How to tell the owners the tragic news?

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

Gee - 27 Apr 2004 05:11 GMT

Hi, I need some urgent advice please.

About 10 days ago I saw a beautiful cat get run over and took it to
emergency vet. The cat unfortunately died probably immediately. She had no
ID tags/microchip so we were unable to contact the owner, but I told the
local vets in case anyone enquires.

However, I went out tonight and found the posters about a lost cat and it is
the beautiful one I saw run over. I couldn;t bring myself to call the owners
with such news at 2am, so will call them tomorrow.

So, the question is, how do I tell the owners? They obviously loved this
cat, and will be gobsmecked when they hear the news. Do I tell them over the
phone or ask them to meet me locally(we seem to be in same neighborhood)
then tell them? Would that sound strange to them? I would also hate them to
think that I was the one to run her over, when I just tried to help. I know
I know I am being paranoid, but I hate to bring this people such pain. I
lost my QT the same way 5 years ago, and I know how I felt for years after.
I know I can;t make it any easier for the owners, I just don't want them to
get a heart attack or something.

What would you do? Please write ASAP, as I must call them tomorrow(later
today - it's now 5am here).

Thanks for any advice

Gee

Reply to this Message

rangitotogirl - 27 Apr 2004 09:06 GMT

> What would you do? Please write ASAP, as I must call them tomorrow(later
> today - it's now 5am here).

I know it'll be hard for them but it'll probably be a whole lot less painful
than wondering whether your cat is hurt and suffering somewhere.

I'm not sure how I'd want to be told but my husband was saying he would
prefer it if a note was put in the letterbox letting them know what happened
(assuming you have their address). You could let them know your contact
details if you wanted as well as the vet's details that way they can contact
you if they feel they want to.

If you only have their phone number then again if it was me I would rather
be told the news over the phone rather than in person. That way I wouldn't
have to worry so much about retaining my composure in front of a stranger.

HTH

Robyn

Reply to this Message

Gee - 27 Apr 2004 14:18 GMT

> > What would you do? Please write ASAP, as I must call them tomorrow(later
> > today - it's now 5am here).
>
> I know it'll be hard for them but it'll probably be a whole lot less painful
> than wondering whether your cat is hurt and suffering somewhere.

> Robyn

Thanks so much for the great reply. I have tried calling early this morning
and got the answering machine which stated it was a so and so company. I
found company site on the internet and somewhere on their site they
mentioned the office dog - and a cat... It was the girl I found. Their
address was also next to the road where she was killed so I knew it has to
be her.

So I went there just now. I told a sweet lady about what happened. Kitty was
only 1-2 years old, a local stray they found and took in. She belonged to
all in office and they were very sad but in a way happy to know what has
happened and that she didn;t suffer. I left them my number and ask them to
call me if they wanna talk, as I explained about my QT. She will be missed.

So thanks again.I didn't sleep very well worrying about how to tell them
this horrible news.

Gee

Reply to this Message

Rate this thread: