As some of you know, my 17yo sheltie died last week. She and Storm the 18 yo sheltie were devoted to each other from puppyhood - just like an old married couple really. Since Pixie died, Storm hasn't eaten - not thing at all, not even favourite treats, and this morning he looks unsteady on his legs. Any ideas?

Hi Sharon

Sorry to hear that Storm is off his food - is he drinking? Would he drink liquidized food. Whether he is unsteady from lack of food or another problem sounds like a trip to the vet may be in order as if he is not drinking then a drip for a few hours may be all that is needed to boost him up a bit.

Can you take him out to somewhere totally different to where you usually take him - maybe mental stimulation may improve his appetite -

Good luck

Christine

Thanks for the reply Christine. He is drinking thank heavens. I've had him at the vet who can't find a specific problem. The poor little man is just totally withdrawn and refusing to eat at all. I suppose its a bit anthropomorphic but his problem just seems to be grief. A week ago apart from arthritis and some cararact he was bright and in remarkably good health. I am going away for a few days soon, and I'll think about taking him, but I'm not sure that a fragile 18 year old is up to it.

Poor little soul, I'd don't think its anthropomorphic to think that Sharon, maybe they would not feel grief in quite the same way as us but I am sure they would miss something or someone that was such a part of their life. Like Christine I would take him with you if you can, perhaps a change of scene might give him a little lift and help him forget the changes at home, and if not at least you will be together.

Thanks Isabel. He's a sweet little dog, and though he can't have that long to go, I couldn't bear to lose him now.

Poor Storm, he must be feeling so sad at losing his pal. I can't think of anything practical to suggest but I really hope that things improve for him (and you) soon.
Best wishes
Joyce

Hi Sharon

He is almost certainly missing Pixie and if I was you I would take him with you when you go away - then he will not be "losing" both of you in a short space of time which may be more than he could cope with. If you take as many of his own things with you as possible that he is used to so although he will be somewhere different he recognises things this may *refresh* without over-stimulating him. Will you be close enough to take him home again if necessary?

Christine

Christine, thanks. Unfortunately I'm going to Ireland, and I wouln't want to be too far from my vets anyway, but it's a good suggestion, and I may try moving myself & Storm in with friends who have a B&B nearby for a couple of days. By the way, he won't touch liquidised food or even mild - just water.

Thanks Joyce. I can't help fearing that he'll just fade away, for I've never seen two dogs so devoted.

Sharon,
Your fears are not unfounded. :( Since they were so close and he is so elderly you do have a good chance of his fading away :( Lord, I hope not.

I know of dogs that were off of their feed for about a month after a close companion died, but he's too old to survive something like this. Like an old person, he can also just loose the taste of food and energy to eat. When my dad was seriously ill, I was doing everything to keep him interested in living to the next day. Curiosity was how I managed for him.

If you leave, it might do him good to take him along. Yes, it's stressful, but it might be a change from the normal day to day routine that snaps him back to reality. Otherwise, I'd say that you need to find a new interest for him that would pique his energy again. Is there a young kitten around or a walk alone with him to sit on some hill? I'd say something "young" like a 10 year old child might help. Or even puir unsocialized Ben could use his company. Just anything to nudge him out of his aloneness.
My best hopes is for this to end well for the both of you. :) :)
toodles

Not sure when you're back from Ireland, Sharon, but just wondering how Storm is. I've been thinking about him a lot over the weekend - hope the news is better this week.
Best wishes
Joyce

Joyce, thanks for asking. We've been hand feeding him tiny frequent bits of cat food, cheese etc, and he's holding his own, though he has lost weight, still doesn't have much interest in life. He's a bit staggery on his legs, but is still getting around OK. He has been blind in one eye from cataract for the last year, and the cataract int he other eye has become denser very quickly, so that isn't helping.

Glad to hear that you are managing to get him to take some food, Sharon. He might start to feel a bit better in himself when he has some nourishment inside him.

Hi sis, Have you tried the small jars of invalid food that you can get from a chemist? You can get meals like beef or lamb, but its the texture of baby food. Do you think he may "drink" some Complan, or something similar, and have you tried the good old faithful pilchards in tomato sauce? I do so hope he picks up a bit. xxx

Sharon

I truly hope this works out for you having already been through so much recently.

Big hugs
Beth

Sis, yes, we've tried just about everything, including stuff from the hospital. The old boy's just about holding his own now, but the "light" has gone out of him. BTW, are you still up, or around tomorrow. I fear that I need a good wail to someone :-(.

Hi again sis, Yes, Ill be around all day tomorrow, except late afternoon.Please ring whenever you.want to. Talk to you soon, xxx

Sharon I am sorry for you and I wish I could help .
I have tried to ring the number you gave me and no joy
It happens sometimes from ireland to scotland . Do you live in a rural area .
The operator says sometimes they do not pick up a signal from here
lol Marie