What's the best way to comfort a friend who's lost a very dear pet (a dog), without opening a fresh emotional would?

Simple offer your condolences in a way that seems natural to you. Don't dwell your conversation on the lost pet. If they want to reminisce with you let them.

Although some people my do best with a new pet soon after others will just dwell on the old pet and soon get rid of the new one because they keep being reminded of the old one. You might also suggest that they attend a pet grief group or counseling session. But he biggest thing is just let them know you are there for them.

If this is a friend of yours, sorry for their loss. Losing a pet is a true and very real loss. Sometimes people can downplay a pet loss, but I think that can be a mistake.

People grieve pet loss the same way they may experience the grief over the death of a human friend or relative. Pets like cats and dogs can be with an individual or family for ten to fifteen years, needless to say, plenty of time for a strong emotional bond to form. Often individuals can go through some period of depression, which varies for everyone, and usually short lived.

Comforting a friend is a thoughtful gesture. I'd suggest simply asking them how they are and letting them know that you are there to listen if they need or want to talk about how they feel. Being able to share (and cry) and talk about the grief and feelings of sadness will help them to move past their pets death eventually.

We get friends a book called ''Dog Heaven'', a children's book, (C Rylant) as gift in memory of the pet - a thought. When we lost our dog of 13 years three years ago, my husband and I took many months to truly get through the grief. It wasn't until then that we rescued another dog.

Replacing a dog or pet right away may not be the best solution for owners who are still grieving. Good luck to your friend.

I recommend that you don't make it like it's the end of the world. Say something optimistic (which always worked for me), such as, "There are other dogs for sale even puppies. " Otherwise, you can say, "You will have more time for your other endeavors and hobbies without a dog.

Take advantage of that. " Regards, S.

Take them to the pound and get them a new one.

At first, I thought he was kidding, but he assured me he manages more than 50 ladies who, at the end of their shift, leave with their lives and their dignity. He doesn't strike me as a common street pimp and I realize he took this job to survive. I'd like to approach him outside the classroom and offer to help not just him, but his employees.

I don't want to come across as a do-gooder, but I don't think this is a great career. I know this letter may make for some funny water cooler conversations, but the truth is people who get sucked into the vice trade have a hard time getting out and often come to a bad end. Do I care about my students too much, or am I being judgmental?

DEAR WANTS: I think it's a little of both. You are well-meaning, but may have jumped to some incorrect conclusions. Managers of adult entertainment clubs are not "pimps"; they are club managers.

Further, just as not all prostitutes are exotic dancers, not all exotic dancers are prostitutes. Many are single women working to support themselves and their children; others may be students trying to pay for their educations. Before trying to "rescue" any of them, visit the club and see firsthand what is -- and is not -- going on there.

If there are underage girls being forced to work there, report it to the police. If not, recognize that they are adults and able to make their own career choices. While I admire your good heart, the individuals you're worried about may not need your assistance.

My problem is other people who feel entitled to the money in my tip jar. There have been instances when some of them realized they were a few cents short, so they stuck their hands in my tip jar and fished out the coins they wanted. It is not out of ignorance!

The jar is clearly labeled "Tips -- Thank you." If I tell them they can't take the money, they get angry. One lady screamed at me, saying I was "selfish," and the money in the jar shouldn't be just for me!

What do you think, Abby? Am I too upset over a few cents? Or am I right to feel robbed and stand up for myself when people do this?

DEAR DOING MY JOB: I don't blame you for feeling robbed. Your tips are meant just for you, and you have earned every penny your customers left in recognition of your good service. What these people are doing is petty theft.

Some establishments avoid this problem by leaving a small container of pennies on the counter. Please suggest it to your boss.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.

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