Should I Write a Letter?

[rodriguezpoultry]

Let me give some background...

I purchased some dog food from Petsmart yesterday for my 14 year old lab to try. Thunder passed away before we could feed it, but there was nothing that could have been done...

I asked the manager before bringing it in if I can return the unused dog food (we hadn't opened it). He said by all means and that he was sorry for my loss. I'm on the verge of tears because I bought this dog food with the hopes of prolonging my dog's life, but I suck it up. He rings everything up and apologizes again for my loss, then adds in a bright tone "We have puppies coming in tomorrow if you'd like to look at them!"

I'm sorry...but my dog was put down yesterday, and he expected me to be happy about getting a new one immediately? When I just shook my head, he acted offended...I couldn't even speak at that point and had to leave the store. My boyfriend finished the refund for me. I'm partially offended that he would even suggest that and wonder how he could have thought that was even feasible as a suggestion...the other part of me wonders if I'm really being overly emotional.

Should I write a letter to Petco to see if they can teach him how to be more, um...empathetic to those that have recently lost a pet? Or should I just shrug it off and write it off to being overly emotional right now?

 

[redhen]

Sorry..but i have to say to let it go..
I'm sure he meant no harm in it at all... Sometimes its VERY hard to know what to say to someone thats hurting...
Just let it go...
Sorry about your dog..

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

I had a feeling...I've had those awkward moments too, but this one hit hard...just even the thought of getting a dog made me sick. I shouldn't have been so offended and I'm sure he felt awful. Now that I've calmed down a bit, I'm seeing it a bit better...


Thanks redhen, I think I'll just let it go. I don't think he meant any harm by it.

 

[AhBee01]

A lot of people act that way, when you have a loss. They say get a new one,like it didn't matter to you. I have even had someone tell me I'd get pregnant again right after I lost a baby. You can not teach empathy. I think that you are either born with it or not, sad to say. I don't really think he meant to offend you, but thought the thought of puppies might cheer you up!
I'm sorry for your loss.

 

[yotetrapper]

I'd agree to let it go. Bein a dog owner from the time I could walk, most times I have found that the one thing that helps ease the loss IS a new puppy to look after. I don't think this was a matter of "Trying to make a sale", I think he was suggesting it to help ease the pain of your loss.

 

[chicksnchooks]

I would shrug it off and let it go....death..is just one of those things that you never know quite what to say and not everyone has learned that sometimes it's okay not to say anything and just acknowledge the grieving person's feelings and leave it at that...I'm sure the guy didn't mean any harm and he wasn't purposefully looking to cause you anymore hurt and pain...so just let it go...

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

Oh...Petsmart doesn't sell the dogs. They adopt through different shelters, so there was no money going towards him...


I just felt awful when he said it and probably let it shock me more than anger me. I know many people can get a new puppy and be happy...but I can only get dogs when they come to me. The best ones find me.

 

[Dar]

another vote for let it go...

when some people come across others who are grieving they dont know how to react... and most times they end up making a boob out of themselves...

sorry about your dog

 

[easttxchick]

I am so sorry for your loss.

I had to put my 16 year old doxie down on April 8th, so I understand how you feel. I bet you were just feeling really emotional and what the man said(pretty inconsiderately) hit you at a bad moment.
2 days after my doxie was gone, my sister came to my front door with a Blk/tan doxie puppy along with all of his needs(food, bed, etc). At first I was mad, but my new puppy has been such a blessing to me.
Again, I am very sorry you lost your friend.

 

[WingingIt]

I'd chalk it up to him being a DHAC (don't have a clue). I bet he realized his mistake when you had to walk out. I bet (hope) he learned that, although I'm sure he had good intentions, not every thought that you have needs to be spoken.