3 simple steps to show you care when sending a pet sympathy card
As a veterinary health provider, it is important that you continue to value the relationship you have developed with your client, by reaching out following the death of a pet.
A simple gesture such as a personalised sympathy card can speak volumes; providing comfort when it is needed most, whilst remaining professional and unobtrusive.
Unfortunately, finding the right words can be difficult, which is why we have produced our Lost for Words Booklet to complement our exquisite range of Veterinary sympathy cards, which have been left intentionally blank on the inside, allowing you to add a personal message.
Additionally, we have put together a simple 3-step guide for you to show your clients that you really do care:
- Handwrite your message
We know how hard it can be to find the time to find the right words and how easy it is to go for a pre-printed message, but your clients want to feel valued and appreciated and these messages can make them feel the opposite. We can help you with custom printing the inside of your pet sympathy cards, just remember to handwrite a little personal note as well. Below is the Rainbow Bridge poem that we frequently print on the inside of our pet sympathy cards. It is definitely a tearjerker. Just remember to still drop a personal note if you have this printed.
The 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 vigour. 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...
2.Choose the right pet condolence card for your client
Veterinary Stationery Supplies has over 35 beautiful and originally designed Veterinary Sympathy cards to choose from with a perfect combination to suit your practice’s Vetbranding and your client. You can choose from cat sympathy cards, dog sympathy cards or dog and cat combined sympathy cards and a beautiful horse design. We also have a beautiful exotic sympathy card that features a bird, guinea pig, turtle, ferret, mouse, rabbit, fish and turtle. You can choose from photographic cards, watercolour prints and floral images.
It goes without saying that you should ensure you don't send a card with a dog on it to someone that is grieving the loss of a cat. Choosing a card for Euthanasia can take special attention and special words. Please look at our lost for words booklet for inspiration.
- Sign the card
Even if another staff member has handwritten the message for you, try to sign yourself. It is always appreciated by your client as a signature is personal. If you can get all staff that were involved in the care of the animal to sign this is even better.
No one wants to lose a pet, but inevitable, every pet owner does. Nevertheless, pet loss is not something we often speak of, and some pet owners find themselves going through it alone. You can make a difference by showing them they are not alone. This also builds long lasting relationships with them!
Sending a pet sympathy card is a simple gesture that can mean a lot.