How do you tell your dog his friend is gone?

by Iris Miller
(Bristol, CT)

We are sad

Tuffy had a little toy poodle friend around the corner from where we live. The owner had two toy poodles but the little puppy one year old was the one that played with Tuffy. The other was older and not playful. The puppy got out one night and tried to follow the owners car. He got lost ,and the same night was hit and run and killed a few blocks from home.

It is so heartbreaking. When we go for our morning walk, the route is down the block where Tuffy's little friend lived. I cry every time because he looks for him and pulls to go to the house and I try to tell him not there, etc. but the tragic memory returns to my mind and tears come to my eyes. It is the only level street I can walk on so we can't avoid that street.

Do you think your dog understands when another dog has died? I am sure if it were in front of him he would know, just like any other mammal. But, how do I tell him his friend is no more?
love,
Iris and Tuffy

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Sep 04, 2011
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show him
by: Anonymous

Dear Iris, several yrs ago when my mom passed, my brother brought her two dogs into the funeral parlor after everyone left. At first I thought he had lost it, he picked each one up to see her and of course they sniffed. They did not try to kiss her as they always did. I truly believe they understood there was no longer anyone there. It brought closure. Perhaps if you brought Tuffy in the house once or maybe twice, he would get it that his buddy is not there anymore. Good luck - what a sad,sad, story Diana and Lola

Sep 04, 2011
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Sad dogs
by: Gale

Iris, there's no doubt in my mind that dogs feel loss. I had a dog who was devastated when our cat died (and they weren't even great friends). He moped for weeks and finally snapped out of it when we got another kitten.

I'm also going through a somewhat similar situation with Luc right now (although, not as sad). I thought for sure Luc would love our new house as much as I do with the gigantic back yard for him to play in. What I didn't factor in is that he'd miss all his friends (2 legged and four legged). He seems very depressed since we moved and spends most of the time under the bed. He NEVER did that before.

I bought him new toys, I take him on long walks where he can meet other dogs, and I try to get him excited about the yard - but so far he's just not his old self yet. BUT I know that he will be... Dogs are pretty resilient and he just has to get used to his new routine.

I'm sure Tuffy will be okay too, but it does break our hearts when our "babies" are sad or unhappy in any way doesn't it? I think the best thing we can do for them is to spend quality time with them and be as upbeat as possible.

Sep 04, 2011
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TUFFY'S FRIEND
by: SHERRY/COTTON

WHAT A TERRIBLE THING TO HAVE HAPPEN.

I KNOW ANIMALS MISS EACH OTHER SO MUCH, EVEN WHEN SEPARATED FOR SHORT PERIODS OF TIME. MAYBE AFTER VISITING THE FAMILY TUFFY WILL REALIZE THE YOUNG POODLE IS NO LONGER THERE.

HOW SAD FOR TUFFY AND HIS OWNERS. OUR HEARTS GO OUT TO YOU ALL!

Sep 04, 2011
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thanks for your kindness
by: Iris Miller

dear Dee and Spanky, thanks for your kind words. We are going to visit the family next week.
with love,
Iris and Tuffy

Sep 04, 2011
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very sorry
by: Dee/ Spanky

How very sad, and very sorry for Tuffy's loss. I definitely think they know. Spanky, too, had a friend who passed an few months ago. His very first friend was a mini pin, Spike. An older dog but they turned out to be BFF's. Unfortunately, just as Spanky turned 6 months, they had to put Spike down (old age). Spanky still visits the house Spike lived at. I think he knows that Spike is gone, but still likes to visit with Spikes family, which they love.

Its very sad thing when they loose a friend. Again, very sorry for Tuffy's loss. xoxo

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