One of my two dogs died 9 days ago and the Papillion that is left is very clingy and sad. I've tried playing and extra attention but she still seems depressed. She is basically an inside dog but we get out regularly. Should I get another dog (which I am not wanting to do just yet) or try for play dates with other dogs? I am missing my other dog as well but have adjusted by keeping busy. She is such a loving dog, very maternal and shows it with the outdoor cats we have. I am wondering if I buried the other dog too quickly before she realized he was actually dead and not coming back. I am humanizing her too much perhaps. Help!
2007-03-24 00:23:58 · 8 answers · asked by Anita 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
One of my two dogs died in December of 2005. The other dog definitely grieved (as did I). I think you are doing exactly what you should be doing by paying extra attention, keep it up.
By the way, we did eventually get another dog when we were ready, but just one month ago and more than a year after we lost the first dog. For our old dog, the new dog meant another adjustment. The new dog was initially greeted with disinterested. As the old dog began to realize that the new dog is here to stay, he has started teaching and playing with the new dog. It is fun to see the two dogs play, but the new dog does not replace the one we lost, I wouldn't recommend doing it to ease the old dog's grieving process.
Good luck.
2007-03-24 01:55:14 · answer #1 · answered by Sandra M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The remaining dog is reading into your feelings too. Yes, they will miss the dog for a short time, but dogs go into "dog mode" after a little while. WE are the ones who think they have the same emotional system we have. I did it myself a few times. If you are sad, and even pulling off a good fake out, the dog will know. It is something we all have to do. The love and friendship we had from our pets is hard to let go of, and yes, most people do humanize our animals. I am so sorry for you. I know how it can crush your heart. Good Luck---Namaste'
2007-03-24 02:33:26 · answer #2 · answered by mcghankathy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you have a blanket with the scent of the dog that died? If so, make sure the dog that's left has it. Is there a dog park near you where she can meet & play with some other dogs? No, I do not think you are humanizing her too much - it is usual for pets to grieve the loss of their playmates.
2007-03-24 00:36:27 · answer #3 · answered by poetcomic 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
keep up what you are doing.[extra attention/play ]etc. 9 days is simply not long enough of a grieving period. things will start to get better in a month or so .
perhaps we [as alleged humans] should take hints on how to grieve from our beloved pets
2007-03-24 00:44:26 · answer #4 · answered by hobbabob 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Animals grieve for their missing friends just like we do. And like us, all you can do during this time is to give her the extra attention and love that she needs. Bringing in another dog at this time might not be the best of ideas. You and your dog need time to deal with the death and to come to terms with it.
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your pet.
2007-03-24 00:42:24 · answer #5 · answered by marilynn 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I had a cat go through that with the death of a kitten. The only thing that worked to keep her from going room to room howling for her lost friend was another kitten. There was no getting to know you period with these two, they immediately snuggled up with each other in our easy chair and my cat immediately stopped mourning her loss.
2007-03-24 00:29:06 · answer #6 · answered by Phartzalot 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
what you don't understand is, adopting a clean cat does not replace the only you lost, it saves the hot cats existence. supplies him a loving domicile. he sits in a cage in a safeguard all day thinking why he's not in someones lap or drowsing on a settee. getting yet another cat facilitates you for the time of the shortcoming of your cat by way of assisting yet another cat. different then getting yet another cat, i know of no thank you to recover from it. I had a cat for 2 many years that i lost 15 years in the past and that i nevertheless capture myself searching for him.
2016-10-19 12:15:15 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
petting and playing.
2007-03-24 00:26:57 · answer #8 · answered by Boostergold 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