March 7, 2008

  • Grieving Dog

    This is odd, I think, but I wanted to share and see if anyone else has experienced anything similar.

    As you know, our cat of 18 years, Jesse-boy, was put to sleep February 15th.  We've had our dog, Sampson (close to 18yo), since we were married which means the cat and dog had been together 10 years.  We were concerned about our remaining young cat, Stormy, missing Jesse-boy.  We didn't give our dog a second thought as he is older and sleeps almost always in his bed except to eat and go outside.

    Two days ago, he came out to the den and let out a low, deep yelp/bark.  I called Jesse inside from the garage because I'm afraid of Sampson biting me when he's in pain.  We could find no immediate cause, but took his bedding to our master bathroom.  He walked with his tail tucked and his head down - like he could barely move.  Meanwhile, he paced in the two closets that are in our bathroom (both places Jesse-boy slept this past year) and then stood in our shower stall, circling and circling (another place Jesse-boy used to go to lick up fresh water).  He wouldn't come out of the shower stall - yet this dog HATES baths.

    He has slept for the past two days in front of the tub and we have found him in one or the other of our closets or the shower stall a couple of times.  He refuses to eat or drink and is shaking.  His nose was warm yesterday (but not today) and dry.  Jesse has to MAKE him go outside, which he does reluctantly and then returns to one of the closets or the shower stall before lying down in his bed.

    Jesse took him to the vet to have his teeth cleaned today and told the vet of Sampson's new behavior.  It's the general consensus that Sampson is grieving the loss of Jesse-boy!  I don't know if he finally noticed he's gone, or if he knew right away and is waiting for him to return.  He yelped (that same low, yelp/bark) one other time and the vet tech said it sounded like a cry of mourning.  The vet opted to not clean his teeth today and put him on an antibiotic, because he said dogs can grieve to the point of making themselves sick!

    Stormy is still confused about Jesse-boy being gone, but is continuing to be normal - just a little clingy.  Sampson has us concerned because of his age and the fact we never thought Jesse-boy's dying would be an issue with him. 

    Anyone have any advice?  I feel so bad for Sampson.

Comments (2)

  • I have seen dogs grieve, is it SO sad. The cure for us has always been add a new family member to our family, pets that is not kids LOL. I bet Sampson would LOVE a new kitten or puppy. Thank you so much for all your prayers, it really means a lot to me.((((HUGS))))

  • Poor Sampson! I wish I could be there to give him a squeeze but it probably wouldn't help anyway.

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