[SteelCPA]

I had to put my best friend, Jack, down yesterday. He was my childhood dog and lived 16.5 long years. I have been pretty devastated as you can imagine. I can barely eat and have just been sitting at my desk at work unable to actually put for the effort to work.

I didn’t study really all weekend and have FAR coming up on March 10th. For those familiar with Becker I am only on F2 (out of 10 chapters). I have no desire to work or study and am not sure when that will return. I am deeply saddened and would like to think this is natural and not an excuse to not study. Has anyone had an experience like this? I would love to hear how you rebounded. With busy season and current circumstances, I am not sure there is any hope for a passing score in March. Thank you all

[jeff]

I'm sorry to hear this, Steel. I have a Boston Terrier coming up on 14 years, so we'll be there soon.

Throughout the years (been doing this 8 years), I've seen a lot of stuff and a lot of emails from people who tough situations right before an exam (death in family, spouse leaving, child sickness), and each situation is different.

I would give yourself a week off to mourn and then jump back into it next Monday with guns blazing.

Sorry again about Jack,

jeff

Jeff Elliott, CPA (KS) | Another71 | NINJA CPA | NINJA CMA | NINJA CPE

[rb2017]

So sorry to hear that! Animals, especially dogs, are such a special part of people's lives. Honestly if you are still grieving pretty hard after another week or so, I would push the exam back (as much as it sucks). FAR has so much content and it would be difficult to cram 8 more chapters in about a month.

I made the stupid mistake of taking Audit 2 weeks before my mom passed away from cancer. My head was, as you can assume, definitely not in it – I barely studied and when I did, I didn't retain much. I failed miserably.

If you are not able to study (some people will say suck it up, but you really can't do it if you're not in the right mindset), then it would be best to take time to properly grieve over your doggo, and get back into it when you are ready.

Again I'm sorry for your loss!

[Missy]

I'm so sorry and it really is losing a family member.

I had to put my dog down while I was studying for the CPA (and the fallout with my two devastated children).

For me it was possible to really IMMERSE myself in the CPA to avoid thinking about the void in my heart where Henry lived.

Not saying it was the best or healthiest way to cope but I am convinced if Henry could send a message from the Rainbow Bridge it would have been to get this thing done.

Sorry again for your loss……….

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[bhunt815]

We lost our Golden Retriever of 14 years last June while i was in the middle of studying. I had passed FAR and Audit by then and was going for BEC in early July. We all mourn differently, but I buried myself in my studies in the week after Stitch died. It wasn't out of the blue for me though. He'd been dignaosed with cancer in late May so we knew it would be very soon. Maybe the fact that I knew he'd been in severe pain for the last few weeks made it easier to let him go when the time finally came. I had him cremated, made a little memorial on the fireplace mantel, got back to studying and passed BEC 2 weeks later. It sucks, but try not to let this be the reason you fail FAR.

FAR 04/11/2016 - 84
AUD 05/12/2016 - 79
BEC 07/06/2016 - 81
REG 08/29/2016

[mckan514w]

🙁 so sad for you- hang in there.

and they ask me why I drink...

FAR- 61-next time I'll ask for lube instead of a calculator
REG-75- Never been so happy to see such a low grade
BEC- 8/11
AUD- 9/2

[Tncincy]

been there too, it will be hard because you're so used to him being around, but life goes on and it will get better. Mine (really my husband and children) was a Dalmatian, it's been a few years but sometimes I still listen to hear him scratch at the door when he's ready to come in or ready to eat. We have the pictures to reflect the good memories. It will get better…. 🙂
P.S Please don't abandon your test or studying….getting the CPA is a must no matter what.

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[Namstut]

@SteelCPA so sorry for your loss! We have two pointers, coming on 13 years and I can't even imagine…

It's hard to give advise in this case because everyone's grieving process is different. Nothing will bring Jack back but you can dedicate this exam to him! Take a couple of days for yourself and jump right back in. You still have more than 5 weeks to prepare for the exam, you can do it!

Good luck to you and again, I am so very sorry for your loss… 🙁

AUD 7/6/16 Passed
BEC 9/3/16
FAR TBD
REG TBD

[CPA788]

Ugh, my heart breaks for you @steelcpa. I agree with Jeff's approach and what others are saying – take some time off. Like you're already experiencing, you're zombie'd out and not going to make any headway. Be sad, look at pictures of him, sulk around, it's what your body and mind needs in times like this. I think you'll be able to get back into it next week. Sending hugs this week! I know Jack was a good dog. ♥

BEC - 74, 77
FAR - 72, 71 (retake 7/29)
REG - 69
AUD - Q4 '16

CA Candidate

[SteelCPA]

I really appreciate everyone's condolences. It has been a rough couple of days and it has been very difficult for me to realize I will never get to see him again. I am trying to focus on the good times and good memories I have of him. It still breaks my heart thinking about him.

[Author]

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