The important thing is to offer your friend the same level of support as if they were losing a human relative or companion.

I remember when one of my cats was knocked down outside our house all our neighbours were really attached to our cats too (we had two and they were always doing bizarrely humourous things).

My then better half was very vocally distressed so I had to do the practical things like see if the poor thing could be saved and to remove and dispose of the body.

That morning I was rather emotionally traumatised and had to organise so much but I had just started a new job.

I couldn't come in, I wouldn't have been much help there if I did.

I was needed where I was but the agency I was working with thought it was some kind of joke (like pulling a sickie, something I've never done).

If it wasn't for the neighbours and their kids being so supportive I would probably have lost the job.

So that's my advice, listen offer support (but don't push it) and take the thing as seriously as you would any other impending bereavement.

I can't bare the idea of having another pet but I enjoy being around other people's.

Some people will want to get another pet as soon as possible.

At the moment there is still a beloved creature around in distress and if you can visit the vet with your friend and lend support as they make difficult decisions that is the best thing you can do.