Need Gift Suggestions for Friend Suffering a Loss

My best friend called me a couple of days ago to let me know her partner of nearly 20 years, had died very suddenly.

To say it was a shock for her is putting it mildly. He's much older (71 to her 57) and had been at his home in Florida without her when he got ill. Was put in the hospital and never came out.  She was not even able to get down to Florida to see him one last time.  I'm unclear about the details as she was not really with it when she called - either from shock or from drinking (sadly, she has a problem with alcohol).

Anyway, I want to send something to acknowledge her loss but being as I don't know the details I'm not sure what to do.  Usually I make donations to a charity (or directly to a fundraiser for instance; another friend of mine died recently and a Go Fund Me was created to help his widow pay for funeral expenses); but in this instance I'm not sure which one would be the most appropriate.  I'd send flowers but, she is working 2 jobs and not home a lot so not sure if she'll even receive them.  

I'm debating if making a donation to one of the local pet rescues in her area might be a good idea - both her and her partner were/are huge dog lovers and all of their dogs were adopted/rescued.  

Any other ideas?  

That's a wonderful suggestion! If she still has several dogs you might give a gift certificate to a local vet or pet store for care and food, that would be appreciated. Send a card  stating how sorry you are for her loss, and offer to bring a dinner over or to be there if she needs to talk, it would be appreciated. She needs to keep busy right now, it's not good to dwell on your loss,  she needs a friend to lean on more than anything, just to be there.  Sometimes the best thing to do is to ask her what she would like you to do. Bless you for being such a good friend.

Di and Bob said:

 
That's a wonderful suggestion! If she still has several dogs you might give a gift certificate to a local vet or pet store for care and food, that would be appreciated. Send a card  stating how sorry you are for her loss, and offer to bring a dinner over or to be there if she needs to talk, it would be appreciated. She needs to keep busy right now, it's not good to dwell on your loss,  she needs a friend to lean on more than anything, just to be there.  Sometimes the best thing to do is to ask her what she would like you to do. Bless you for being such a good friend.

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Thanks so much!

Yes, I think I'm going to make the donation to the ASPCA (or similar) on Staten Island where she lives.  Unfortunately we are not living near each other but, we have plans to have dinner in between (in NYC)  once she's past the initial shock of it all.  I hope that will be sooner than later.  

I am truly sorry to hear about your friend's loss. How devastating! The best thing you can do for her is be there for her. If you don't live close by, just call her, let her know you are there for her, that she can call you any time at all. Sometimes a person just needs to know someone cares, that they are not alone.
When my Mom and husband were very ill at the same time, I felt so overwhelmed and very alone at times. I would never want anyone to feel like that!
Be sure to send her a card, offering your condolences, letting her know you love her and will be there (if and when she may need you). That is so important!
Yes, you could make some kind of donation to a rescue or shelter in her name.
My heart goes out to her!
Bless you for caring!

BTW, I also live in Staten Island.
Small world, isn't it??

Loving Mickey said:

I am truly sorry to hear about your friend's loss. How devastating! The best thing you can do for her is be there for her. If you don't live close by, just call her, let her know you are there for her, that she can call you any time at all. Sometimes a person just needs to know someone cares, that they are not alone.
When my Mom and husband were very ill at the same time, I felt so overwhelmed and very alone at times. I would never want anyone to feel like that!
Be sure to send her a card, offering your condolences, letting her know you love her and will be there (if and when she may need you). That is so important!
Yes, you could make some kind of donation to a rescue or shelter in her name.
My heart goes out to her!
Bless you for caring!

BTW, I also live in Staten Island.
Small world, isn't it??

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Thank you

Yes, small world!  Do you know of a shelter/rescue on SI that is reputable to donate to? I'm not familiar with any in NY other than those in NYC proper - and most of those are feline only.

Not the answer you're looking for, but IMO a nice sympathy card is sufficient.

I'm sorry, Sivyaleah. That has to be difficult for her. I like the idea of donating to an animal shelter in your friend's partner's name. And then take her out to dinner when you can. 

Sorry, not really sure.
The rescue/shelter I got my two cats from is great, but they may be feline only.
Never thought to ask them.
So sorry I couldn't offer much help.

What about having a tree planted in her partner's name?  Here in Orlando you can make a donation of usually $250 and a tree will be planted in a park of your choosing.  For an additional donation a plaque can be made too.

LavishSqualor said:

 
What about having a tree planted in her partner's name?  Here in Orlando you can make a donation of usually $250 and a tree will be planted in a park of your choosing.  For an additional donation a plaque can be made too.

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That's a lovely idea also, thank you for thinking of it!

LavishSqualor said:

 
What about having a tree planted in her partner's name?  Here in Orlando you can make a donation of usually $250 and a tree will be planted in a park of your choosing.  For an additional donation a plaque can be made too.

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I really like that idea!