Dogs Bereavement / Pining?

Question

Hi there

I have sadly had to have my Greyhound put to sleep 2 days ago. I had him for 9 years and I will sorely miss him.

It was only 18 months ago that I lost my collie in a tragic accident.

I still have one other dog, but now she is on her own. I really worry about her, she was the youngest of my 3 and has never been without any other dogs in the house.

Shoul dI go and get another dog (by no means trying to replace my beloved other 2) or do I allow myself time to grieve.

I dont know what to do for the best, think of my feelings or think of my other dog who is pining?

Answer 1

Get the dog a new puppy to love asap.  Animals grieve, and the more intelligent the animal, the more significant the grief, in my experience.  A puppy is not threatening, and will distract your dog from its grief.  But it is important that when the new puppy arrives, you pay lots of attention to your older pet and not overly much to the puppy - everyone else (guests, housemates) will give the cute little puppy heaps of attention, leaving you to concentrate on ensuring your grieving dog doesn't misinterpret his new 'toy'/playmate as a replacement for him in your affections.  That would be NOT GOOD.  Dogs need human company AND dog company to be really happy.