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    BUFFYNKIDS's Avatar
    BUFFYNKIDS Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Oct 4, 2008, 09:13 PM
    Dog's owner passed away 3 weeks ago
    My father-in-law passed away 3 weeks ago. His 10 year old lab is not doing well. She won't eat and drinks little. I have taken her to the vet and her blood work is normal. Any suggestions? She walks in circles, seems very week and dizzy.
    Wondergirl's Avatar
    Wondergirl Posts: 39,354, Reputation: 5431
    Jobs & Parenting Expert
     
    #2

    Oct 4, 2008, 09:22 PM

    Animals mourn too. I betcha that's what's happening here. How much socialization does she get? Do you have an unwashed tee shirt worn by your fil or other piece of clothing or pillow or blanket (that would still have his smell on it) that the lab can curl up with? Lying down with and hugging the lab might be comforting to her too.

    She knows he's gone and doesn't know he won't be back. Remember, even if an owner leaves for five minutes, his dog will greet him like he's been gone for weeks, so you can begin to understand your fil's lab's confusion and sorrow and even depression.

    I hope labman sees this, or another dog owner. I'm a cat person. Cats get mournful and confused when a cat buddy dies, but I think dogs have more emotional investment in their owner and pack than cats do.
    rex123's Avatar
    rex123 Posts: 766, Reputation: 100
    Senior Member
     
    #3

    Oct 5, 2008, 02:38 AM

    Do you have anything that used to belong to the owner this would be a great comfort as he will be able to get his previous owners scent on it. And try to keep everything the same for him, his type of food and the same toys and bed/blanket. And the best thing is to not feel bad for him he can then sense it.

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