sheltie grieving

sammy509

Forums Novice
I have a rescue sheltie I got her at 8 years old 4 years ago she was in a terrible state and my Rough Collie Ben took her under his paw and gave her confidence, Ben I am afraid had to be PTS 2 weeks ago and since then Mops has been grieving not interested in anything walks food etc just sits in Ben's chair looking sad any advise on how I can help her would gratefully received.xx
 
Oh....this is so sad. I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your Ben. I don't have any advice for you right now, but will think about it and post back if I think of something.
 
Mops grieving

I am very sorry to hear about dear Ben and how much it has affected your Mops. Shelties are just terribly sensitive and loving. I know mine have grieved too when one leaves us. I believe Mops not only misses Ben for herself but also knows you are grieving and that makes her sad too. Mine have never stopped eating though. When you are ready for another baby in your heart that will help, but for now do you have a friend with a dog who would visit Mops? I can't think of anything else at the moment except to give Mops a lot of reassurance and love. I would also offer whatever food she will eat (people food) to get her to start eating again. Good luck and God Bless all of you.

Maida, sweet Christopher and little Ritchie
 
I am so sorry. As I have posted I had two setters, in fact brothers. They were wonderful together. One passed away at 7. My other boy would not go near anywhere where they would lay down together, etc.. So I tossed everything, bought new for the one left behind.

He would also strike the yard in lines trying to bark his brother back in.
Eventually he noticed, he was getting all the attention. He was getting treats in his mind didn't have to share (same amount of treats). OMG more attention. Its a bit of an adjustment, but they do come around.

Plenty of hugs and loves, and after awhile, gee this is really great, I get it all now. When we loose these precious ones, its a big void for everyone.
 
Grieving

When I lost my sable boy, my tri girl would look for him,in the house, in the yard.

They were close at times and fight for attention and food at others. However she did miss him.

What I did, was to put his collar down beside her. She seemed to take comfort in that gesture. She licked it and slept beside it for a week. Then I took it away.


Hope that helps,
Kate
 
I've only really experienced this grief in a dog once. When our older westie Vanna died on Christmas Eve 3 years ago, Phoebe looked for her, cried for her and was completely despondant. She had become Vanna's "nurse" for the last year of Vanna's life. So I took her into bed with me for several nights, cuddled her on the couch in the evening and generally just poured quiet attention on her until she started to perk up. When Tinsel came in she gravitated to him right away. I realize now that she is an extrasensitive dog. She puts up with things he does that she would never tolerate in another dog, including Rhiannon, the dog she has lived with for most of her life. I hope that you little one feels better soon and send condolences on the loss of your collie. Take comfort in each other.
 
My sincere condolences go out to you on the passing of your collie, Ben. My heart and prayers go out to you and Mops.

The people down the street lost their dog quickly to a brain aneurysm.
Their other dog got very depressed, not eating, looking for the other one, etc. They went to a shelter and adopted a blind dog and brought it home. The other dog welcomed him instantly and started to take care of it and came out of her depression. The other dog gave her a job to do. These 2 dogs have become great friends, too.
 
Thanks everyone for your replies vet said just ignore her but I feel that is really harsh as if she is feeling like me after losing Ben then she needs fuss,I will get another dog but as Mops is 12 years old would like one that is much the same age,ideally a sheltie but doubt that will happen as thank goodness very rare to find them needing to be re-homed over here.xx
 
So sorry for you and Mops. Like others have said it is cuddles and TLC that will help both of you. Affection works wonders.
 
Thanks everyone for your replies vet said just ignore her but I feel that is really harsh as if she is feeling like me after losing Ben then she needs fuss,I will get another dog but as Mops is 12 years old would like one that is much the same age,ideally a sheltie but doubt that will happen as thank goodness very rare to find them needing to be re-homed over here.xx

Poor baby. I wouldn't ignore her. I would give her lots of attention and try to do all the things that she loves.
 
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