I met a guy a couple weeks ago and have been on a few dates. Really like him. His dog just died last night. Should I check in? How soon? He has only texted me that the dog died. I have no experience with this kind of situation.
I met a guy a couple weeks ago and have been on a few dates. Really like him. His dog just died last night. Should I check in? How soon? He has only texted me that the dog died. I have no experience with this kind of situation.
Comments
“I’m sorry to hear about (dog’s name), let me know if you need anything”?
Edit: something about the dog, if you met it, e.g., “(s)he was a lovely dog”
Have you responded to the original text about the dog dying? If not, I’d give a heartfelt “I’m so sorry for your loss, do you need anything?” (If you’d met the dog before, mention “she/he was such a good girl/boy”) and then follow up with a “how are you holding up?” in the morning. If you’ve ever had a pet die, it could be worth it (tomorrow) to send a message sharing that you understand the pain and are here to help.
I always pass along this comic to anyone who looses a dog. There is also a book version if you want to gift something physical.
As someone who just went through the loss of my pup this year, it’s brutal and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. I think you can check in and see how he’s doing, and rather than asking a more vague question like “do you need anything”, I would specifically ask him if you can send him over some food, or if he would like to get out of the house and go for a walk. I was so distraught I after Kryptonite’s passing I didn’t know what to do with myself, and am so grateful to friends/family who sent over food because even though I was too sad to feel hungry, it forced me to eat something, and the silence in my empty apartment was deafening, so I was grateful for any opportunity to get out and not be surrounded by all of his things. Obviously everyone handles grief differently, but those are just some ideas
I like to say something like what a great life the dog had, with you as its owner. Something to recognize the care and love they had for the dog. And also, recognize this is a very, very hard thing for pretty much all dog owners. It’s devastating. He may not “be himself ” for a while, may need time alone, and don’t make him talk about it if he doesn’t want to.