love my cats, probably not even 1/2 of the "total family member" person and I would be upset if someone made light of their death.
I write these on my phone so pardon grammar etc.
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