Help for Grieving Dogs 

When you lose your best friend the pain and sadness can seem overwhelming. It is not surpprising that many of us turn to grief counselors and outside support groups to help us deal with our pain.

And it should not be a surprise that other dogs in the your home will grieve the loss of a buddy as well. When we recently lost our little Pepino to The Rainbow Bridge we noticed that our other dog Sinja immediately began to suffer as well.

She suffered a 24 hour case of acute diarrhea, became lethargic, had a decreased appetite, didn't want to go for walks, kept vigil by Pepino's bed and had the saddest look on her face all day.

Some experts say that if your dog has the opportunity to see their buddy who has passed it helps them understand that he will be gone and deal with the loss.

I am not so sure about that. Sinja was with me when Pepino passed, watched efforts to revive him fail and our departure for the pet cemetery. Didn't help at all, at least not in Sinja's case as best as I can surmise.

What I have found as somewhat helpful has been the following:

1-Spending more time with Sinja directly..we have always been together 20 hours a day...now I don't leave her alone for more than very isolated brief periods.

2- Going for longer walks and trips to the park areas near our home. Sinja at first was reluctant and disinterested in going outside. if she doesn't want to walk, we stop and site for awhile. Then we walk again for a few minutes and I always talk happy talk to her.

3-Taking Sinja with me on as many outings as feasible..even a trip to the mailbox 20 yards from the front door or to give a message to our landscaper.

4-If I am working in my office and Sinja is not in the room, I find her. She may be back guarding Pepino's bed or hiding under a chair. I bring her back to the office, sit her on my lap, and talk to her in a positive and cheerful voice.

These are just a few things I have done and are slowly making a difference. If your dog is young and very active you might also try playing games outside or at the park.

Exercise , whether walks or by participating in active games is a wonderful remedy for dogs and people in relieving stress and anxiety. Distraction and a redirection of energy can be soothing and an emotional comfort to your dog. 

I love all my dogs beyond description. If any one of them is ever in distress I will find a way to ease that pain so that my best pal can enjoy his or her life once more.

Our dogs are our family..we owe them no less