My friend's cat was just put down.

[SeanQuinn]

To my knowledge, they've had her for a long time. She didn't survive an encounter with a opossom and was put down. What should I do as a friend? I understand it's tough to lose a pet, but all the pets we've had die quite fast and we really cannot get that attached to them.

[SW FL Dem]

1. When I had to put my dog down in 99, friends gave me hugs and

sympathy cards. There is a wonderful poem out there called Rainbow Bridge. I got several copies of it, it still makes me cry. For pet lovers, losing a pet is no different than losing a human family member.

[IndyOp]

2. Rainbow Bridge Poem...

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.

The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together

.... Author unknown

[SW FL Dem]

3. OK you made me cry again

Thanks for posting this. I have a neighbor who may be needing it in the near future

[IndyOp]

4. Made me cry, too --

And I've read it before, too. Usually 'maudlin' doesn't get me twice, but, well...

[kestrel91316]

5. Give a sympathy card, and a sympathetic ear, too.

Pets are members of the family in many cases these days. I know my babies are.

[ernstbass]

6. Donation to local humane society in cat's memory

with a card to the pet owner would be very thoughtful