I have chosen to start this petition to allow bereavement leave from work following the death of a family pet. I recently lost my dog, a valued family member and companion, I grew up with her and developed a close relationship that only grew each day.  Following her unexpected death i informed my manager I could not come into work as I was too devastated and physically sick to do so. Instead of being shown the compassion and sympathy stated in the contract I was sent a number of nasty messages and told I had to cover my shift as no Bereavement time was allowed for pets. I did not go to work that day and I was recently fired and left unemployed the same day as loosing my best friend, this caused me extreme distress and sickness. I think it’s disgusting how some company’s think it’s acceptable to treat someone in this way with no remorse, a family pet (in my case my dog) has just as much importance as a human family member. It’s time company’s acknowledged this and give people the time they need to grieve with no worry of loosing their job.