'This is [not] a scheduled absence': Boss's attitude towards barista over the passing of their beloved dog sparks controversy online

Author image for Brad Dickson
Brad Dickson • Managing Editor
Jul 13, 2024 10:00 AM EDT

Pets are family, they always have been and always will be—but are especially so for the generations of young (and aging) adults who can't afford and wouldn't have the financial security to start a family and have human children of their own—even if they wanted to. The reality is that, for a lot of people, their pets are the closest family and maybe even the only family that they will ever have. They are treasured closely, and the loss of one is always tragic…

With that in mind, members of this online community were horrified to read that this boss's flippant response to the barista who worked for them, telling the barista that the cafe where they worked was too understaffed for them to miss that afternoon, also noting that they were the only key-holder available at that time. If you've worked retail or in the service industry, this type of thing will probably be all too familiar to you, with employers making it near impossible for their "key-holders" to take days off, not wanting to work the opening or closing shifts themselves. Employers act like the "keys" are the keys to nuclear missiles or something and only the chosen few could possibly hold them, meaning that sickness or family emergencies don't hold a candle to unlocking or locking the doors or the business.

Community members shared their thoughts and advice in the comments, admonishing the boss for their attitude and advising the barista on how they should be handling the situation and moving forward. It's ironic, in a really depressing way, how much the boss's response bears resemblance to that famous "we're so understaffed today" meme (at the end of this post) that was popular a few years back.

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  • 01

    "Boss’ response to me having to put my dog down."

    Went to the vet yesterday and found that it's my 15 year old dog's time. I gave us today to spend time with her and spoil her until we say good bye tomorrow. I immediately tried to find coverage at my job (I'm lead barista at a smallish coffee shop), and today this is my boss' response.
    via u/nabiscosoursnac
  • 02
    boss) Today 11:06 AM Just checking in, I'm not seeing anyone available to work your Saturday shift tomorrow. Possibly we could find a partial. Do you have any plans for that?? I'm gonna be honest I didn't know that they scheduled dogs on Saturdays?! And I'm noticing you're off today. Is it possible to do something like this you do have time off? when I am speaking from some experience because I, too, in the last couple of years have put 2 of my sweet babies dogs down! Sorry, I did it so that we
    via u/nabiscosoursnac
  • 03
    boss) If family is going to see her, does it have to be done on Saturday? We can easily get coverage on a Monday, but I'm really struggling for tomorrow. We have who is now out sick. We're kind of struggling with our barista coverage as is. And you're the closer/key holder so not just anyone can replace you and this is now a scheduled absence that didn't have coverage upon planning.
    via u/nabiscosoursnac
  • 04
    you and this is now a scheduled absence that didn't have coverage upon planning. Today 12:51 PM My vet does those types of appointments at the end of the day, they close at 12 on Saturdays. I literally just called them, they don't have availability on Monday, I close Tuesday, they don't have availability Wednesday. The more I wait, the more I prolong her suffering, she can't walk or eat without our help. Saturday works because my mother is off and this was at one point her dog. I can't change th
    via u/nabiscosoursnac
  • 05
    Cheezburger Image 10373747200
    via u/nabiscosoursnac
  • 06
    • thatgreenmaid · 7 hr. ago Y'all kill me with this back and forth. If you give people a shred of info about your situation, they will every single time. do this Here's your script: There's been a death in my family. I will not be in tomorrow. You can expect me to return on (date) at (time). *say nothing else and don't answer texts/calls from anyone related to your job. don't post about it on your socials unless it's heavily restricted*
    via u/nabiscosoursnac
  • 07
    They don't need to know details as you're not asking for bereavement leave or more than a day off. When you come back, you don't discuss it with anyone. Not anyone. Here's that script: I can't speak on the situation at this time. Thanks for your concern.
    via u/nabiscosoursnac
  • 08
    reversesunset - 9 hr. ago all of this. As one barista to another, I'm sorry. Your manager doesn't have a heart. I'm a manager, and I'd just say I'm sorry for your loss. I will figure this out, and then I'd work the shift by myself if I had to. Maybe train some more "key holders"
    via u/nabiscosoursnac
  • 09
    Rubycon 7 hr. ago Right that. If they 'can't afford another key holder' then they can't afford to fire them. They can handle one day
    via u/nabiscosoursnac
  • 10
    tidymaze 9 hr. ago You're far too nice. When does the opener leave? You'll be in then, if they really can't get coverage.
    via u/nabiscosoursnac
  • 11
    BoltsandBucsFan 9 hr. ago . Your boss can kindly off. MissSara13 6 hr. ago • Agreed. I'd cover OPS shift if I were their manager. That's what good managers do when like this happens.
    via u/nabiscosoursnac
  • 12
    blackday44 8 hr. ago OP, I am so sorry for the loss of your pup. Your boss is a My cat of 14 years had to be put down in 2022 and I was unable to do the most basic things for 3 days after. Pets are family, and the loss of a family member is no small thing.
    via u/nabiscosoursnac
  • 13
    • Joey DawsonJenPacey 8 hr. ago that, that's why HE'S the boss and makes the big bucks. Also, I'm sure there are tons of places that need baristas. Quit and go find one. The absolute GALL of that person. Clearly they didn't actually love the animals they put down. Your baby is precious, and I'm sorry you're going through this. What a &$!#%
    via u/nabiscosoursnac
  • 14
    247cnt 8 hr. ago • My employee's dog died on the holiday and had the next 5 days off with pre-scheduled PTO. When he returned, I asked him if he was feeling up to work this *week*. My company gives terrible bereavement, but certainly not for pets, but I was literally just gonna cover for him and not tell a soul. That's a HUMAN response to something so sad. I'm really sorry for your loss!
    via u/nabiscosoursnac
  • 15
    FolkvangrV. 8 hr. ago You're WAAAAY too nice in your replies. I'd go off on this a manager. Midwesternboot 6 hr. ago This. Telling a manager when you're unavailable is not an invitation for negotiation. of
    via u/nabiscosoursnac
  • 16
    • Rough_Commercial4240 8 hr. ago . edited 8 hr. ago Why you give so much information, it's not like you're working for NASA. You are unavailable. Period. That job can't be paying you enough for such stress, it's your day off put Boss on mute and be there for your family. If they need coverage so bad they can come in themselves
    via u/nabiscosoursnac
  • 17
    Komikaze06 8 hr. ago Sorry, but could you ask your family member to kindly put off dying for a few days? We're understaffed.
    via u/nabiscosoursnac
  • 18
    mittenbird 5 hr. ago THIS. this boss is basically saying "either watch someone you've loved their entire life suffer for an extended period or get it over with now so you can make my life easier at work." that.
    via u/nabiscosoursnac
  • 19
    SqualNYHC 8 hr. ago I told my boss straight up. It's my dog over your business any day. So if you ever make me decide you know what I'm picking. He knows my boy is my world.
    via u/nabiscosoursnac
  • 20
    Admiral Snaccbar @SimplySnaccbar [My funeral] Boss: *Solemnly placing his hand on my casket and sobbing* how could you do this to me we are so understaffed today
    via Admiral Snaccbar

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workplace discussion employment issues antiwork workplace-stories jobs employment-discussion job work workplace Horrible Bosses employment in the workplace
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