Dogs mourn don't they?

[gulliver]

Maybe someone here has some insight into this. One of my two dogs is quickly going to osteosarcoma. It's terrible. I'm not a good judge of pain and discomfort. The visible signs have really taken off in the last few days (the front of his lower jaw) and he licks the growth a lot.

He has a constant companion, the other dog. Has anyone had a grieving dog? and how did you maybe handle the two separating? Is anything to be gained by letting the one see/know the other is euthanized? or should I plan to have him out of site when I bring the other home from this? I expect some heavy separation anxiety. Can dogs even understand death on some level?

I'm having maybe a few irrational thoughts right about now so I'm open to any suggestions. One crazy thought is the lab trying to dig up the golden after I bury him. This sucks

 

[jess2416]

Chloe grieved (it seemed) a little when Zyzy was lost...she barely ate for awhile and the only thing she would is lay in the spot where they layed together..it lasted for a week or two..but now she is OK...

 

[Foxxian]

Iv seen dogs grieve before. Its a sad thing. They lay around, wont eat, dont want to play. They mope around like a human who is grieving will mope. They will look like they are crying, its so sad. The only thing to do is be there and help them through it, like helping a human through it. It will last a week or so, and through that time Id suggest keeping them close, take them on alot of walks and try and get them to play.

I wouldnt suggest taking the dog into see the other being put down, would be far too hard on them. But that is how I think.

 

[Renee750il]

Oh, they grieve all right. Bimmer grieved for months after Buffy died. He still gets upset if we talk about her very much.

If your dogs are that close, it might comfort them both to be close to each other at the end . . .

 

[Sweet72947]

When we put our Chessie (Coco), down, we had Daisy (the lab in my avatar) right there with us when it was done. We had the mobile vet come to the house to do it. Daisy ignored the body, and she didn't really seem to mourn much. But she helped us through our mourning period.

 

[cindr]

When I was a kid, Grampa's dog Shadow died. He buried her in the back yard. our dog butch just laid on the grave site for weeks. It was such a sight. He would get up come and eat do his rounds then go back to Shadow. Butch would end up dieng shortly after wards.

Dad said he ran away and being a eight yr old kid I beleived him and went to look for him for days. Now as I have grown up I realise that dad lied to me. Why? So that I would not be so upset losing the two dogs in such a short time.

 

[poodlesmom]

Yes, I believe dogs do grieve. I have seen it myself when one has passed and the other is left without their partner. I have also seen a dog grieve when a human member of their household has passed.

As with people there can be a difference how each dog will handle a loss. I have had dogs be extremely sad, refusing to eat, play, etc. To the point that I eventually cooked special and hand fed to keep some nourishment going in. Others are just less active, coming out of it within a week or so.

I have heard the opinion that it is better if possible to allow the remaining dog to see their mate and realize they have passed. That way they will not be "looking" for them to return. I have not personally seen that it makes much of a difference either way.

I think it is just necessary to spend some extra time with your dog and help each other through your shared grief. I am so sorry about your golden's problem.

 

[cindr]

years ago our dog Kehous Zafra had passed away. It was late at night and I did not have the strength to move her. Her daughter Little Zoe would refuse to come into the house. She had to lay on top of her mom to keep her warm. Such a sad thing to see. My daugther was 7 at the time she sat there balling her eyes out,

She said mom Zafra's not dead. She's moving just go pick her up and bring her in the house, I felt so bad for Steph. But had to explain Zafra is gone to heaven and she is too heavy for mom to pick up. Zafra was 135 lbs and that was just to much for me to handle. I too was very upset.

Yes every body and every animal takes things hard that day the two kids Steph and Zoe took it the hardest

 

[EliNHunter]

Oh, gulliver, this just breaks my heart, what you're going through. I had it both ways... my lab (Yogi) needing to be put down due to lymphoma and my golden (Eli) waiting in the wings by his bro knowing he was sick and "stuff" was going on. I have always talked to my babies like they're human, and I swear to you, they understand what we say (at least mine did/do). I explained everything to Eli and he just knew. That Yogi wasn't coming back after that trip to the vet. I couldn't even take him, I was too upset. Grammy did it for me (my Mom, Bubbtd on here). Then I got Hunter (yellow lab) from the shelter four months later. And low and behold, Eli was diagnosed with lymphoma 8 months later. We started chemo treatments, and they were going well. But he died while sleeping at Grammy's feet one day due to blood clots in his lungs from the chemo. Hunter was with him and I really think knew what was going on. Dogs know so much more than we "humans" give them credit for. They know our feelings, they know the situations, and they have to deal (and grieve) with it in the same way as humans. Just be close to your labby and love on your golden til the end. Please keep us posted...

 

[Buddy'sParents]

Oh, dear. What a sad thread.

I too, believe that dogs grieve. My grandparents had a toy poodle, Cherie, that my grandfather just adored. He became ill and was put in a convelescant home and died shortly after. My grandmother moved closer to us and Cherie came to live with us.

It was heartbreaking. She was old herself, but I watched that sweet thing deterioriate before my very eyes. She was so sad that he was gone. She probably didn't understand. We lost her shortly after due to cancer that their old vet had not found. I believe she gave up on life when my grandfather died. She wanted to be with him so she went. And then my grandmother died shortly after that... they all wanted to be with each other and now they are.

