Hi,

We have recently lost one of our dogs after 5 years and our remaining dog is now very subdued and anxious. It has been 3 weeks since Ben left us and Sammy didn't really act much differently for the first week. Ben was the top dog, a 12 year old Lab with Sammy a 7 year old lab/collie cross. They had been together for 4 years with Sammy always being subservient to Ben, licking his ears and generally making way for and taking the lead from Ben.

We are in the process of locating another Lab pup but that is some way off. We are not sure how to interpret Sammys behavious at present and would welcome any advice from anyone who has been here themselves.

Regards

Dave

Hi
last year I lost my 11.5 year old lab leaving me with our 10.5 year old lab, they were simular to yours, we were left with the subservient one, she too was quiet anxious and hated being left which we tried not to do if we could help it.  5 months after the loss we got a lab puppy and she now has a whole new lease of life, guess it was only natural she missed the other dog (after all we did) she had been with it all her life. She just needed that extra time and fuss :)

Ditto we lost two out of three dogs inside a year. We were left with our 9yr old westie who just lay in the bay window looking out. We decided on a rough collie puppy. Ater six month we got our baby and hey presto a new lease of life :-)

Jean

Hi Dave

What we have always done is get a puppy before the eldest one goes, that way the two left have already made the bond and so the grieving is a lot less traumatic for them. :) It also helped us in some respect as we were not so anxious about them as they had each other and so we didn't feel we needed to pay them more attention than we already paid them :) They do pick up on a change of behaviour in us as well so maybe Sammy can sense this ? It must be diificult for him being left alone after having his companion and so it is only natural that he is feeling a bit lost and lonely. Has he a doggie friend he can go a play with so it takes his mind of things which may help as it will distract him from feeling this way ? Anyway of distraction will help him :)

I am sure he will be fine and give him time as dogs are sensitive to loss as some may take more time than others, the same as us humans :)

Sorry to hear about loosing Ben, it must be a very sad time for you all.

Lucy
xx

Thanks to all of you who have given me pointers. We have now located a lab pup from a litter born on 1st March. Hopefully if things go to plan we should have a new personality in the house in the next couple of months.

Regards

Dave