While I was “Last 5 Years”ing last night, Bryan was at home with the Binja.
OOOOH, first and foremost, Bryan got me a new phone yesterday, complete with Bluetooth earpiece. I AM SO EXCITED. Unfortunately, my numbers didn’t transfer over (I may fix this tonight.. my old phone is now a prop), so I’m working out that issue.
So, anyway, back to my riveting story: Bryan and I were texting throughout the evening, with him giving me Binja updates. (The child is being incredibly fussy during the day with mom, and we’re trying to figure out why. I think it’s the pinching that he doesn’t like, but mom swears she doesn’t pinch hard.)(I’m kidding. She doesn’t swear.) Then I get this text message:
They found Shelby. Don’t look in the trash can.
Um, so that sucks. On more than one level, really. We had already grieved Shelby’s passing once, but we really assumed we wouldn’t be faced with this again. AND, more pressing, there’s the fact that our neighbors had to physically remove the carcass from their crawlspace.
Eww. Major eww. Horrible, terrible eww factor.
(Before you think me heartless, I have a personal understanding of death and really do feel that a lifeless body is nothing more than a thing. The soul is gone. And as I said, we had grieved her passing previously.)
So I’m torn here. I feel HORRIBLE that our neighbors had to deal with this, and I’d like to make it up to them. Is that what I should do? Like, send a muffin basket or flower bouquet or something? I’m not sure what the etiquette is for this situation, and I’d bet money that Hallmark doesn’t make a “Sorry you had to remove our dead cat from your crawlspace” card.
Now, on the other hand, the hand that’s already exhausted and has a new baby and has lived in this neighborhood for (gasp!) 6 years, part of me thinks: they had a door to their crawlspace that has the functionality of most doors.. they could have closed it. But it was open. So in reality, any animal in Five Points (of which there are MANY) could’ve been in Shelby’s place. Should I take personal responsiblity for something that could have been prevented, and I truly had little control over to begin with?
So discuss: do I offer a consolation to them? If so, what would that be? Or do I just shake it off as a consequence of living in Five Points and leaving your crawlspace available?
I don’t think you are required to “do ” anything. If anything…they should send you a card. You lost a pet. If you found a dead body…would you expect the family to send you something? Probably not.
(and now I have filled my heartless post quota for the day)
I was thinking about a Target Gift Certificate…
A card thanking them for their sensitivity and compassion would do nicely.
I think I would have to agree with J-BO. A simple acknowledgement that they had to deal with an unpleasant situation and that you are thankful to them.
Besides if you give them a basket of muffins who knows which pet might end up “missing” next ! “Look what we get for a cat! Wonder what they’d give us for one of the dogs!” (I am so just kidding - that would NEVER happen)
I don’t know about a muffin basket, but some sort of gift that counteracts the sheer grossitude of it all might be nice. Like, a spray-deodorizer for their crawlspace… maybe some potpourri, mulling spices, gardenias… you know.
Also- spaghetti ice cream? You sick, sick, twisted freak.
…
Okay, I’ll admit it. I tried it. It doesn’t work with Reese’s cup ice cream.
I am so sorry about Shelby all over again. I think your warm and sincere thanks are enough.