How to support a friend on loss of their beloved dog

[<3 Mumofthreetobe <3]

I received a message from my best friend this morning telling me they had to put down their beloved dog this morning. I rang her to see how she was and she was not in a good way (when I got off the phone to her I was crying cos she was so upset).How can I help her and her family through this very sad time? They have 3 young children - 5, 3 & 1. I've said I'm here if she needs to talk or a shoulder to cry on. Not sure what else to do.

[Astrolady]

My best friend at the time of losing our dog, was actually there with me when I put our dog to sleep. I don't know who was crying the hardest. I'd see her every morning and afternoon for school pick up/drop off and she was immediately there or whisked me away somewhere quiet in the day or two following. She offered to take the kids to school for me and bring them home, but I wanted normality.

So maybe just check in with her every couple of days to see how she's going and let her talk about it if she wants to. I also got a sympathy card from my best friend as well, but it took me a while before I could read it.

Her kids will probably take it in their stride. My kids were 9, 7 and 4. It was my 7 year old that asked the most questions.

[Jaycee]

I lost my furbaby a few months ago, and I still cry, even now.

The best thing you can do is make sure she knows she's not silly for feeling such grief, some people in my life were sympathetic for a day or two, but then basically gave me the "get over it, it was just a dog" attitude, when in actual fact, it was like losing my best friend, and it still hurts.

You're a good friend for thinking of her