all of these are good -flowers or dinner or a card would be lovely. maybe ask them if they would like you to make them a photo book?

A card. Get it in the mail now. Don't wait for the perfect idea and let too much time pass.

You can always do something, in addition, later.

If you can get a hold of a picture of him, maybe make them a nice framed photo? Or one of those online people who draw pics from a photo?

Acknowledgement and a positive memory would be very caring

Anonymous wrote:Do you have a picture of them with their dog? If so, I think that would be nice in a frame.

That would be lovely.

Do you have a picture of them with their dog? If so, I think that would be nice in a frame.

Flowers is a common gift when someone loses a pet.

I think a card and perhaps flowers would be kind.

There's really nothing more to say, and attempts to say more usually end up clunky, at best, or even harmful (things NOT to say: he was old/in pain, he's better off now, you can get another pet, etc.).

A sincere expression of understanding and a willingness to listen are the best gifts you can offer someone who's grieving. "Losing a pet is awful. I'm so sorry for your loss." is the right thing to say. If you have fond memories of the animal, or a goofy anecdote, some people take the "what is remembered lives" approach to loss. Personally, I would find that comforting ("I'll always remember the night Steve ate my shoe, and how his paws always smelled like corn chips."). It can help people feel that you're with them in your grief if you have an honest, heartfelt memory to share. But don't push or force anything. Better to be brief than seem insincere.

Maybe send them a card?

For ne the immediate aftermath of putting my pet down I was more relieved he wasn't suffering anymore and the sad didn't really hit until a couple weeks later. Everyone is different though.

He was 15 and in poor health for a long time. What can I say/do beyond say how sorry I am? Anything? I feel terrible. I lost my two elderly cats back to back a few years ago and nothing made it better but I went to be nice and sensitive as they are heartbroken.