help w/ grieving dog

[nostarsinsight]

leisha's grief seems to be increasing. i don't know if maybe she's just having a hard day, or if every day spent without budgie is compounding her grief. today, she won't leave my side---she won't even let me be across the room, or 5 feet away, she's constantly at my feet. i just realized she probably hasn't gone out because i didn't go with her

Comments

[mellow_yellow]

ive never experienced the death of another dog, but when riley (my kitty) died, chunk-a-butt had a hard time coping and adjusting. we just gave him extra attention by play and extra pets, but we kept about our normal schedule. he is just fine now.

i dont know if that will help at all, but i figured its the least i can do.

[nostarsinsight]

thanks mel, it really does help.

[mellow_yellow]

that is all that matters!

[klmv]

yes, i would say devote some extra-special attention time every day consistently, but make it distinct and definite. animals adapt far better than we do, you'll find...

[nostarsinsight]

thanks schmoop.

[p.s. the 'bad kitty' is still alive and well--with only one major repair so far]

[geekgirl711]

first i would like to say im sorry about your loss.... second.. i agree with the above.. most important is dont change to much in her schedule... third.. maybe look into getting a companion for her... it might help your dad too.. of course wait till your mom has a chance to greive too.. but it might be a good idea.. because if she has to learn to deal with another dog.. (where she is the owner of the house and the new dog is the newbie.. it might take her mind off of her sadness....and perhaps a new pup or an older puppy.. maybe as a present to your dad and mom or something along those lines.. just a thought :) i love you jessie mae :)

[nostarsinsight]

thanks mel. i love you too!

i would really like another dog, but i don't know if my parents would. i have a feeling they won't be getting another one, tho i know it would help everyone, who knows how long my dad is gonna remain in good shape [he's much older] and it would potentially saddle my mom with another responsibility.

[turtleriot]

when Princess, Isis's mom died, it took Isis about 6 or so months to fully not remember, i think most of it are scents as well. for a dog or cat, to smell the old scents of their buddies makes them think that they are still around but just not there. we got rid of all their toys (they both played with them) and i washed and vacummed where Princess used to lie all the time. but ever since she has been a lone cat in the house, for a good 10 years now, she is always near people. she will wander around alone some, but for the most part she is always near people. i think pets that had a companion are just too social to be alone much, and id say espeically w/ Leisha.

it may help to try and rid the house of Budgie's scent. at least it wouldnt be as much of a reminder to Leisha and besides that i dont know much of what to say for Leisha. she is already a "clingy" dog. i would just think she's gonna be a little more clingy until she forgets life w/ budgie.

*hugs* i love ya hon

[nostarsinsight]

thanks holl. i'm reluctant to totally get rid of his scent... i guess for me it's comforting to have little reminders of him but i guess for her it could be the opposite.... he hasn't played with any toys for a long time, so i guess it's more a matter of getting the carpets/couch/gold chair cleaned.

i've been wanting to get leisha a dog for a while, but since i'm hoping to be moving to toronto in the near future i think having two will be a little much until i'm settled. :[ she's usually only been that clingy when friends are over, but now she's even worse than when there's company. i know she'll be okay, i just worry too much.

[turtleriot]

i know you worry about her. she's yer lil munchkin. but i think she's gonna be fine. and besides, its only been days since, so give all of you time to adjust.

oh btw, did yer g-ma like that scarf?