Today is a sad day
By mcat19
@mcat19 (1357)
United States
November 9, 2008 6:32pm CST
My granddaughters' hamster, Fluffo, died. She apparently wasn't feeling well last night. She was biting, something she never did before. This morning my granddaughter and her dad found her dead in her cage. They buried Fluffo in the back yard.
I called this evening to tell them how sorry I was, but it apparently was the wrong thing to do. It started them crying again. I thought I should say something to them. Did I make a mistake?
2 people like this
5 responses
@Maggiepie (7816)
• United States
11 Nov 08
No, you did exactly the right thing. They're not angry, they're just sad, as ANYONE is when they lose a beloved pet.
A lot of people DON'T get that, & try to tell bereaved pet owners to "just get another one, for pete's sake!" Instead, your commiseration affirmed their right to grieve, & acknowleged the important place their little friend held in their lives. So of course they cried--they're still too sad NOT to, but it's a GOOD thing. Not a BAD one.
God bless you for your tender heart.
Maggiepie
@Maggiepie (7816)
• United States
16 Nov 08
You're entirely welcome. I totally understand.
And it's good that they're able to move on. Again, I STRESS, this is NOT trivial just because it's a little animal. I'm a complete basket case when I lose one of mine, & I NEVER forget the joy they brought me while they lived. I remember every pet I've had or even known back to the very first--Tiger & Blue, 2 abandoned kitties left at my Grandma's farm, where I lived as a kid. I can still see them as clearly now, at 60, as I did when I was 3.
Peace,
Maggiepie
@fifileigh (3615)
• United States
11 Nov 08
maybe it was too soon. they were trying to move on. maybe sending a cute card would have been more subtle. and sending her a seed of a flower inside it so that she can plant the flower seed by her hamster and watch it grow...
@margerydaw14 (735)
•
10 Nov 08
no, you didnt make a mistake, you were passing on your condolences as a loving grandma. they will be upset at losing their pet for a while so anything will upset them. so just give your support at this sad time. if its the first time they have lost a beloved pet, it will be hard for them.
best wishes to you all.
@dawnald (85146)
• Shingle Springs, California
19 Nov 08
No, you didn't. Mourning is a part of life and so is crying and I think your granddaughter needed to know that you care!
@6precious102 (4043)
• United States
10 Nov 08
No, I don't think you made a mistake. You showed you care. When I lost my beloved cat Sweetums, I cried easily when anyone spoke of him but I appreciated their sympathy.
