What to write in a pet sympathy card
Finding the words when a friend's pet has died is hard, mostly because we worry about getting it wrong. You won't, if you keep it simple, honest and about the animal they loved. Below are some messages you can use as they are or make your own.
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Four things that make a message kind
- Use the pet's name.
- Mention something specific, if you can: a habit, a walk, the way they greeted you.
- Say that the loss is real. For many people it's like losing a member of the family.
- Keep it short. Two or three sentences, written by hand, is plenty.
Short and simple
So sorry to hear about Bella. She was such a lovely girl. Thinking of you.
I'm so sorry about Max. The house must feel very quiet. Sending love.
Thinking of you all and remembering Pepper, the best of dogs.
No words, just love. Biscuit was one of a kind.
For a dog
I'll never forget Monty meeting me at the gate as if I'd been gone a year. He loved you so much, and you gave him the happiest life.
Every walk round the park will feel strange without Rosie leading the way. Thinking of you.
Teddy was the gentlest dog I've ever known. I'm so sorry he's gone.
You were his whole world, and he was a big part of yours. With love at a sad time.
For a cat
Your sofa won't be the same without Luna on it. I'm so sorry.
Tiger ran that house beautifully for sixteen years. Thinking of you.
Cats choose their people, and Smudge chose you. Sending love.
I'll miss the way Willow ignored everyone except you. So sorry for your loss.
From a colleague, or someone you don't know well
I was so sorry to hear about your dog. Thinking of you.
Very sorry for the loss of Oscar. I know how much he meant to you.
Sending sympathy to you and your family. Losing a pet is so hard.
After a long life
Fifteen years of love is a wonderful thing, and it makes the goodbye no easier. Thinking of you.
Jasper had a long, happy life because of you. I'm so sorry he's gone.
After a sudden loss, or a young pet
I'm so sorry. It's so unfair, and far too soon. I'm here if you want to talk, or if you don't.
There's nothing I can say to make this better, but I'm thinking of you and remembering Poppy.
Later on: an anniversary or the first Christmas
Thinking of you today, a year on, and remembering Bramble.
Your first Christmas without Archie. Just wanted you to know he's remembered.
What to leave out
Avoid anything that makes the loss smaller or hurries them on: "it was only a dog", "at least it wasn't a person", "you can always get another", or "everything happens for a reason". If the pet was put to sleep, don't question the decision; if they mention it, it's kind to say they gave their pet a peaceful end.
The Rainbow Bridge, the idea of pets waiting in a meadow for their owners, is a comfort to some people and not to others. Use it only if you know they'd like it.
Signing off
- With love,
- Thinking of you,
- With deepest sympathy,
- Sending a big hug,
- Remembering [pet's name] with you,
A card with their pet on the front
If you'd like the card itself to be special, we can put a gentle memorial portrait of their pet on the front, made from any photo you have. It's 5×7″ on thick paper and blank inside, from £5. Have it sent to you, write your message by hand and post it yourself.
You see the portrait free before you order, so you can make sure it looks like them first.
The card
Questions
Is it appropriate to send a card when someone's pet dies?
Yes. Most people are touched to receive one. Losing a pet is a real grief, and a card says you understand that.
How soon should I send it?
Within a week or two is ideal, but it's never too late. A card weeks later, when the first wave of sympathy has passed, can mean even more.
Should I write the pet's name?
Yes. Using the name is one of the kindest things you can do.
What if I didn't know the pet?
Keep it simple: "I was so sorry to hear about your dog. I know how much she meant to you." You don't need to have known them to acknowledge the loss.
Related
Free to see. No account, no card.