Need help with a thank-you gift...

[mrs_pell]

My husband and I are trying to think of something nice to do for our vet's office. We had to put our beloved puppy (17 year-old "puppy") to sleep on Monday, and our vet has just been incredibly awesome. Because Lady was so old, our vet knew her well. She was very attached to Lady, and all the girls at the office loved her. Over the weekend, the doctor knew that she had had some problems lately, so she called us from her home twice to see how she was doing. When Mark took her in on Monday, she ran some labs and when she called Mark he said she was really broken up. She put her down, and when we went in to take care of everything and talk to her that evening, she started crying, saying that she stayed with Lady the whole time, and made sure that she knew we loved her very much. The entire office was just incredible through the whole ordeal, and today we got a card from them, signed (with notes) from everyone there.

Anyway, all that backstory to say, we want to do something nice for them, for all their kindness to Lady and to us. I thought about a fruit basket, but Mark's just "eh" about that. He thought about a gift card to a restaurant so they could all get lunch, but we couldn't really afford a big enough one for all of them to get food without them pitching in some. Flowers don't seem like enough. What else is there? We really, really want them to know how much we've appreciated all of them, especially through this time. Any brilliant ideas?? I'm having such a mind block!

[MLA]

I'm so sorry about Lady. I'm glad to hear that your vet was so kind throughout a very difficult time.

My thought for a gift . . . What about a gourmet gift basket from Mrs. Beasley's? Those were always a hit at my office.

[mrs_pell]

My thought for a gift . . . What about a gourmet gift basket from Mrs. Beasley's? Those were always a hit at my office.

Hmm...Those look awesome! I'll definitely bring that up to Mark. I was also just thinking about getting a picture frame that says "thank you" on it, or maybe just a cool frame, and give them a picture of Lady since they all loved her too. Hmmm...I don't know. Why is it so hard to say thanks some times? :o

[jesvet]

Food is always a hit- I'm sure a Mrs Beasley's basket would be great, or treat the office to pizza one day (half the time the staff is too busy to get out to eat lunch). No matter what you do I'm sure the gesture will be very much appreciated. It is very thoughtful of you to do this for them!

I am very sorry for the loss of your pet.

[KarenS]

I'd stick with food myself - something that they all can enjoy. What about a delivery of cookies and brownies from a local deli? Our Jason's Deli does a dessert platter that's to die for. Or even, if you're so inclined, a huge batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies - that would be really personal and truly from you?

Karen

[bookworm]

I'm sorry about your dog :(.

Maybe bring over breakfast one morning...a bunch of bagels/cream cheese, and a box of coffee?

[mrs_pell]

Thanks for the great suggestions! I told Mark about some of the ideas, and he says, "so I take it you don't want to do the gift card thing?" I told him if he really wanted to do that, we would. Lady was *his* dog WAAAAAAAY before she was "our" dog. She was definitely his baby and he was the one who dealt with the vet visits the most. So...if he *really* wants to do it, that's fine. But, I'm still going to suggest he look at some of the other options (and hint around a bit! ;) ).

Karen ~ I thought about making cookies, too. The other thing I was thinking about is Mark makes KICK-ASS cheesecakes.

Bookworm ~ Breakfast is a great idea, too! I somehow always forget about breakfast, but I love it when someone brings breakfast to work!

Jesvet ~ I think if we do lunch food, pizza would be good. I would just feel bad if, like you say, people are too busy to get out there to get some. New York Pizzeria has a HUGE HUGE party pizza. I could definitely look into that!

eta: I'm wondering about something like this:
http://i.walmart.com/i/p/00/81/28/57/00/0081285700893_500X500.jpg

[j*east]

In addition to food, maybe a donation to a local animal shelter in their names would be nice, too. Keep the dog love going. :)

[carrie9142]

In addition to food, maybe a donation to a local animal shelter in their names would be nice, too. Keep the dog love going

That was my idea as well. A donation to your local shelter or another animal rescue they support in the vet's name.

I am sorry about your puppy :( I am glad that she was able to have such great care.

[mrs_pell]

j*east and carrie9142 ~ That's an awesome idea! I'll definitely bring that up to DH.

I think we've decided on him making them a cheesecake or two (maybe he'll make an extra, since I can't stand it when he makes one that I can't have any of! ;) ), and giving them a framed picture of Lady.

Thanks for all the suggestions, girls, and for the condolences.

[Asha]

i would bring them breakfast. since you can't afford a lot, breakfast is much less expensive than lunch and almost everyone likes breakfast foods. you can bring bagles with creamcheese, donuts, muffins, coffee, and tea.

edited - oops, i just realized you came up with a good idea. cheesecake sounds yummy. i am sure they will love the picture of lady. i am sorry for the loss of your dog.

[Fenway]

I know I'm a little late, but how about a potted plant (or a tree that can be planted outside) in memory of lady, so her memory will live on.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Rainbow Bridge
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 vigor; 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...