I came home today only to find out that one of my golden's died today. We just found out she was diabetic, we took her in but the vet was unable to get her glucose levels where they need to be and she wasn't keeping food down. He owned her mom and still have her brother. The mom died about 3 months ago. What I'm worried about is the boy dog we have left. He has never been away from his sister for more than 2 or 3 nights total in his 10 years of living. I'm afraid that he is going to go into a depression and not make it luch longer even though he is in ok shape health wise. My sister has another brother out of the same litter so I was thinking about having him come over so my dog doesn't feel as lonely. Is there anything else that I can do for him?

 

I'm sorry to hear that, my deepest sympathies. I do think that another dog being around would help out.

 

Sorry to hear that, and Yep, it should help.
I had to help an X put one of his dogs down. His other dog (7yrs old) had grown up with this one, so I offered for him to bring his remaining dog over to play with mine. Honestly, whenever he took his dog home, the signs of depression returned, so his dog ended up living at my house.
I guess because my house is a small zoo with 3 bunnies, 2 kids, dog, cat, fish ect, there just isn't time to be lonely.
My X came over everyday, sometimes slept on the floor with him, and took the dog for rides in his Truck with him, and would take him to his house, but just wouldn't leave him alone at his house, so it wasn't like he abandonded him at my house.
During the next couple years, a few things happened; he got layed off from his day job, and while he was working the night job I had gotten him, a cat jumped in his Truck.
I finally dumped him, and made him take his dog 'home' and what do ya know? the dog and cat (and him) now all keep each other company!

My advice: Let the dog wander around to reassure him the other one is really gone. It'll probably heal faster that way. Painful for you, but I think it helps them greive in their own way. Plan regular outings with the dog to reassure him he is not being punished, or responsable for the other dogs absence. Dogs have a great sense of timing, so planning your outings for the same time gives him more reassurance, as well as something to look forward to.
If the dog has to be alone while you work, maybe find a dog sitter (either at your house for a few hours, or theirs till you get off) or leave the TV on. Answering machines that play the message as it's being recorded help too, because you can call and talk to your dog from work.

 

I'm very sorry for your loss. I'm extremely close to my pup and can certainly relate to the love that you have for your golden...

My folks and I had to put our Dalmation down several years ago that we bought when she was as big as two hands... that was VERY hard.... to this day, I occasionally think about her.

My thoughts and prayers bud... take care.

RP

 

Sorry to hear about that man. It's always hard to deal with. I think the best thing to do is what Andthensometoo said. Another dog would work out well.

I have a 3 year old Chocolate Lab that goes everywhere with me...Home Depot, grocery store, gas station, hell, sometimes I bring him to work. He never goes in, just stays in the bed of the truck. He'd rather be there than any place on earth. I bought a house last March, and before he got used to it, he "ran away" twice. Both times I found him in the bed of the truck. I love that dog more than life itself.

Best of luck over the next few days/months...it's tough.

 

I'm sorry to hear of your loss. I understand how you feel, I lost my 8yr old Black Lab a year ago to cancer. He was the first that we've raised from a puppy, and was the coolest, smartest dog I've known. We couldn't take the silence, and found another Black Lab pup 2 days later. That was also difficult, but I think was the right decision for us.

 

Thanks guys. I have 2 cats here but my dog doesn't really pay attention to them. I brought his brother over here tonight and he is gonna hang out for a week or so. Thanks again.