Comments on: Don’t Be A Jerk When Someone’s Pet Dies

By: Groovy Goldendoodles

Groovy Goldendoodles — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 00:43:28 +0000

It’s tough. When Leo died, I watched many people struggle with what to say. Especially those w/o a pet in their lives. Because of the blog, many people knew just how special Leo was to me,(vs. just being a neighbor person with a dog) and they just couldn’t find the words. I think it’s best just to give someone a hug, tell them you are available if they need something, but for God’s sake don’t ask if their gonna get another one #yikes

By: Rebekah

Rebekah — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 03:04:25 +0000

This is so true. People are jerks. I’m a jerk, but I try not to be that insensitive. It makes me uncomfortable, physically, when I see people offering up statements and opinions instead of condolences.

By: Lauren Miller

Lauren Miller — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 01:25:52 +0000

Yeah, people can definitely be jerks. Especially when it’s “just a small animal”. It sucks. When my chinchilla died it was awful and no one understood what I was going through. I think the best way to handle jerks is to private message them and ask them to stop. I’ve had to do that before for several people. Confrontation sucks but it’s worth it.

By: Pet Regale

Pet Regale — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 01:13:26 +0000

I guess I have been fortunate enough to not experience any jerks firsthand. Well at least these types of jerks anyway.

I know I am also guilty of the pet sympathy hierarchy, but I would never be a jerk about it to someone. I do realize that just because I have never loved a guinea pig that someone elselse doesn’t.

By: 24 Paws of Love

24 Paws of Love — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 23:15:34 +0000

In reply to 24 Paws of Love. Good Post Pamela!

By: 24 Paws of Love

24 Paws of Love — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 23:11:47 +0000

It’s out in the real world too…when Brut was sick, a so-called friend as if we had ever heard of euthanastia (sp?) when Brut was having a bad day. She thought we were needlessly making him suffer and not following the suggestion of the ER doctor we saw who gave diagnosis and left us with 2 options of surgery and putting Brut down. Instead we followed our own vet’s advice and gave Brut another month and a half to live with us.

I did tell this person I was bothered by their comment, she said she was sorry. I thought all was OK.

When we did put him down, this so-called friend said she was sorry for us, but more importantly she was glad Brut was suffering anymore, through a text. I never heard from her again. Which is just as well, obviously, but I was angry and hurt and thought she was a real person. She was one of those that didn’t care about me, she just used me to get close to my dogs. It still bothers me to this day.

By: Emma

Emma — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 21:24:06 +0000

People can be so cold so often! Amazing! I don’t know what we would do if someone was a jerk about it. Probably just turn and leave.

By: Jodi

Jodi — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 21:21:32 +0000

In reply to Pamela.

And I’m totally on board with that. If that comment opens up a dialog where people can share thoughts and ideas and have a civil, respectful exchange, I’m all for it. But sometimes I’ve found that people are unwilling or unable to even consider someone else’s point of view.

Personally on the whole vaccine thing, I think there’s a middle ground, but both sides are so adamant about defending their points of view, that they don’t actually consider there could be a great solution staring us all right in the face. 😀

By: Pamela

Pamela — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 21:20:51 +0000

In reply to Sue. You have a lot of respect in the internet community, Sue. So I'm not at all surprised that your readers would respond to jerky comments for you. And I'm so sorry your friend said something so thoughtless. She was lucky you gave her such a kind response.

By: Pamela

Pamela — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 21:19:14 +0000

In reply to Taryn. Yes, but agility is a sport. Most people LOVE sports. :)