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The Loss of a Pet
I so often see people asking questions about just having lost a dog and the remaining dog(s) in the home becoming lethargic and depressed.
There is a wonderful book by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas called “The Hidden Life Of Dogs.”
Available here http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=The+hidden+life+of+dogs&x=15&y=17
In her book she talks about the importance of allowing your remaining pets to smell the body of your lost dog.
Dogs accept death (just like wolves in the wild) and walk away.
It is not a guarantee that your remaining dog(s) will not grieve but it can help the process or avoid it all together.
I have even done this with one of my horses. His buddy for 27 years would never survive without him. I knew I had to at least try and help him understand where he had gone by allowing him to graze around the body for a few minutes.
If your dog is euthanized at the vet’s office and you are not bringing him home for burrial (having a cremation), take your other dog with you to the vet and leave it in the car. Once the proceedure is finished bring your other dog into the examination room and let it smell and see the body. If your vet looks at you like you are nuts, just explain why and than recommend the book above.
I always feel terrible telling people about this after they have lost a dog thinking they will be upset for not having tried it. So I thought it would be a good idea to do a blog on it.
Patty
I lost all 3 of my dogs within 9 months. My Alaskan Malamute, Yukon, passed in August of cancer and my Siberian Husky, Tobi, started mourning right away, crying (as only a husky can do) all the next week. Within 3 weeks she was diagnosed with terminal cancer and I lost her in December. My blind and diabetic Keeshond, Tasha, who could no longer ‘hear’ her friend, Tobi, went straight downhill health-wise (her BG #’s went off the charts) and because she got so sick I had to put her down in May. That was 2 years ago and I am still not the same. House….very quiet…
July 24th, 2009 at 2:14 pmNancy,
I am so sorry for all your losses and so close together. Its never easy but losing so many like that so close together is very difficult.
I know how you feel. We lost 3 horses and 2 dogs all in 1 year.
My 33 year old champion Morgan gelding was euthanized in Oct. of 04, next was my sister’s Morgan mare (25-from founder) and than my geldings buddy - (also a founder and another champ Morgan and also 33) in July of 05 and than 2 of our Labs (old age as well) by Sept. 05
Its never easy I know.
Perhaps its time to welcome a new puppy into your home to help heal your heart and end the silence in your house.
Prayers for you in your loss and healing.
July 24th, 2009 at 4:06 pm