My dog died this morning - worried now about surviving dog

[doglikescheeseontoast]

Hi, I am feeling extremely sad atm and want to do whatever is best for our surviving dog because this has been a horrible day and I just don't know how to help him.

Long story, my partner moved in with me about 6 years ago with 2 dogs, both quite old. One died about 3 years later - I expected the surviving dog to struggle or pine or something, but he didn't. We were made aware of a rescue dog from Romania who had since been placed in a shelter in this country, and we took him. Our old dog and the new dog bonded really well and we have have had the rescue dog for about two and a half years.

Old dog became suddenly seriously unwell at the end of last week, and this morning we had to take the heartbreaking decision to let him go. New dog is beside himself - he is following me around the house, sitting outside where Old Dog chose to sit before he died, and I don't know what to do to make it better for him. He doesn't really even like me that much (likes my partner better than me) but he is now as I write sat squashed up to me on he sofa with his head on my shoulder. I am more than happy to allow this, btw, it is just so out of character.

I suppose what I am asking is how to help surviving dog deal with the very sudden loss of the dog who was his friend but who will not be here any more?

[Yogagirl123]

So sorry for your loss OP, I know from experience how awful it feels to lose beloved pets. No wonder your dog is upset/confused, he is obviously taking comfort from being close to you, unfortunately it will take time for you all to adjust. Why does it always seem to happen so suddenly with animals? I have been through it so many times, never gets any easier. Wishing you all the best, take it easy over the next few days xx

[honeyroar]

Aww, really sorry for you all.

Your dog needs to grieve and will be feeling lonely and strange without his other pack member. Keep having those cuddles, go for walks, keep him occupied/exercised. Did he see the other dog's body? They say that helps them.

When my parent's first dog died the second dog took up dribbling a football up and down the garden. She was incredible with it, really talented. She did it for hours. Then two weeks later she stopped and couldn't be persuaded to play with it ever again. We think it was like her frustration/grief coming out.

I'd consider adopting a companion for him if he still seems to be struggling in a week or so.

[LaurieFairyCake]

My last dog howled when his best mate the cat died. He cried and cried. It was so sad.

[Pombliboo123]

Im so sorry for your loss... losing a family pet is completely heartbreaking.

When our 10 month old puppy suddenly died, my older dog (who didn't even act like he liked the puppy that much) was very quiet for a week or so, barely touched his food and wasn't interested in playing... just wandered around looking for his friend.

I just gave him lots of extra attention and cuddles and new toys and treats bacon and he seemed to get back to his normal self after a week or so. I think it's hard because you can't explain what's happened (obviously)

Then a couple of years later we got another puppy because I was worried he was lonely and he acts like he doesn't like her much either but cried and cried all night when she went for her knee surgery!

[plominoagain]

Oh I'm sorry . We had similar with our two greyhounds , when we lost our boy to cancer . Our girl was bereft , utterly bewildered , and lost . I had to take her everywhere with me because she was so upset . She became my shadow , which she'd never been , and became really nervy. In the end , we went back to the rgt , I sobbed all over them , and new boy came a week later . He's no replacement for our first boy , but his presence alone helped her .

[ggirl]

oh how sad , there is something so utterly heartbreaking about a bereaved animal.
Cuddles and reassurance I guess?
Are you able to spend lots of time with him?