Widows & Widowers Support Group

This community is dedicated to those who have lost a husband, wife, or partner. Anything is open for discussion here, with the hope that we can focus on grief, bereavement, life after loss, and continuing on after a great loss.

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My Grieving Dog

calgaryhair
calgaryhair
I am hoping someone maybe able to offer suggestions. I have a small dog who was home with my husband every day and they became great pals. My husband called him "my bud". After Ron passed away our dog seems down and quiet and just sad. I purposely tried to be cheerful and we go for a walk daily. He still eats and sleeps fine and I try to get him to play tug a war with his toys. I am sure he knows "mom" is sad and I really try. We went to see the Vet and they suggested a separation collar. He is wearing it. Is it helping? I don't know or is he just with the passing of time realizing Daddy isn't coming home. This collar is suppose to emit a calming scent to calm him. I really think I bought it for me. To feel like at least I tried and am doing something. I did speak to a client of mine who told me her dog quit eating and she had to put her dog to sleep. Please I really hope I never have to go down that road. I guess my question is: in time do you think my dog will be okay? Anyone who has lost their mate a year or two ago, did your pets recover? Thank you for listening. Hugs to all.
eric1971
eric1971
Give, and take comfort in your dog, it will help both of you. I have seen one dog recover, our old Chow. After our daughter passed, he slept in front of her door for a month, something he had never done before. He could sense our sadness, and would come over, sometimes giving his paw, other times putting his head in our laps, we took this as his way of giving a hug. I have seen another dog suffer too much. When my wife passed, our Golden was extremely sad, she stopped eating for a while, then only little bits at a time. Eventually she started chewing herself all over to the point of bleeding. The vet said it was from anxiety, my wife worked from home and they were always together. She was happy when my son and I got home, but couldn't take the days alone.
Keep taking him on those walks, give him lots of attention, and he will do the same for you, and if you can, maybe get another dog? Someone for him to play with, just suggesting.
Jacuzzi63
Jacuzzi63
My husky-shepherd Chinook would wander the house, over and over, going to the bedroom where my husband died, then coming back and singing/crying. She had little appetite for several weeks. I spoiled her with fresh butcher bones and dog treats.
Two years on, and she's fine. Bored because she's home alone during the day now, but all smiles and wiggly tail if I say "walkies?" Or jingle my keys for a car ride.
See how it goes.
nowjustme
nowjustme
My husband and I didn't have a dog when he died but my neighbor's dog grieved terribly. He used to take the dog for walks/runs when he used his golf cart. After he died the dog was so grieved I gave my neighbor some of his shirts and a pair of his shoes and the dog calmed right down with the scent of his things. Give that a try.