I adopted my dog a month after his death. Therefore they never met. But my dog, trying to adapt to me and his new life, seemed so confused as my sadness, He saved my life. And I saved his. I noticed pets feel a lot more than we realize. Hang in there,

When Don passed both our cats grieved and required much more petting and attention. I would sit down and would talk to them and give them much love and TLC. This helped them. Hope this works for you. Both cats are fine now. Hugs to you and a Pet on the head for Bud. Phyl

Dogs are such emotional creatures, she will "pick up" on your sadness
. I know when my husband, Ben,passed, my dog, Hazy, really missed him. Ben was her alpha...it was difficult at first, but in.way you are both
Hurting so much......she will help you.....and you will help her.......If you become her world, she will get better. You can heal together.
Dogs are wonderful friends. I believe she will survive this with your special love and support.....we are all here to support you,
Hugs......Sandra

The day my husband died each of our dogs came into the room one at a time stood in front of him, sniffing, touched his leg and with head down walked out. It was pretty amazing.
Bud will get better as you do. Maybe, the two of you could use another little beastie in the house? It might change the energy dynamic.

My husband's labrador, Cinder, took his death hard. I wrote a post about it called animals grieve too. What I did was give her the extra attention and tried to bond her more with me. We took a couple of obedience classes together and that actually really helped. We had a task we did together, she got rewards and attention. It took a little bit of time but she became her happy lab self again.
Hope this helps,
Val

When my husband passed, he had been at home and in a coma for more than three days. During that time, our two dogs stood vigil at his bedside, refusing to leave except for the briefest trip outside for necessities. One of the dogs was my husband's special friend, and he took the "post" closest to him. This sweet dog also sought out my husband's hand to nuzzle shortly before he stopped breathing, almost as if he was telling us that my husband's time to cross had come.

The weeks after that are a blur to me in many ways and I did not immediately notice how hard the dogs, especially that dog, were taking my husband's death. They were listless and needing a lot of attention. Fortunately, I eventually caught on to this and saw that they were actually grief companions. I tried to set up an exercise routine to help us al (before the weather made that impossible), but mostly I found myself talking to them, sitting with them, even "singing" with them.

I think I can honestly say that after 7 months, my dogs are both more themselves. But they are changed too. Somehow, I think they may understand more than I do and they are a wonderful source of comfort. Like me, they will never be the same, but we seem to be "all in" on a pact to go forward as best we can. They are both quite old, though, and of course I worry so about losing them. Still, they remind me that what we have is the present moment and nothing more-- or less -- so let's make the most of it. In a special way, that spirit reminds me of my husband and connects me a little better with the gratitude I feel for the extraordinary love and marriage I have had.

I do think that pets recover and heal as we do and probably in much the same way -- through sharing the journey!

I wish you and "Bud" much comfort and love!

Valie

His dogs took it hard and for months seemed disappointed that it was just me coming home at the end of the day. One very sad day there was a cycle ride starting at our home and Meg the whippet kept searching for him among the bicycles. The dogs knew Martin their whole lives - longer than I did. They did get better after some months. Then Meg died in January and even though Blue the greyhound and she hadn't seemed great friends, Blue was very morose for weeks. It's only been the last couple of weeks that he has returned to his old self somewhat.
I agree that dogs pick up on our emotions. Hang in there. Things will improve for both of you but it does take time.

My husband always thought dogs, were outside only, an animal, not a member of the family. When we got him, I wanted him to be more of my husband's dog, since he was a larger outside dog, and we always had small inside dogs before. He took him to training, sat on the patio after work and fed him some of his snacks, took him for walks and played with him. My husband took his life in our back yard, and the dog, spent the day there with him and I'm sure he was traumaized. My husband was very strict with him. He wasn't allowed in the house or on the sofa. My mom suggested I start letting him inside. It took some convincing that it was ok, to come in. Now he sleeps on the sofa at night. I do think dogs grieve. It took a long time for him to come around and act somewhat normal. I've become his mom now.

