Lost my second dog in 30 days :)

[Feathers n Fur]

Just came by to share my thoughts. I had three dogs, Petie - a 16 yr old mix, Oakley, a 14 yr old australian shepherd and Louie, a 6yr old anatolian shepherd mix. On Memorial Day we lost Oakley who kept on like a champ even after a bout of vestibular disease, arthiritis, loss of much sight and hearing. He lost his ability to climb stairs about 4 months before he died and we happily carried him in and out ot the house and picked him up when he fell over. He died peacefully at home. Last night we had to put Peite down after she lost her mobility and thrive within a 24 hour period. Very sad even though they were both old and lived full lives. Now we have Louie and the chickens. He is very sad and was just bouncing back from the loss of Oakley when Petie left us. He is just the most pathetic thing, lying in all the places the other dogs would rest. Not wanting to eat unless Oakley's bowl was placed on the floor. Now with Petie gone he is just not eating period. I guess he will need his own time to mourn.

My chickens did cheer me up after we burried Petie next to Oakley in the yard. The all came running to greet me. Sometimes being a pet mommy is crappy but 99% of the time it is soooooo worth it!

Thanks for listening...I feel a little better and will do so with each passing day.

Oakley is the one on the left, Petie is the one on the right and Louie is in the middle.

 

[ailurophile23]

That is so heartbreaking and you have my deepest sympathy. Back in January, I had to put down our ancient draft horse and one of my kitties on the same day. About a month later, I had to put down another kitty due to old age. I had hoped all three would make the move to the new farm with us but I also feel like it was so how right that the two ancient friends stayed at the old farm, the only home they ever knew. It made moving that much more bittersweet. Give Louie time and lots of extra love - he does have to mourn too. And you are right - 99% of the time it is so worth it - and while that 1% of the time really hurts, it also makes us appreciate the good times that much more.

 

[Feathers n Fur]

Thank you for your warm thoughts ailurophile23. My sympathies to you for your loss as well. It's never easy since we treat our pets as family - smoethimes better

. Louie was always a booger to the chickens but in this new light of having them as the only other animals in the yard he may grow to like them a bit more and maybe they'll be friends.

 

[ailurophile23]

"It's never easy since we treat our pets as family - smoethimes better"

Isn't that true - but then again, we often spend more time with our furred and feathered friends than we do with some of our family, whether by choice or by circumstances.

I hope Louie does find companionship in the chickens. My ancient cat's best kitty friend was lost for a while after his death but she has since decided that one of my dogs is her best buddy.

 

[PitterPaws]

Sometimes being a pet mommy is crappy but 99% of the time it is soooooo worth it!

So Very Very True

I am sorry for the loss of your two pets, it is Never easy, they love us so unconditionally, Sounds like they had a very good life.

Keep an eye on Louie, he might need help coping with the loss of his friends.

 

[Roxannemc]

So sorry for your loss.
Pets are family members you cherish dearly even if not human. Pets grieve for their friends too.For sure.
NO eating...Maybe offer good treats to get him to eat... Sometimes a treat will get their appetite going.
Maybe walks and car rides?Things he enjoys.
And special attention.
He will now look to you for friendship more than before.Maybe even follow you around as now you are his only anchor.
I know you arent thinking of this now but after a time .... a new pet would lift your spirits and help take the pain away for you all. Guaranteed
They never take the old dear friends place but they can bring up your spirits by their many antics and fill an empty hole in your home with sunlight for you and for Louie and he will have a new someone close to him again.

 

[Glenmar]

 

[Feathers n Fur]

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and hugs. Louie is getting extra love these days. He even got two walks yesterday and a new toy. He did eat this morninng eventhough it was just a few bites. He even laid by the chicken run last nigh but the chickens are not being overly friendly just yet since prior to the passing of my other dogs he used to stalk their coop/run and make them nervous. He'll have to win their trust. All in good time.

 

[oesdog]

So sorry to hear of your loss.
We nearly lost the Oes this week too. He is slowly improving but due to it being his heart I doubt if he will ever return to being the bouncing beast he once was.
I hope your dog gets over the loss soon. We have lost our beautiful OesxWolfhound b.tch ( Molly mop) and an Oes B.tch ( Pollyanna) and a cat called Suki Yamma. It really doesn't get any easier. When Molly died age 16yrs we were so upset we contacted the Oes rescue and got another within 2 weeks. After Pollyanna died aged only 6 yrs we did the same thing and got Murph within a week. We just couldn't cope with the house without a big fur ball in it!!!!!! I think other dogs sence when something is wrong. Our little Schnouzer Gizzy has not left Murphy at all. We just have to wait and hope for a good outcome.

Hugs to you and your dog.

Oesdog

 

[Feathers n Fur]

Oesdog - I do hope Murphy pulls through. Yes, the other dogs sense when something is wrong. Louie acted peculiar when both dogs went downhill. He was not at their side like your Gizzy but he was most restless and would pace (he is not a typical pacer) nervously. He was always a loner in the pack wanting to be left alone so I thought when the others passed he would want to be an only dog but he just seems sad now. I'll give him some time and if he doesn't bounce backI think we'll take him to open adoptions and let him help pick out a new playmate.