It's only fair, don't you think?

[Alysser]

Back then I worked in Games at Six Flags, I knew Sassy was getting put to sleep that friday, so I took off the weekend. I knew I wouldn't be able to handle work - hated that job anyway. I don't even remember the days following her death. It all seemed like a cruel joke at the time.

I think you should be able to take off 2 or 3 days after the loss of a pet, they count, to many of us here as family members. It only makes sense, sadly some bosses will not view it that way, hell some bosses get mad when you take off for PEOPLE dying. I know my friend got "fired" from SF when she called out to many times because her grandpa died.

[DJFyrewolf36]

The law I think in the US is you are allowed at least 3 days for an immediate family member (parent, child, sibling) Grandparents I know aren't usually covered so I doubt anyone would force the issue on a pet . The problem with grief and loss is people dont get it unless theyve been there and trying to get compassion out of someone who hasn't gone through similar situations is like trying to make a rock bleed.

[Vette]

some bosses get mad when you take off for PEOPLE dying. I know my friend got "fired" from SF when she called out to many times because her grandpa died.

Sad but true. especially from Wal-mart bosses im sure,, since they treat their employees like crap.

i was still in school at the time when i lost my first childhood pet,, but i took the unintuitive to take a couple days off from school. didnt see the point in going if i couldnt function. so i think everyone should be allowed time off work after the passing of a beloved pet if thats the best for them. some like to keep busy during sad times.

[Taz_Zoee]

When I let Taz go it was Thursday July 2nd. So I already had the next day off for the Independence Day holiday and then the weekend. I also didn't talk about it too much. I waited a couple weeks before telling one co-worker and when I told her we both cried together.
But I agree with happylabs, being at work is easier because I'm not home seeing all the places he would sleep or expect him to come jump in my lap.

Catherinedana, I got tears just reading your post.

[Suki Wingy]

I remember being in 8th grade and one boy who was a bit rude to me at times took a day off of school because his husky was getting pts. The other kids laughed at him when he came back the next day and they asked the reason he was absent. It made me really mad and I remember standing up for him.

That being said, I think the very best thing for me to do when Deacon died was get right back to work. Was my head in it fully? No. A couple of kids got mediocre at best lessons, but everyone understood why I was so distracted. He was my baby and I lived right at the barn so I walked by his stall and said hi to him multiple times a day, every single day. Right away my boss put another one of her horses in his stall, which at first seemed weird but I think it was actually for the best.

[catnapper]

When Nicki passed, I left work, saw her at the vet, and turned around and went back to work!!! What on earth was I thinking? I suppose it was shock... a few days later, my one coworker told me to stop feeling sorry for myself and get over it. I was surprised because the person who said that is an animal communicator!

[Catherinedana]

my one coworker told me to stop feeling sorry for myself and get over it.

Sometimes I wonder if some people even have feelings. I've heard this from others who have lost their parents as well as pet (or should I say "especially pets). Compassion and empathy seem to be a rare commodity.

[Cataholic]

There are no national laws in the US as it relates to bereavement periods. It is a company by company decision. Many of us are blessed to have sick time, vacation time or personal time. If you need to stay home, and have the appropriate time to use, use it.

The problem seems that many, many people use up all the allotted time on 'fun' days and have nothing when it comes to emergency type situations. The other issue I have seen in my years in the work place is the abuse of sick time. The person that calls out with every sniffle is probably not going to have the relationship with his/her boss to call on when something emergent occurs.

I tend to save all my time...never knowing what might come up later on in the year.

[K9karen]

I think time off to mourn a beloved pet is reasonable. For those folks who don't have pets, well, too bad for you.

I had a wonderful boss many many years ago who gave me a week with pay (unbeknownst to others) to mourn the death of John Lennon. My dad was in the hospital at the same time, so it was a double whammy for me. My dad wanted me with him because he felt my pain and wanted company. I also "paid her back" by being the highest producer that year (and 5 years after) so it made her look good too. She and I have kept in touch occasionally. Funny how you bond with certain people instantly.
I was so lucky and extremely grateful. I know, I know "teacher's pet"

[Pawsitive Thinking]

I was surprised because the person who said that is an animal communicator!

Can't have been a very good one then! How insensitive can you get?!

[moosmom]

Randi,

I totally agree with you. Losing a pet is like losing a loved one. Within 5 months I lost my soulmate, MooShoo, my heart cat Mollie Rose, my best friend Clare, my childhood friend's mother and two newborn kittens that really didn't have a chance. Talk about a double whammy.

I was fortunate in that I had days off after Moo died (I stayed in bed for 3 days). Mollie Rose I took 2 days off. We have a lot of animals loves, rescue people in the store, especially the manager who totally understood.