TankTop
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Jun 28, 2014 1:52:46 GMT
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Post by TankTop on May 19, 2024 14:08:33 GMT
My dog will be three in the fall. Our neighbors had a dog that was about 10 months younger than him.
They grew up together to the point that we had to make our fence encompass both yards. These two pups had 10 acres to run and play. Each day they would wait for the other to wake up so they could play. They even learned to knock on each others door.
A few weeks ago she unexpectedly passed away in her sleep. My poor guy is still waiting on her. He stares out the window and just waits. Every noise sends him running to find her.
I don’t know how to help him and how to make him realize she is gone.
It is killing me.
Any advice.
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wellway
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Jun 25, 2014 20:50:09 GMT
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Post by wellway on May 19, 2024 14:25:18 GMT
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TankTop
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by TankTop on May 19, 2024 14:29:54 GMT
Yes, that is helpful. Thank you
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mich5481
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Post by mich5481 on May 19, 2024 14:36:27 GMT
After my sheltie passed away at the emergency vet, her half sister went into mourning. Our vet said dog grief usually lasts about 6 weeks, and she recommended getting an Adaptil pheromone collar to help during that time. It seemed like it helped.
When we had to put Belle (the Shih Tzu in my profile picture) to sleep in April, we took two of our dogs with us to the vet. I think it helped them realize she wasn't coming home, and I guess they let the other two dogs know. I know that wasn't an option in this case, but I believe it helped our dogs.
I'm sorry for your neighbors' loss. I hope your pup feels better soon.
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Post by peano on May 19, 2024 14:41:14 GMT
Wow, that is heartbreaking and must be so hard to watch.  I guess if this happened to me, I would try to understand that dogs grieve too and have their own ways of doing it. I would try to spend more time with my dog--take with you on errands, walks, play fetch or whatever games they like. More physical affection, if your dog likes that. Maybe out for a pup cup of ice cream if you have ice cream shops that do this for dogs. If you have supervised outlets for play for dogs, like day care, maybe start with a couple of hours of play and see how he does. |
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Post by Merge on May 19, 2024 15:20:02 GMT
When we lost our heeler, our other elderly dog grew very depressed and was obviously grieving. We first fostered and now have adopted another, younger dog with lots of energy, and that's been a huge help to our older dog. She plays with the younger dog to the extent she is able, and is interested in her regular activities again.
Is there any chance your neighbors will adopt another dog?
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TankTop
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by TankTop on May 19, 2024 15:40:04 GMT
Thank you all. It is reassuring to know it is normal.
I do not think the neighbors will get another dog. They are elderly and don’t want to go through the puppy stage again. I only have 3 more days of work this school year and then I will be home. I see lots of play dates with friends in our future.
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Post by quietgirl on May 19, 2024 16:29:16 GMT
I don't have any advice, but I just wanted to say I'm sorry. That is hard for dogs and so hard to see them.
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Post by katlady on May 19, 2024 19:01:26 GMT
Is there a way to take your dog over there so that he can see that she is no longer there? It might help with closure. I am sorry for the grief and confusion your dog is going through.  |
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Post by mom on May 19, 2024 19:26:00 GMT
No advice, but I am so sorry.
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Post by hop2 on May 19, 2024 20:08:34 GMT
I’m so sorry for your pups loss.
My dogs ‘girlfriend’ ( across the street ) died when he was about 4. He moped about for about 6 months. All you can do is be there for them. My dog lived another 12 1/2 years and he did fine after the mourning period. But he was never close to another dog by that much ever again. He had his buddies but not one like that.
It would have been good if he could have seen her but that’s not always possible.
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TankTop
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by TankTop on May 19, 2024 20:51:35 GMT
Is there a way to take your dog over there so that he can see that she is no longer there? It might help with closure. I am sorry for the grief and confusion your dog is going through. He goes over there several times a day and the adults come out and love on him. He never went in their house, but he just keeps knocking. 😢 The evening before she passed we were over there for about an hour. She was very lethargic and just laid about. He knew something was wrong and laid with her. We just never thought she was going to pass. She had been to the vet on Friday, and was scheduled to go back Monday morning. She passed at 2:00 am on Monday. |
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Post by katlady on May 19, 2024 22:18:20 GMT
TankTop I am sorry. Your update to my post has a teary eyed. Hugs to your dog and to you!
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Post by christine58 on May 20, 2024 0:14:03 GMT
TankTop . Would your neighbors give you a blanket or something that smells like their dog that passed? Maybe that would help your dog
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YooHoot
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Post by YooHoot on May 20, 2024 1:16:19 GMT
Aww, my buddy’s best friend moved to Texas and it took a long time for him to not look for him. His name was Chase and his ears still perk up and he runs to the backdoor if we accidentally mention it (he would sneak under our fence…he was a little chihuahua).
Maybe your dog needs a brother or sister? 😁
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Post by gryroagain on May 20, 2024 2:38:58 GMT
Oh that is so Heartbreaking! Not quite the same but I adopted a dog who could not be an only dog…so I started fostering. It’s such a need and fulfills the dog companionship aspect.
I’m so sorry for the loss of a best friend.
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Post by crazy4scraps on May 20, 2024 2:59:33 GMT
I’m sorry your pup is missing his buddy. It is so sad to watch. When our chocolate lab passed away, my Jack Russell missed her terribly and would do a perimeter check of the yard looking for her every single time he went out for easily 6-8 weeks. We already had another dog but the Jack Russell grew up with the one that died so even though he had a companion it wasn’t ever the same. Eventually he did stop looking for her and stopped being so sad.
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cjinmo
Junior Member
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Post by cjinmo on May 20, 2024 3:29:05 GMT
My Yorkie grieved for a year for our other Yorkie. My vet had me put her on cbd oil which has turned her back into a happy girl.
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TankTop
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Post by TankTop on May 21, 2024 0:00:10 GMT
TankTop . Would your neighbors give you a blanket or something that smells like their dog that passed? Maybe that would help your dog That is a great idea. I will ask. |
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TankTop
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea #1,871
Posts: 4,839
Location: On the couch...
Jun 28, 2014 1:52:46 GMT
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Post by TankTop on May 21, 2024 0:00:30 GMT
Our poor fur babies. They have such big hearts. ❤️
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