It’s been a sad time in our street because two well-loved men died within a week of each other and everybody is in mourning.
My beloved daddy perished in a light plane crash and mummy has been so sad. Our house has been drenched with tears, soft grieving voices and people calling in to see us, and the house has been full of odd-smelling flowers and sympathy cards.
My best friend Muffin is sad too. His daddy, Jim, died from cancer just a week before mine.
I’ve noticed that Muffin is not himself lately. He’s always such a spritely dog but lately he has been listless. Instead of being out the front when we go walking together, he’s going slow. His mummy took him to the vet, fearing he may be ill but the vet suggested it was a case of depression because Muffin is picking up the emotions around him.
Yes, dogs do suffer depression in a similar way to people. The vet said that depressed dogs may become withdrawn. They become inactive. Their eating and sleeping habits often change. They don’t participate in the things they once enjoyed and they move more slowly.”
I feel depressed too. I’ve just lost all my spring. I’m missing my daddy. He would arrive home every night at 7pm and Mummy would give him a big hug and he would pick me up for a three-way cuddle, then daddy and I would play fast ball games up the hallway while mummy got dinner ready. He always used to save the last few bites of his dinner for me and called it my gourmet treat.
Night time is the worst time for sadness, so Mummy is letting me sleep on her big bed and I feel her reaching out and patting me in the middle of the night. She seems to be awake more than she is asleep these nights.
The vet says that as with human grief, different animals mourn for different periods of time. He gave us a few words of advice . . .
* Stick to your pet’s usual routine. Keep normal meal and walk times if possible.
* Try distracting your dog by taking him on outings, or for walks with other dog friends.
* Give your pet lots of affection and attention. Stroking or massaging can be comforting.
* Try not to leave sad dogs alone for long periods to mourn by themselves.
Mummy is taking me with her everywhere and we are going for long early morning walks. She cuddles me tightly and looks at me longingly.
People are being very kind and Mummy and I thank you for your caring gestures. I can feel that mummy is hurting on the inside at present but when she is OK again I know that I will be OK too.
Come and see Mawson Lakes thru a dog's eyes. My job involves PR for 'Mawson Lakes Living' and I want to tell you about the fun happenings here and the nice people and pets I meet.
