crazy?

[annie_so_pink]

Ok, So as many of you probably know, Theo (my 12 year old hound mix) passed away about a week and a half ago....It was very hard, but I am glad that he is not in pain anymore....Well Anyways, Wesley is acting different since Theo passed away, he hardly ever goes in his crate anymore so that might be all but he seems lonely....He is almost always sleeping know and I am wondering if maybe he isn't depressed because he is the only dog in the house now..Is that possible? Well, I have been thinking and I have decided that maybe I should get a dog friend for Wesley at a shelter...I know that there are so many homeless dogs that need homes so badly, and I feel that Theo would have wanted me to save a life now that there is more room in the house, does that sound crazy? Well Anyways, my mom says that maybe in a few years we could get another dog but I really feel like we should get one now! I have been looking on Petfinder.com and there are so many dogs that are never going to know the love of a family if they dont get adopted and I feel that since we have room for another one, we should adopt one....What do you think? Am I crazy for thinking this?

[Raised By Wolves]

You're not crazy. And I am sorry for your loss.

Although I don't usually recommend people run out and get another dog right away after losing their old friend, that's just what I did.

I lasted a week before I was back at the shelter looking for dog who needed a home. I've never regretted it. It's been a little over a year since I lost my dear old gal Mia, and Tia came to live with me. She's a gem!

Do what's in your heart.

[Carrie]

I agree with RBW. Do what you feel deep inside is right and if you think you are ready to handle it. And yes...it's very, very normal for your dog to be depressed for a while after losing his friend. He should be all right in a couple weeks. My dog, Lyric was especially affected when I lost my Lab, Bonnie..for about a week or a little more. My Chihuahuas didn't show as much outwardly, but they were all a little subdued. Lyric spent the week looking for Bonnie in the woods, all around the house. It was quite pittiful. So, just give Wesley a little extra lovin and he'll come around. You will too, in time.

And if your Mom is ready and you're ready, do what you feel is in your heart...if you're ready to love a new dog and give it what it needs, go for it.

Thinking of you at this edgy time.

[poodlesmom]

Over the years I have usually always had 2 dogs. I do believe dogs get depressed when they lose a housemate, whether fur or skin. I had 1 great dane who for 2 weeks after losing our other dog still was not eating unless I fed him by hand and he was no longer playing. We ended up adopting another dog and he quickly reverted back to his happy, playful self. Then almost 4 yrs ago when I lost my hubby both Farley & Chloe were extremely subdued - I think as a result of the combination of losing Ken and my depression.

You can try spending more "fun" time with Wesley as a way to bring him back to his happy self. Lots of walks & games and your companionship can help him.

I'm sure your mom is hurting as well with the loss of Theo and perhaps she isn't ready just yet to bring another furpal into your home. Give her some time.

[Carrie]

I'm sorry Denise, that you lost your hubby not so long ago. That had to be so very hard.

I think that's part of it too, that they read our moods and that affects them as well. But I do think because of seeing Lyric searching for Bonnie, that they miss them too. When I was a little kid, we had a dog who had 9 puppies and each and every one of them died within a week or two...something that the vet didn't know what was wrong...something weird. This was a long time ago when I was very young. Anyhow, that ma ma dog searched and searched for a couple of weeks and cried. It was pitiful. I actually don't have a strong recollection of it, but my Mom has told me or reminded me of that.

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

My girl Ginger is still in a state of depression since we lost Ty, the two were littermates and VERY close to one another. Gin refused to eat for several days and still doesn't do much but lay on the couch. Even going outside is a frightening thing for her, you see, Ty was her confidence and protected her from all the evil noises and other things that go bump in the night.

I believe animals do grieve at times, they do seem to have the ability however to accept death better than we humans most of the time and seem to accept it as just the way it is. Its been four months since we lost Ty and although Ginger is getting better about lingering outside longer than just to potty and run back in, its still for only about two minutes and she still remains very quiet and sedate. Gin was always our happy little Miss Wiggles but not since she lost her brother.

We all take a different amount of time to move on with our lives without someone we love, it isn't easy and the pain never truely goes away....its just hurts less as time goes by. Your mom may not be ready, some people are never ready to get another pet after losing one but give her time and see what happens. In the meantime, spend time with Wesley, let him know that he is very special and take the time to let him know that its ok and you understand. You'd be surprised at how much he'll understand. Do special things with him that you know he loves and create new things to get him active again. Don't give up and keep working on him....he will come around when ready.

[annie_so_pink]

Thank You for all the help!
Poodlesmom, I am so sorry about your husband!
I appreciate all the help! I am sure that Wesley will turn back into his normal self again pretty soon and I think my mom might give in and let us adopt another dog, especiallly if my dad wants it and he was actually the first one to say that Wesley might need another puppy friend...And I also know that when God wants us to have another dog, he will show us...Thank You for all the help!