Our pets become family. We rely on them for laughs, comfort, and snuggles. They are always so happy to see us at the end of the day. This is why it is so hard when we lose them. We need time to process this grief.
TikTok user @sarahhemmelman recently lost her dog and needed time off work to heal from this loss. Her employer did not agree and denied her request. Sarah decided it was time for a new job and quit.
Sarah posted an eight-second video of herself sitting in her car, lip-syncing the words, “Let me tell you something, I don’t [expletive] with that [expletive].” She overlaid the text, “I asked for the day off to grieve the loss of my dog of 12 years and my work said no so I quit.” Her post quickly went viral with more than 154,000 views.
Sarah actually found out about her dog’s death while she was on the clock at work. She managed to finish out her shift but wanted the following day off. Her manager said it would be an unexcused absence, which was not the first time the manager had been unsupportive. Sarah does not regret her choices.
“I stayed in a toxic workspace because I didn’t have another job lined up and was afraid to hurt my co-workers. Now, I have no job, but I feel free and don’t regret it whatsoever. To anyone in a similar situation, PUT YOURSELF FIRST,” she said.
Sarah received lots of support in the comment section.
“You did the right thing! Sorry for your loss,” wrote one user.
“As you should, sorry for your loss,” another agreed.
Some shared similar stories. “CVS/Caremark made me come to work the day my dog died. I was 18. She was my childhood dog. I’m 29 now. Still mad about it,” one user commiserated.
To follow along at home with Sarah’s story and weigh in, watch this video.