 

[cindr]

Gee's this is too hard. It just seems to bring up so many good dogs that have gone to heaven. I feel for you and your two dogs, and you with the grand pa's poodle. It is so amazing that these dogs were blessings in disgise.

We have had a lot of dogs in our day as we raised and trained dogs (shepherds) for Police Services. Well one day I received a call from Detroit Police K-9 We need three dogs now. I said okay I have 3 females. I will get them into the vets for the x-rays and bring them out.

So I would put Raven, Dana, and Teka in the car. While at the vets we would start off with Dana. This dog was a dream in its self. She would occupy my daughters time playing stick and caring on like she was the CREAM OF THE CROP" Well Dana would be first to be x-rayed/ I am,always in the rooms when the vets do their work. So Here Dana was laying on the table. I took one look at her and new. The Dr had taken one x-ray already. So I picked her up and said your done for now girl. Dr. Jim said no leave her there I need a few other pic's. I looked at him and said nope you have what you need.

I placed her on the floor and held her. When the vet came up to tell me the bad news. Dana had a 4th degree hip on both sides and the speers were already showing arthritis. I looked at him and said put her down. He looked at me and said your sure. I said yes I will not allow any of my dogs suffer.

I went home with the two other dogs that had cleared their x-rays with 150% Then had to tell my daughter what had happened. Steph just wailed and cryed like no tomorrow. My husband was getting ready to go to work and Steph at 8 yrs old said to her dad.

Daddy when you are going down the street and you happen to see Dana. Sitting at the corner can you stop pick her up and bring her home. Daddy she really wants to come home and she is waiting at that corner for you. Daddy can you help her come home PLEASE.

You know that this tore our hearts apart to hear our Mentally Challanged child go through this. These kids get some much from the dogs and cats that come into their lives. Its very hard on them to let go. I know that I had to do what was best for our girl Dana. But by doing so we would devistate our child at the same time. Just aweful

 

[SeniorPetLover]

When one of my dogs pass, I always let the others sniff their body before internment or cremation, provided they pass away at home...I think dogs are very astute...they know when something is wrong, but they are much more quick to deal with their grief than I am...I mourn for days...

 

[Ashlea]

I had 2 dogs as a child. Jess and Kim. Jess was 5 years older then Kim. She started to show her age at 14 and we were gearing ourselves up for "the day". Kim surpised us all by being diagnosed with full lymphatic cancer. We had her put to sleep. Jess stopped eating and passed with help a month later. She gave up. I still cry for my girls.

 

[DanL]

My Dad's dog definitely was mourning after he died. She laid on the rug by the front door for days waiting for him to come home. She basically pined away and her health failed and we had to have her put down about 2 months after he died. It was so sad, we all felt bad for her but there was little we could do to help her.

 

[cindr]

My husband hads Uncle had a Pit bull real nice girl. She would end up sick and have to be put down. Not a month latter his Uncle ended up dieng due to his heart break for the lose of his dog. Wow when you think of the bonds that we as humans have for their animals and the same for the animals for the humans. No wonder we call it unconditional love!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[~Dixie's_Mom~]

I do believe that dogs grieve on some level. When Misty, my Siberian Husky was hit by a car, Princess would go into her crate, and just lay there for hours....she hardly ate. She'd scratch at the door to be let out, and just sniff around the yard, looking for her....2 years later, Princess also passed away. She had an anurism. She was our only dog at the time, so we didn't have any other dogs to grieve her, but we certainly did. It hurts to go out where she died....I picture her laying there. My heart stops everytime I look out there. We give her fresh flowers every month (it takes that long to build up the courage to go out where she was buried). I was hysterical when my mom started covering her with dirt. I was hysterical that entire day. I couldn't even talk about it. Now I can, but I still get teary eyed....that was over 6mo ago. It's so hard to lose a pet, but even harder to live without one. I can't imagine where I'd be if I hadn't had my doggies.

 

[bubbatd]

Such a sad thread ............. yes, they do grieve , but seem to handle it better than we humans do . As to EliN's post ... Hunter and Chip seemed to know Eli wasn't going to last long that morning ( I sure didn't ) , so they handled it better than I . Please keep us posted .

 

[gulliver]

I'm so sorry I didn't aknowledge your responses in this thread. I did read them and they have helped. Thank you.

I'm having him euthanized in the next few days, and maybe his buddy will handle it ok. They've helped me foster several dogs in the last years so , dogs come and go and they're used to that. They are so quiet and content with each other it really worked well. I'll let Gulliver choose another friend when we're up to it.

 

[LareP]

Dogs Do Go To Heaven

This has been around for a long time. It always helps when I lose
one of my dogs, an essential part of my family. I still to this day,
after many many years, cannot read it without a tear coming to
my eye.

I pray it will help you as well.

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to
someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so
they can run and play together.

There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends
are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to
health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made
whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our
dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing;
they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left
behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one
suddenly stops and looks into the distance.

His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly
he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass,
his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special
friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion,
never to be parted again.

The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress
the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes
of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from
your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

 

[JFrick]

Oh yeah, dogs grieve. I've seen it a few times. B.H. and Eddie grieved for a while after Molly passed, and B.H. was really bad when Eddie passed. I guess it wasn't as bad for them when Molly died since they still had each other, but when Eddie went, B.H. grieved for about 2 weeks. Same way as others have described, wouldn't eat much (didn't eat at all for the first 2 or 3 days) and moaped around......