Our dogs were a Godsend on this journey. While my husband was home in hospice care, our 2 labrador retrievers kept vigil at all times. Because Steve was in a hospital bed, the dogs were able to find just the "perfect" spot UNDER the bed! They loved to lie there, perhaps that was their way of providing protection for Steve!
For many days after Steve passed I fretted over the dogs. They truly seemed to sense his loss. The would both stand at the windows as if waiting for him to come home at night. It broke my heart.
After a few weeks, things seemed to get better for them. I am a true dog-lover, so I was willing and able to give them tons of affection and attention.
Sadly, one year after Steve's death, I had to put his precious Sadie to sleep. So painfully hard to do, but I told her "Daddy" would be waiting for her!
I was left with just my big ol' yellow lab, Jake. Jake seemed terribly sad and lonely once again.
Well....enter Vinny!!!!! I adopted a scruffy little guy from the Humane Society and Jake and his Cousin Vinny romp around and have fun all day long!
Dogs are resilient, they live on love.... just give your dog plenty of it!
Bless you for caring and hugs for brighter days for both you and your precious dog.

When my husband died suddenly eighteen months ago, we had three dogs. Steve was the main playmate for them while I was the Mommy/feeder. I loved them too, of course, but my attention was more in the form of petting/talking to them. I was concerned about their grief and asked the vet about it. She told me that dogs seem to grieve for around six months.

Now they romp all over me the way they used to do to Steve, especially when I just arrive home from anywhere. I don't play with them as much as Steve (and my son, who is away at school) did. Funny, when you have a whole house, yard, and job to attend to, there isn't a whole lot of time for fun and games. Anyway, the dogs have adjusted to my ways and schedule and I think we're all glad to have each other. I don't think they still grieve for Steve, but I have no doubt that they would know him if he suddenly walked in the door. If only --
Alice

Our dogs all grieved the loss of my husband. We grieved together many times. I'm a dog person, and I found them a huge comfort to talk to and have them lick my tears. They recovered and have adjusted to our life with me. Sharon

My older dog, who is 13, grieved for about 9 months. She is now back to her old happy self. The puppy was sad for a day or two and then took over trying to make me and the older dog happy. She would bring us toys and kiss us. Thank God for her because she was a life saver!

Your dog will be okay. It will just take some time. Lots of hugs and walks will help you both.

This is very interesting because I came here today with the intent of posting my experience with my pup, Jersey Girl. She's generally fine, but when I get upset at any level she really responds to it. She'll slowly sneak upstairs, she sometimes obsessively licks things, etc. Last night I had a major break down. (My birthday is tomorrow and last year I lost my Mom on July 1st and my husband on December 29th and it's really riding me hard for some reason.) Jersey sleeps with me and this morning I woke up to see that she had vomited all over the bedroom. It deeply saddens me that my emotions upset her so much, but at the same time I need to let them out once in a while.
Sorry I don't have any good advice on how to help with the situation.

Thank you all for sharing your wonderful, insightful and loving stories about your dogs.

When Morey got sick we had two Black Labs a 13 year old named Brenda, and a 2 year old named Horton. Brenda and Morey did EVERYTHING together. She adored him and he loved her. When he passed, she laid on the couch by his chair and by the front door wondering why he hadn't taken her out with him. She cried and slept a lot. The Vet said that at her age the sleep was very important and because her drinking and eating were good to not push her. She finally passed 10 months after Morey [the Vet said that it was old age but I know it was broken heart!]

Horton and I laid on the floor next her, in our living room, before the hospice Vet was to administer her final sleep and my tears fell on her beautiful face as I told her to go to PaPa, he was waiting for her. Horton laid muzzle to muzzle with her and licked her nose.......it was such a beautiful and poignant moment for all of us.

I have her paw print and her cremains on a shelf in my bedroom with a plague that talks about how important and loved she was by EVERYONE who met her.

It's so hard typing through tears.

Roz

My husband Ray loved English Pointers. We have Norman and he is so special to my husband. Since last June Ray had breathing issues and had to sleep sitting up in the living room. Norman would sleep in bed with me. At 10 o'clock no matter what Norman would go to bed.

After Ray passed Jan. 28th 2015, Norman sleeps on the couch where Ray slept. for 7 months. He may come to bed around 2 am but most time not at all. He'll only come to bed when it get to cool and he wants under the covers.

I also see him at dinner time sitting next to Ray's spot at the kitchen table. For me now I don't eat much and never at our normal times. But Norman knows the routine and wait for Ray who would feed him from the tables.

I find it very sad after 2 months. When I cry Norman is with me, probley crying as well.