A co worker had to put her cat down this morning

[CatWoman]

His name was "Handsome Harry" and he had been her constant companion for 20 years.

She never went anywhere without him -- he accompanied her on every vacation, every family gathering, etc.

Harry was pretty old and had a lot of health problems associated with old age. The saga had been going on for the past year.

She locked herself in her office and cried all day. She wouldn't talk to anyone.

I want to get her something to cheer her up.

Any suggestions?

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

1. Did she have any other cats?

Perhaps a kitten? But that may be too much for her to handle right now.

I love Cleveland Amory's cat series about his life with his beloved Polar Bear. The last one in the series, "The Best Cat Ever," might really sadden her at this time, though. Maybe "The Cat and the Curmudgeon"?

[CatWoman]

3. No other cats

and I wouldn't get her a kitten.

People have to choose their own pets.

Of Cleveland Amory's series, I'm not familiar with it.

Perhaps I can research on the web.

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

7. I disagree

Monty was chosen for me, and he's the best cat! But you know your friend best, of course.

[librechik]

2. a gift certificate at the local cat shelter

for whenever she's ready for a new love. (if she never is, she can pass it along or donate it)

[CatWoman]

4. that's a good idea

well worth looking into.

[Lorien]

13. That's a wonderful idea!

Also; Hallmark and some of the other major card companies make pet sympathy cards that are very tasteful, though I'm sure the regular sort would be just as well appreciated.

I like to donate trees in the honor of the loved one when they have passed. The National Arbor Day society will plant trees in their honor, and send a nice card to the recipient stating such.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

5. A stuffed animal and a sympathy card

Giving someone a sympathy card for a death that was important to them and letting them know you care is about the most comforting thing one can do.

[CatWoman]

9. The other woman on our team and I got her a card today

and she emailed her appreciation.

My heart goes out to her because we would discuss Harry's condition nearly every day, and she is not dealing with this very well.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

10. It's very sad...he was her relative

but God love you for caring so much...you're the best. :loveya:

[Spinzonner]

6. I dont think 'cheering up' is likely to work

or be the appropriate response. Mourning is.

Sympathy and respect for the loss and its pain. FLowers, a sympathy card or note. What would you get if it were a human companion of 20 years. Dont think it makes that much difference that it was a cat; there was an intense bond.

[Beaverhausen]

8. Just let her talk to you about him

I'm sure you know that already.

Remind her that 20 years is a good long time for a cat and she must have been a great mom to him for him to last that long.

And that when she is ready, she can give a home to another one. It isn't replacing the one who is gone, it's giving a loving home to one who is in need.

:hug:

[BlueJazz]

11. Awww...Losing a kitty after such a long time...

relationship can be quite devastating.
I'd give her a nice card and a shoulder to cry on but let time heal
the pain.....I think anything else would be intrusive.

[amerikat]

12. Perhaps a donation to the local shelter in honor of her Harry.

I have recieved these and It's comforting to know that other animals are being cared for while you grieve for you own.

[solinvictus]

14. I sympathize

I had to have my cat put down a few weeks back after 12 years. Miss him much.

[henslee]

15. yeah, make a donation in her cats honor to a pet worthy cause!