Hey Woofa’s,

I was speaking with a customer recently who told me her dog hasn’t been the same since he lost his partner.

Tyrone and Tarsha (pictured above) grew up together and just before Christmas Tarsha passed away.

Tyrone’s owner told me he’s just not himself and hasn’t been since Tarsha passed.  They did everything together, slept together, played together and were inseparable.

I suggested to Tyrone’s owner that he’s mourning Tarsha.

There’s also no time limit on how long it takes for a dog to mourn a playmate.

As Tyrone was placed in my arms the owner’s daughter started to cry as did I!

Losing a dog and a dog losing a playmate cuts deep for everyone.

I don’t care what anyone says, DOGS DO HAVE EMOTIONS.

They may not show it the same way we do, but if you look close enough you’ll notice.

HOW TO TELL IF YOUR DOG IS IN MOURNING!

Some key behaviours your dog may show if they are in mourning are:

1. not as active – sits in one spot most of the time;
2. change in behaviour – not as playful or as happy;
3. acts out of character – doesn’t do usual routine;
4. loss of appetite;
5. doesn’t engage in games or with others;
6. won’t take favourite treats;
7. may not sleep in the bed they use to share with passed pet;
8. if passed pet has been buried in the backyard, mourning pet may spend time in the area;
9. around their eyes may be moist a lot of the time;
10. your dog may start to show signs of anxiety;
11. or they may wander around not knowing what to do, feeling lost;
12. sit by the door/or gate waiting for other pet to come home;
13. your dog might start to cling to family member/s;
14. separation anxiety may start to become a factor
15. they could become cranky;
16. your dog may not want to go for walks for a while;
17. not interested in drinking water;
18. pacing around;
19. they can’t seem to settle;
20. laying around looking sad.

Basically, if your dog is in mourning for another pet their behaviour is going to change.

How long does the mourning process take, well how long is a piece of string.  Even as humans we all mourn differently and it’s no different for dogs.

WHAT CAN I DO IF MY DOG IS IN MOURNING?

Your dog has lost their playmate, their life partner, another being who understands them completely and who talks their language.

While they may not mourn the exact same way we do, they still feel it.

Some things to consider:-

1. Be patient – your dog may just need some time out so they can mourn their mate.
2. Be understanding – your dog may not know how to deal with their feelings themselves.
3. Try to get your dog to at least drink water – they can go a few days without eating but they need water.
4. Notice specific changes in their behaviour and see if you can help – if they need more hugs than usual give it to them, if they start to have separation anxiety don’t over compensate but don’t leave them for too long too soon after.
5. If they won’t sleep in their old bed, get them a new one and try placing it in a new spot.  It’s okay if they stay in the old bed too.
6. Just be there for them, just being near may be all they need.
7. Let them sniff the place the other dog is buried, or the other dog’s collar or something they wore –  they may need closure.
8. Do try to get them to eat their food again, entice them with their all time favourite food.
9. They may need a new routine, because their old one involved their passed mate.
10. Slowly try bit by bit to engage them in their favourite activities.
11. If in doubt, seek a Trusted Vet to make sure nothing medical has occurred.

It’s important to be aware of changes in your dog’s behaviour and after some time try to slowly work on getting them back to their routine.

There is no time limit to their mourning, just make sure they do start drinking water and eating, even if it’s a little bit to start with.

HENRY’S PASSING!

I’ll never forget after Henry passed away at home, I was taking his body, that was wrapped in a blanket, out to the Pets At Peace Van.

Trying my absolute hardest not to cry (again) and as the guy opened the van door,  I saw this lovely basket with a gorgeous hand made crocheted rug in it. This choked me up!

As I was about to place Henry into the basket (it would be the last time I saw him physically) Isabel jumped in the van and into the basket!!!

I hadn’t even realised she had followed me outside.

Seeing her in the basket I broke down (damn I’m crying now), I thought I’d get through this without crying!!!  Who am I kidding?

Through tears I mentioned to the guy that Henry was her husband (there was a year difference) and she was just making sure everything was okay for his last journey.

Isabel knew he wasn’t well towards the end because she would always sniff him, lick him and be close by.  I believe she’d said her goodbyes to him in that way, and this was her last way of showing she really loved him.

Isabel and I mourned Henry together!

WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN?

Your dog is going to feel it when they loose another dog who has been in their life for a long period of time.

Their behaviour is going to change, be patient with them during this time.

Give your dog time to mourn their mate, they feel it too.

IN THE COMMENTS BELOW – BILLY WOULD LIKE TO KNOW – HAVE YOU HAD A DOG THAT WAS IN MOURNING?

Cheers