Posted on 08/07/2015 2:30:04 PM PDT by TASMANIANRED
I need some advice on my dog. I had 2 dogs, both rescues for the past 11 years. They were pups together.
Solitare was the best dog in the world. She was a farm lab. No breeding but all character. She was Athletic, loving, smart, funny and exuberant.
I lost her Tuesday to metastatic cancer.
Thanks Kathy,
They were part of the canteen pack too.
We have been wandering on the farm.
I can’t let her go too far, her hips gripe.
She will spend the next several days gimping around.
Shorter walks but more of them.
It may be the best idea, ever.
After all, it *is* going to be “her dog”.
/been there, done that. :D
Please ignore that bit of advice.
Yes, dogs grieve.
*Deeply*.
Even to the point of being detrimental to their health...or worse.
They also live in the moment so give her a brand new “moment” as soon as you can.
Her grief needs to be redirected and her mind occupied by a new buddy.
It’s what I would do.
:)
Most of the time, the “sudden change” in Chows is due to pain.
Their horrid hocks and knees [or lack thereof, technically] predisposes them to debilitating pain, eventually.
Being extremely stoic dogs, they may not show overt signs of that pain until something really provokes it and they lash out.
My idiot sister thought it would be a great idea to get a “fuzzy little Chow puppy” and then she dumped it on my dog-clueless parents.
He was a SOB to everyone but me because I knew where he hurt when they didn’t even *know* he was hurting.
Then they let a vet give him Rimadyl and it killed him.
Good question. Puppies do change their mind set as they grow into adulthood. Is you dog completely beta and has she ever been around a male? Sometimes dogs do change roles from being alpha and beta and dogs do grieve. If you know any experts; I would consult one.
I agree with you.
She does need some input.
Jackie is a senior now.
She has always been a beta.
She makes friends with people pretty easily if she is intoduced.
She is chow tempered with Lab.
She hasn’t shown any sign of a bad disposition in her 11 yrs.
I would ask an expert.
Like with a child. Your dog understands the language you speak. They also understand intent. Every word doesn’t have to be a known word to be understood. Keep having this conversation with the survivor until you feel the sadness lift.
I don’t remember your baby’s name so I’ll use Ruby (my dear passed Shepherd).
“I know you miss Ruby. We all do. She didn’t leave because she wanted to. She died. We grow and we live and we die. Everyone does. It’s sad, but it’s okay. It’s a natural thing, and it’s normal to miss her. I miss her too. You may can see her. I can’t, but dogs are special like that, so if you do see her you’ll see she’s feeling good. Her aches and pains are gone, and even if you don’t see her know that she’s here, just not physically like we are. It’s okay to be sad, we can be sad together, it will pass. What will remain is the joy she brought to us, and we see her again. One day we will pass too and she’ll be waiting for us.”
That general message, however you word it, will sink in. Have that conversation as often as it takes. Some get it right away, some over several days. I’ve been working with dogs, (not professionally, I just have a affinity for them), for over 40 years, and have explained death many times. They always understand.
I apologize for not getting back to you sooner. I’ve been offline a lot in the last few days and simply didn’t think to check up on you.
God bless.
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