Depression Support Group

Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.

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bogey44 01/08/2015

HI Everyone

Any of you that has had a pet that is the their furry best friend and you add so much to your life, you will understand this.

Our 12 year old Sheltie, the sweetest dog in the world, died 3 months ago. He, Teddy, was my husband's dog. The death was very hard on my husband and not too good for me. I have a 18# 8 year old yorkie, Bogey, that is my baby!!!! In Teddy's honor and because he added so much to my husbands life, we got a Sheltie puppy.

OMG, Bogey has gone into depression!! He is still eating, but has become a shell of the dog he was. I have even had him to vet. I have been told by vet and dog trainer to have the two dogs and myself and husband play together as much as possible.. It is not helping. I have tried to give him all kinds of special attention, no good. I used to go to him for comfort now ...

Can anyone relate and give me any suggestions? or support?

My heart is broken and my husband is on cloud 9. Geez

Thanks for anything you can say.....

ZAZAS 01/08/2015

I have custody of my x's rat terrior. The old dog Hadies (American bull) passed away a little while ago from cancer. Ken's dog was scared to death of him with good reason.

Missy get used to the run of the house. Now, a baby pit bull, the size of a horse and the energy of a 2 year old. Oh, she is sweet as pie, but she is so strong and gets so excited. Also, she thinks she is a lap dog. Her name is Bama. She can fit Missy's head in her mouth. Anyway, it took a little while but Missy (11 years old) and the puppy are getting along now. But, as you said, poor Missy went through some changes during the get to know each other phase.

chilvr 01/08/2015

dogs grieve too. i have found in the past that this grief period can last up to a year. this is probably part of what is going on. the second part is introducing a new puppy. puppies need a lot of attention and your older dog may be somewhat peeved about this and your role in it. just give it time and they will eventually bond and work out their boundaries.
hugs and puppy kisses

Justexisting 01/08/2015

Hi bogey, so sorry for your loss of Teddy. It is heart wrenching when our dogs die. Of course Bogey is depressed( I believe it),he lost a dear buddy/companion. Keep doing what you are, loving him through it. Does he like going for a car ride? Maybe different places to walk him? It might help you too. Our fur babies adjust to changes on their own time table. Give it some more time, he will come around.
Gentle ((hugs))

ThePepperMan 01/08/2015

Here is a link to a man who has a very good way with dogs:

http://www.cesarsway.com

I am sure that he sells products there, I don't have any financial stake in the site and have not purchased any of his products. But do some research there. Odds are that he would have suggested a way to introduce the dogs to one another, but that is history now.

Perhaps establish parts of the house that each dog is the only dog that is allowed to go there. Given that one is a puppy, it might make sense to bias it in favor of the established dog.

Good luck

gustokitty 01/08/2015

I agree Bogey is grieving. Maybe have heart to heart w him. I know he is a dog, but it doesn't mean he won't feel your intention and understanding. let him know, you know he hurts. do u hv something that was Teddy's? or did they just share. if there was a toy or something that smelled like Teddy, possibly that would help. but i'm not sure on that.
When I lost my dog, my other dog seemed to know, but I think he actually understood the first dog was old and sick, he was waiting his turn to be top dog. we discovered the dog park, and that gave him other dogs to play with.

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