Re: Is My JRT Grieving???

In Reply to: Is My JRT Grieving???
Posted by:  Emily
Posted on:  October 30, 2001 at 14:41:25

: This weekend I had to put my 9 yr. old female Chow, Bonnie, to sleep due to a near fatal seizure stemming from canine insulinoma. Bonnie's 6 yr. old JRT/"sister" and life-long housemate, Nutmeg, witnessed the post seizure trauma of us carrying Bonnie out the door for her final trip to the vet. Now when I come home from work or wherever, I find torn up pieces of tissue and other discarded items that Nutmeg has gotten out of the trash baskets. Is this a sign that she is GRIEVING? I am feeling guilty that I did not consider her when we were so busy with rushing Bonnie to the vet on that fateful day. I am purposely cutting my hours back from work this week so that I can spend more time with Nutmeg. I am grieving, too, but we are playing and going on car rides, etc. Is there anything that I can do to help her cope while I am away? Wonder how long she will grieve if this is what she is, in fact, doing?

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Hi Emily,

I am so sorry to hear about Bonnie. I know that had to be so hard to deal and cope with and it is something none of us look forward to when the time comes.

Yes I would say Nutmeg is greiving. Dogs do grieve over loss. It will take time for Nutmeg to be her old self again. She had Bonnie with her for 6 years and now she is gone. Just like you, it will take Nutmeg time to adjust to the fact that she is gone.

But just like everything else in life she will eventually stop grieving. And just like people it will be done on her own timetable. Just make sure that she is still eating properly.

You are doing the best you can do at this time. It will help heal you both by spending more time together and doing things you both love to do. Ultimately while she is grieving for Bonnie, YOU are Nutmeg's real world and it is important you two get through this together.