We had two dogs, and one became ill with cancer. When she passed, the other dog layed around for weeks. We really sensed her depression so I do believe they are aware. It is a shame they can't communicate their feelings but maybe a little TLC might help.
(maybe it is good they can't go online, wonder what they would say about us?)

Poor Max, I'm sure animals grieve. I guess he's just going to have to go through this journey with you. Give him lots of hugs and TLC.

I think cats grieve too. Our cat Thor was Gene's buddy; he would sit on his lap and take naps with him. After Gene passed, Thor seemed very sad; He and I grieved together. Now if I leave for a few days, even though he has a very loving person to take care of him, he is a "velcro cat" when I get back. I am packing to move, and it seems to be making him extra needy. As I am writing this, I am having to work around him; he is sitting on my lap pressed against me. He is going with me, but he just doesn't know; maybe he thinks I will go away like Gene did. Poor baby!

awwwww - yes , my Daisy the Wonder Dog knows when I'm upset and licks me, and won't leave my side. I adopted her after Jerry died. If she had known him, she would have been COMPLETELY spoiled! I know when she's upset too. Animals are a gift from God, I'm convinced. Hug Max for me - oh, and of course you too!!! Vicki

We have a beagle named Missy. She was my husband's constant companion. She spent her days with him, by his side. For 2 months after his death, she was sad, sickly, and had no interest in anything. The vet said that she missed her "Dad" and that dogs do grieve. She seems to be feeling better now, but I know that she has had a tough time with his death. I hope Max feels better soon. Hugs, Dawn

Our cat sat on Joe's hospital bed with him for weeks. After he died, she walked all around the house, cried a little, looking for him. Now she stays by herself most of the day, but does sleep on my bed at night. I know animals have hearts and they hurt.

Before my husband got sick, our oldest Siamese would snuggle next to my husband in the recliner every night when we were watching TV. After he passed away, the cat stayed in that chair in the same position a lot of the time and looked so lonely. I'm sure our animals grieve the loss too. After 3 yrs. he is better but still looks for him to come home from work sometimes. My 2 Siamese sons are such a comfort.

Rene' had a toy poodle when she passed. He would sit at the back door when I came in and wait as if she was going to come thru the door. He did this everytime I came home. Broke my heart. Then he would be in the garage with me and just sit by the car passanger side door like he again was waiting. did this for about a month then would just run back and forth to me to the door. He has finally stopped. I know he grieved for her. I just have been extra attentive to him and now he is my best friend like an ankle hugger.
Peace to all,
Dave ps: I have the 10 commandments for animals. I will post them below this post.

A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS:

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please.
Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.


~Take a moment today to be thankful for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without these critters.

Animals definitely grieve. The lady who "puppy sits" for me when I have to be gone a few days had an older large dog, forgot what kind, who died. The best friend of that dog, a dachshund was not nearly as old as the other one. He grieved so badly ~ not eating, lying around that she took him to the vet. He told her he was grieving and they tried different things ~~ but, he died. I felt so sorry for her because her dogs are her 'children' and she lost 2 in a month. She had 5 at the time. I think she is back to 5 again now.

My dtr and the twin boys had a 90% wolf ~~ who just showed up here one day. He was in bad health and one foot and leg looked like he had been in a trap. We all doctored and petted him, took him to the vet, etc. He was such a sweet dog. Her other dog,Greta, an English Bulldog and Tripod loved each other so much. We had him several years when he got so sick that, sadly, he had to be put down. Greta was so listless and lost a lot of weight. We were afraid she was going to die too. Everyone gave her more attention and she finally started acting more like herself. She's gained her weight back now. I felt so sorry for her. I would tell her I knew how she felt!

I got Gizmo for Travis for Christmas 4 years ago. After Travis died, Gizmo would sit in the dog pen outside watching the driveway for him to pull in. She could hear his pick up a mile or so away and would just get so excited that dad was coming home.
She has started many fights with the other dogs (we have 5 all together) and was just miserable. I picked her up and just cried with her, we both miss dad. I told her I am here for her even though right now I am not too strong either,
She gets sooo excited when I come home. It is like she is relieved that I have not left too.
She hasn't gotten into any fights with the others since we had our little talk. She was lost and confused. I hope she understood what I was trying to say to her.
I have to move his pickup out of our shop this spring so I can inventory everything he has in there. I hope it doesn't bring up false hopes in her.

Our dachshund grieved for weeks after her "dad" did not return from the hospital the last time. Now she frets every time I leave the house for any length of time. She has started eating again, and thankfully before he died Mac suggested that I get another dog to keep her company. I think he was really thinking of me and how it would give me comfort, but it also helps with calming Maggie. I gave her extra attention and she has finally become less anxious. We are all God's creatures and feel the pain of loss.

Amen to Rene4ever's article. My dogs are doing pretty well with extra care and special pancake days (with peanut butter) but I know they mis their Dad.

My dog grieved so badly it took months before she came through it. My husbands African Grey decided it was my fault he never came back and swore at me and through things at me, he had me in tears all the time. I gave him to my son in law and now he seems okay but he still hates me. Kinda hurts my feelings I know it is silly but it is true!