One of my dogs died, the other is in mourning I think

[thegudies]

We have had these dogs for 8 years. The other week one was run over by a truck and the other was found not far from the body.  She is sulking which I expected but now has taken up howling. She has never done that before. She will also walk around the backyard whining.  How can I make her feel just a little bit better?

[Ghilly]

Ginger brings up an interesting point.  Allow her to grieve, but don't let her wallow in it.  When she's acting sad, don't tell her she's a good girl and that everything will be fine, because she doesn't actually understand what you're saying, she understands the tone in which you are saying it, and what that tells her is that her behavior is correct.  By telling her she's a good girl you are reinforcing the sad behavior.  

When she seems down, talk to her in a very up, happy voice, and try to get her to join you in a game of tug or fetch or something that will divert her attention elsewhere.  I also love Red's suggestion about taking her to the shelter and letting her choose a new companion for herself!  What a great idea!  That way you KNOW they will get along famously because they will be the ones who decided on the partnership!  If you DO decide to do that, remember to go with her instincts.  No matter which dog she chooses, let that be the one.  Don't override her decision for one that you might like better, because this is to be her companion, and it's most important that she be the one that's happy with the decision.

And, above all, as I already said, let her grieve, but don't let it become an all-consuming thing.  If you see her getting more and more down instead of cheering up as the days go by, then by all means step in and do something to help her, because you don't want her to grieve herself to the point of illness.

Ghilly

[ginger899]

That poor girl! She has been traumatized by this incident. She saw it happen, she stood by the other dog's body.....and now she knows EXACTLY what has happened, and is feeling grief, as dogs do. Their emotions are not mixed-up. They know precisely what they are feeling and why in their own way. And they grieve.

Give her as much normality as possible, and understanding. Sometimes with dogs TOO much emphasis on comforting them -too strong a show of emotion-,  can make them worse, but she needs to come back to normal as much as she can. In between, she needs a few quiet hugs and tenderness.

Wolves howl to 'rally the pack' She is calling probably to try to fetch him back, because she is missing him. It is possible getting another dog, especially a pup (it might arouse her mother-instincts) -might help.

[thegudies]

What an interesting suggestion about her picking another friend herself. We'll consider this for now.....thank you for your response.  And I'm sorry for your loss too.....it's just so awful, we found her not far from her brothers body also.....gosh could cry all over again.  But thanks for your understanding really appreciate it.

[thegudies]

Thank you for help....not sure if I'm ready to get another pet.  We've noticed she just wants to be an indoors dog now so we have made a little bed up for her just inside the house. Because we rent we aren't able to have her as a lap dog as such but it seems to help. I've also changed the routine of eating and washing her - something someone had suggested once.  But thanks for your responses....at least I feel a little better, feeling the love....thank you.

[iluvmyboys]

I am so sorry for your loss I have two dogs and I can not imagine what will happend to the other one if one is missing. Try getting another pet so that she will have an companion. Hope it helps.

[have 2 kids]

Our dog also became depressed after losing a companion.   She wouldn't eat or play.
We finally got another dog and she was back to her old self within days.
I'm sorry for the loss of your pet.

[Red931]

They will do this. They are just like us and in some cases more sensitive. This just happened recently by my home. One dog got hit by a truck and the other would not let the police or animal rescue get near the other's body.

It is very sad and I am sorry for your loss. Your other dog seems to prefer the companionship of another one. I can only suggest you take her over to your local shelter and let her pick out a new companion. While I am not suggesting that another could ever take the place of the one you lost, getting another that needs a home may be of benefit to all involved.

Good Luck.