Do Pets Mourn the loss of other Pets?
Well, I have to tell you yes, I feel they do. Two months ago, we lost our Tammy girl. She was a Lab, and although always busy, kept the calm or peace shall I say between my other two dogs. Two weeks before Tammy girl passes, she had an episode. My daughter’s American Bulldog Twitch, slept next to her side for a few days. It was unbelievable to see a dog be so empathetic and nurturing to my ailing Tammy. Two weeks later when Tammy girl had passed, my other lab Trixie which ironically we got for Tammy girl to get over her loss of Mickey my cocker spaniel, started to panic. We allowed her to be present while we handled the burial. It was almost like she never expected this to happen. Tammy was the Alfa girl. Now, Trixie who was the toughie of the two, did not handle this loss well at all. Especially since she was so used to following Tammy girls lead. It first started with her walking around crying, then not wanting to go out by herself. From there, she would just look out the window, or look at us with this worrisome look as if to say “now what do I do”. She even walked around everywhere with a squeaky toy for security. Usually she tears a toy to pieces in minutes. This toy has become her “binkie“. Twitch the bulldog on the other hand was sad but he has a job everyday going to the barn, so by the time he gets home he is tired and goes to sleep for a bit. Well, just this past week, I noticed more sadness and he was crying in his sleep. So much so I had to wake him a bit and assure him everything was ok. It has been tough on us as a family but it has been harder for our pets. A week almost to the day after Tammy girl passed, my daughter who is a puppy walker, got another client. Her name is Mia. She is a Golden Retriever all of 4 months old. The funny thing is that she resembles our Tammy girl in oh so many ways. From her gentleness, to her funny ways. The amazing thing is Twitch and Trixie both feel the likeness of Tammy girl as well. This makes them feel comfortable when Mia is around. She is actually helping us all especially Trixie and Twitch mourn the loss of Tammy girl. It was almost heaven sent by Tammy as if she new her loss upset us all so much. Well, today I do believe there has been some progress. Twitch actually greeted me with a toy in his mouth with his nub wiggling this morning. He was happy today, which spilled over to Trixie. I had two happy dogs today. Now, not sure what tomorrow will bring, except that Mia will be here and maybe she will help continue the healing process. Although only a temporary situation, it has been a blessing. But yes, pets do mourn the loss of other pets.
Tina Fries
Written by VividLife.me
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