What can I do to help my girlfriend with her dog passing?

Replacement puppy.

you could throw a nice “going away” party

With all due respect- bad idea- replacement puppy. ( would you bring in a substitute Grandma?)

Losing a pet is like losing a family member. There is nothing that can fill the black void
such a loss brings.

It would be more fitting to pay tribute to the beloved dog.

You can memorialize the pet here or here or in a number of other ways limited only to your creativity.

Be creative and respectful and she will love that you understand.

Getting a new dog always jumpstarted the healing process for me.

I completely agree with Dog, in all aspects. I suggest taking some pictures of her dog, and then taking some pictures of them together. Putting aside a favorite toy or blanket for your girlfriend might be nice, too.

Getting a new dog can work, but definitely not right away. Most people would be more upset than happy about getting a new animal that quickly. Good luck.

Put your arms around her and let her cry on your shoulder. Just be there for her.

Thank you all very much for the suggestions. They are very appreciated!

She actually does want a puppy, but the overall situation right now wouldn’t be good timing for one. And she does have another dog, but now she’s getting worried that his time will come soon too.

Again, thank you all very much for your time and your suggestions.

Just be there for her. Follow her lead. If she wants to talk about the dog-listen. If she wants to go bowling-go bowl. If she needs to cry, wrap your arms around her and hold her tight and let her know that it’s okay to just let it all out.

U of Penn has an 800 # you can call for folks grieving the loss of a non human friend.

I’m not a big fan of Martha Stewart. But when her Paw Paw died, the tribute on her blog just had me bawling.

My dog died a few years ago and it was a very sad time for me. Treating her like you would any grieving person is helpful -extra hugs, comfort food, etc. Also, I think talking about the dog and the special things about him or her help.

Now that a few years have passed, I am not as actively sad, but I still really enjoy talking about him and remembering his silly ways.

I agree with these comments. Just listen and be there. That’s all. You’re a thoughtful individual for asking.

Be there for her. Let her take all the time she needs to except it. It will take a while for it to sink in, she may be depressed for a long time. When I had to put my dog down it was really hard for me. I had her since I was 1 year old and she was my childhood dog. We had an unbreakable bond, and she even saved me from drowning when I was young. It was very, very hard for me when she passed and I cried myself to sleep for months. I wish I had someone to cry with me and understand what I was going through. Be that person for her. My family and friedns had that mentality of “she was just a dog, get over it”. Dont get her a replacement puppy, she probably will not pay any attention to it and may even be mad that you tried to replace her dog. I’ve had 2 other dogs since my dog that passed away and they do not even compare to how amazing of a dog she was. Also it was very thoughtful and compassionate for you to ask and to worry about you girlfriend at a time like this.

Thank you all again very much for taking the time to post answers. A lot of them are extremely helpful. Thank you.

I talked with her tonight, and he isn’t doing well. They have an appointment set up for tomorrow at 1:45 p.m.

Today she sent me some pictures of him from when she gave him a bath a few weeks ago and they’re really cute, and show him being playful and rolling around in the grass. I think I’m going to have walgreens print them out then find a nice frame for them. When do you guy’s think would an appropriate time to give it to her?

Thank you all again.

I think you should give them to her as a nice small gift either right away to comfort her. Or a little later on to let her remember the good times. I suppose it would be good to give them to her right away, Im sure they will cheer her up and let her remember the great memories with her dog. Your welcome by the way :P

A Card is a simple thing. But make sure you have an overflow of your own writing.

I hope you were able to help her with the arrangements. People sometimes can’t think clearly at these times.

I’m sorry for her loss.