Took my dog to the vet yesterday as he hasn't been himself later.  The vet explained that his tonsilitis had come back and gave him an antibiotic injection.  He then asked if anything was wrong at home as the dog looked a little stressed and depressed.  I explained that my father had just died and that we were all stressed at home.  My poor little boy has been picking up on the vibes and is now depressed   He suggested I didn't get to stressed in front of him.  Who else can I cry my eyes out with and have a lovely cuddle with too. 

I now have to be brave for the kids and dog as well :)

I think you both sound like you need to take yourself off for a good walk at a place that you love to walk. The countryside in particular, is beautiful this time of year. Chill out for an hour and relax and just be yourself.  Your dog will love you for it and I am sure it will be good for both of you at this stressful time :)

Hi Melissa
So sorry to hear the sad news about your Father :(

I think you can put a brave face on for the children, but I think your dog would see through that, they can sense and pick up more than we realise.

I think the suggestion of walking to a favourite place of yours and just spending some quality time together is a great idea.

I also think it's a good idea to give your boy some vitamin C which really helps dogs in times of stress!

Take care x

I know exactly where you are coming from as this has just happened to me.

It might be a good time to try some T Touch Massage on your dog, not only will it relieve his stress & depression but actually relax you at the same time. You can also use a closely fitting body wrap-can be a T shirt or similar to help relax him

Hi melster122,

I'm very sorry that you've lost your Dad :(  I know how difficult such times are and I've taken great comfort from my own dogs just as you have.

I fully agree with Admin - go off with your lad and enjoy a beautiful walk in the prettiest and quietest spot you can find.  (and bawl your eyes out while you're there if it makes you feel better ;)  This wont have a detrimental affect on your dog if he's off running and sniffing around while you do and just might make you BOTH feel more able to face any stresses on the home front.)

Sending best wishes and positive thoughts for you all.
regards, Teri 

Thanks everyone for your lovely replies.  You are all so sweet.  Will definately be off for a long walk tomorrow with my boy :)

Especially if you get a nice spring day like today, (hopefully the same all over the country) it really helps to pick you up, and makes the world feel good again.

So sorry for your loss.

Wishing you all the best at this sad time and hope that you are both feeling more like yourselves soon.

sorry for the hardship you are going through, i know how it feels also..

but recently i felt my dog too was stressed- my partner has moved out and yes i admit i have sat and cried alot on the sofa! but poor flo has obviously picked up on this and wont stop staring at me, she has done it for a week ish...
so i have now calmed alot, and started being 'normal' with her again, i too also started really relaxing and using our walks to take nice deep breaths and enjoy being with each other..x

what helped me when i lost my dad,when i felt all the pain and heartbreak- just think of all the lovely and funny things he did, think of all the great stuff you did and never forget them, he will always be with you - wherever, whenever, whatever xxx

it all takes time and im sure the house will settle down, youve all got eachother- including your dog!xxx