Grief (Mental Health)

[MsCotton]

As I posted on the rainbow bridge forum Ms Cotton lost her Boo last week. She is very down and panicked yesterday when she was alone for a couple of hours. I took almost an hour to get her calmed down, a walk and playing with the kids worked. Today I ask her if she wanted to go with us when we went to lunch and she didn’t get off the couch. She was in the same spot twenty minutes later when I came home. I am spending a lot of time with her, taking her on extra walks, and playing with her rope a couple times a day, and letting her sleep with me in the morning when hubby goes to work. I put Boo’s blanket in her crate and his toy on her bed so she can smell him. Do you have any suggestions on how to make this easier for her? If you have had this experience how long can I expect her to be sad?

 

[KonaKoffe]

Actually I would suggest taking any reminders of Boo away. In time she will get over it they seem to fair better than humans. Keep her occuppied like you are doing.

 

[Net45582]

It's sad,but animals grieve for their companions too. My Kiddo passed just shy of 3 months ago leaving Chancey an only dog for the first time in her life. It took her several weeks to adjust....we are bonding in a whole new way. I realized its a bit harder for dogs because there is a whole new pack order for them to adjust to also. Placing Boos blanket with MsCotton may confuse her.....thinking Boo will be back-just a thought. I did keep Kiddos collar on the table where Chancey can sniff it once in a while.It will take time for the whole family to adjust.

 

[Kirby Kirb]

That is so sad, my heart goes out to you all. I have my beliefs that animals uderstand as much as humans. I would talk to Ms Cotton, and tell her that everything is going to be ok, and that her Boo has gone to a better place, and she will see her soon. Talk to her just like you would a person. Give her lots of attention and love, and time. I am sure she will come around, she just needs her time to grieve. I send you all the best wishes I can, please keep us posted.

 

[MsCotton]

Thanks

I put his blanket away and set his favorite toy with his leash and collar. She got excited and started looking around for him when I started putting away his stuff! Good call on her expecting him to come back. I gave her some love and a carrot and we had a talk. We had removed his crate, bed, dishes and most of his toys last weekend and it didn’t occur to me the blanket may be a problem. I will however need to keep our couch that smells like him LOL. Thanks for all your help and advice!

 

[Jill's boxer]

I am so sorry for both your family and poor Ms Cotton. I agree that putting away his things will probably make it easier for her. Hopefully she will get through her grieving soon--just be sure to give her lots of love and extra attention for now...


Its a bit late for this, I know, and I hate to add it here but it might help others in this situation, so please forgive me for slightly hijacking this thread...

if at all possible, when it is time to "say goodbye" to your boxer or pet, be sure to take your other boxer(s)/pets with you when the times comes and allow them a moment or two to say goodbye as well and let them see the body afterwards--it really does help them to understand what has happened. As a tech, I often have recommended this when there have been multiple dogs that are tightly bonded to help ease the anxiety of the missing companion.

 

[kazsmom]

We lost Belle is February and it took Kaz a good month to start acting normal again. He wouldn't walk, eat, play, go into the yard. We had to literally pick him up to take him outside for the potty. It's so heartbreaking to see the remaining dog grieve -- I almost think they grieve more than we do, but just can't tell us about their feelings other than to give you a horribly sad look.

My advice is to just spend tons of time with MsCotton and have the kids fawn all over her. I still don't think Kaz is completely over losing his big sister, but we ended up adopting another from a rescue to help him through it. It's such a joy to see him playing again, but Kaz grew up overnight when Belle left us. He's no longer the goofy puppy we used to love so much!

Good luck to you guys -- please tell MsCotton that Kaz knows what she's going through and he sends his licks her way.

 

[PrinceBubba]

So Sad

OMG - this is so very sad. Nothing like a good cry on Friday afternoon. Prince sends his healing vibes and lots of boxer kisses and hugs to Ms. Cotton. So very sorry for your loss sweet girl. (the whole family also:()