I am no expert but I think it would be nice to ask her how things are going and tell her you are willing to help out in any way (like running errands, checking in on the dog when she is out etc.) 

Sompe people are really sensitive though and do not like talking baout recent vet visits etc. so you if your friend is senstive you can just let him or her know that you are willing to talk if they are.

I lost my little scotty dog 3 weeks ago today.  She had been sick with bladder cancer for about a month prior to her passing.   She had a seizure before she died and I called a neighbor to drive me to the vet as I sat holding my little dog.  He called a few days later to see how she was.  I thought that was so nice of him.  At work several people would ask almost daily how "Fergie" was doing.  I was so pleased that they remembered and it really didn't matter "what" they said, it was their kindness and thoughtfullness that meant so much to me.  It actually hurt my feelings when people ignored the fact that my Fergie was ill and eventually died.  Just a smile and saying I'm thinking about you and _____ or how are you doing means so very much.  I'm still missing my little Fergie more than I ever thought possible and it I hate it when people act as though nothing ever happened. 

 

 

I am so sorry for your loss.

Remember that she will be waiting for you at the rainbow bridge.

I wish I had the poem handy but you can find it by searching it online.

My deepest sympathy to you at this time- remember that it takes great courage to have a pet as we know from day one that if all goes normally we will loose them -but you committed to loving her for her whole life and that is a wonderful, caring and unselfish thing that you have done. What a gift you gave to her.May you find peace in knowing this.

Just the fact that you care goes a long way! I lost my 7-year-old German Shepherd, Mia, to cancer over 4 years ago, and I still miss her! It was so helpful when friends and coworkers treated her illness and loss the same way they would if she were a human family member. There are even sympathy cards for dogs when the time comes. Any possible thing you can say to let your friend know she and her dog are in your thoughts will probably be a comfort.

I lost Bob and Sam three weeks apart this year after having them both for over 14 years.  It was just heartbreaking and has been the most difficult thing I have ever gone thru.  I don't have a family so they were my family and I still greive for them.

But life goes on and I tell you the best thing I did was to get another dog.  I rescued a dog that surely would have been put down and it is a wonderful animal.  I can't think of a more fitting memorial to Bob and Sam then to save another dog in their memory.  I believe they would like that.

Try to prepare your friend and be sure to get plenty of pictures for they will comfort your friend later on.  Sometimes the best thing we can do for the animals we love is to say good bye even though it may be the hardest choice.  Remember all the great times you and your friend had with the dog and I promise it will bring a smile to you.

So, your friend may well have to say goodbye and it will hurt and be sad but after a period of time get another dog then everyone wins.

Good Luck