What to do for a grieving puppy.
By cyntrow
@cyntrow (8523)
United States
May 21, 2007 6:00pm CST
My dog died this weekend. He was a good dog and he was old. 12 years old. He was getting to the point where he couldn't walk very well, and there was blood in his urine. We were expecting his death would come sooner than later. So Sunday afternoon, he layed down to rest and never got up.
The problem is our 1 year old puppy. He was a rescue pup. Duke was his only mentor, his only intructor on how to "be a dog." We did everything we were supposed to do. We let him sniff Duke after he died. We allowed him to watch as we took Duke outside and buried him.
This morning, when I let him out, he was sniffing and searching for his old friend. Can anyone tell me how long before he gets back to his old self, and if there is anything else I can do to help him with the adjustment.
It's so much easier explaining things to children.
2 people like this
5 responses
@fpd1955 (2074)
• United States
22 May 07
I am sorry to hear about Duke, cyntrow.
I don't know what will help the pup get back to his old self. Is there a toy that they used to play with together? If so, maybe just play with him using that toy. Perhaps he will see that playtime still exists and his life without Duke can go on as before.
Or a place Duke used to lay? Make sure the pup can lay there and smell Duke's scent.
I went through this with my Cockatiel, when he was very young and lost his girlfriend, Charlie Girl. He was very angry at me and took him about 2 weeks to calm down. I placed some of her old feathers I collected in his cage and that seemed to help a little.
Good luck with the pup.
PEACE
1 person likes this
@smacksman (6053)
•
21 May 07
So sorry to hear of your loss. I know what a wrench it is.
But you have a new pup there which is a great comfort to you I'm sure.
Puppy will be able to smell Duke for a long time which will be a comfort to him. He will soon get over the loss and with your extra loving and attention he will bounce back after a few days the way youth always does.
@lightningMD (5931)
• United States
21 May 07
Oh how sad for you and your puppy. I really dont know how long it will take for him to adjust. I just wanted to offer my condolances on your loss. I think it is great that you recued your pup.
@CheckoutChick86 (22)
• Australia
22 May 07
Its always hard losing a pet. You just need to give him all the love and affection he always had and he will be alright. He will be sad for a while but he will survive. Sounds like he has beaten adversities before
