Bo is sad

Any tips for helping a grieving dog? Or is it just one of those things they need to go through and figure out themself?
Our old boy passed on last week and for the first few days Bo seemed OK, maybe just thought he was away for a bit or something. But, the past couple of days it's become clear he's figured it out. He's always been a dog that wears his heart on his sleeve, very obvious to figure out how he's feeling and he's very obviously feeling a bit blue. The old boy used to sit by the ranch slider and watch the world go by and Bo has been going and sitting on his spot and whimpering and going back and forth between that spot and myself or the wife and putting his paw on us with and enquiring look on his face. He's never been one to whimper or make much noise at all. He's also gone a bit "mopey" full stop, doesn't want to play with his ball and even going to work (which he lives for ) doesn't hold much appeal. It's also not helping the wife at all as she sees him upset, she knows why and it gets her waterworks going again.

maybe put one of the old boy's blankets on his bed to try and comfort him? I will be in the same boat when my old boy passes

Can’t be of any help but that must be hard to watch. Poor little fella. Assume it’ll just take time just like us humans


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FWIW we have always let our other dogs "see" for want of a better term (I'm not sure how else to describe it) their departed mate.

In our case its easy to do this as the vet always comes to us for the "last visit" and everyone is usually present at the "time". It seems to help

but in saying that we said goodbye to our old pointer 3 weeks ago and our youngest one has changed totally.

I'm not sure what else to say @Ryan_Songhurst its always a bit of a difficult time, I am sure Bo will be back to his almost usual self but don't be supprised if he is also a little changed.

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Originally Posted by mikee

FWIW we have always let our other dogs "see" for want of a better term (I'm not sure how else to describe it) their departed mate.

In our case its easy to do this as the vet always comes to us for the "last visit" and everyone is usually present at the "time". It seems to help

but in saying that we said goodbye to our old pointer 3 weeks ago and our youngest one has changed totally.

I'm not sure what else to say @Ryan_Songhurst its always a bit of a difficult time, I am sure Bo will be back to his almost usual self but don't be supprised if he is also a little changed.

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Yea we had the vet come out and do the end bit here at home but rightly or wrongly I didn't let Bo be a part of it or see him after. I kind of felt that since hunting is a big part of Bo's life, he's found heaps of animals that I have then killed, that maybe he could make some strange connection between me and his dead mate. Maybe I was wrong there?

Last photo together. I somehow think he knew the end was near as for the most part they kind of led separate lives and didn't spend a lot of time together but Bo was sitting with him a lot in the last days
Attachment 233252

Nothing but time will fix that.


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Time and attention Ryan. That is all you can give. My dog is still missing our bitch from time to time after almost four months

Sorry to hear that @Ryan_Songhurst
I think the best, you can do is keep an eye on him,
don't let him alone by himself,
call him to sit next to you when he is down or sit next to him (yeah... highly likely he won't come to you).
I think that would help him
like others said above time will heal and attention is what he needs at the moment.

Its suck that dog don't live long enough

Sorry to hear that Ryan :(

It's mainly time that will help, and making a fuss of him with a few special treats. Like Mikee, I let the other dog sniff the old mate for a few minutes.

Oh and no I don't think he is thinking you did the old dog in, he will just be wondering where he went.

Another puppy with a zest for life will bring smiles back into everyone’s lives

Owners and dogs can mimic each other, you will all be happier with a new bundle of joy

Got a dog named bo myself. The weks or months are detting closer

sympathy for Bo and u/ family.
3 yrs l8r my ms still won't have another, still tears up, I'm not much better, they step deep in one's heart.
Might have been good to let him have seen it , might not. Animals are more intelligent than we give them credit for, but being a carnivore , I don't wanna think about it

Get Bo a young poodle bitch on heat , one with a bow in the hair...

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Originally Posted by Snap 4T

Sorry to hear that @Ryan_Songhurst
I think the best, you can do is keep an eye on him,
don't let him alone by himself,
call him to sit next to you when he is down or sit next to him (yeah... highly likely he won't come to you).
I think that would help him
like others said above time will heal and attention is what he needs at the moment.

Its suck that dog don't live long enough

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Time n love.

Oh, so sorry to hear this. Lots of cuddles and access to "the forbidden couch" or another win might help distract!

Yeah really sorry to hear this news Ryan. Our two staffies here send their commiserations.

If I remember correctly your old boy was incredibly old, like 18 or more?

Staffys are way more than just a dog, so you need to get another one.

Some sad reading there.

They never leave your heart. Cant offer any better suggestions than to reiterate extra long pats, the odd treat, and probably the best thing for him would be a little sister or brother.

Best wishes.

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Originally Posted by 7mmsaum

Another puppy with a zest for life will bring smiles back into everyone’s lives

Owners and dogs can mimic each other, you will all be happier with a new bundle of joy

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Dogs are social animals. Get another dog pdq.

he will also be feeding off your mood and your good ladies.... you perk up and Bo will too.
these super sensitive types are mirrors of our moods.
go sit amoung your beautiful contented cows or calves and laugh,show him life is still ok and he will come right.
better still get out for another hunt...some me time with him.

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Originally Posted by Flyblown

Yeah really sorry to hear this news Ryan. Our two staffies here send their commiserations.

If I remember correctly your old boy was incredibly old, like 18 or more?

Staffys are way more than just a dog, so you need to get another one.

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My 2 back in the old country went 18 and 16 years before that dreaded day came.
I have read and been told that you should leave instructions that if you pass before the hound does, then the hound needs to get to see and feel you are gone before they can fully realise what has taken place.
I guess it may be the same for a fellow dog.
I feel for you and Bo Ryan

Maybe this dog didn't get to see and feel his master was gone. He continued to wait at the train station for his master to get off after his work and meet him as he had done for ages.

Japanese Akita dog Hachikō, who was born in Ōdate, Japan, in 1923. After the death of his owner, Ueno Hidesaburō in 1925, Hachikō returned to the Shibuya train station the next day and every day after that for the next nine years until he died in March 1935.

there are many stories like that one Zimmer.....

My old boy is some what going through the same thing. Had to put my girl down sunday night and the boy didn't realize until the following morning. he was a bit mopey for the first two days but he's coming right. He's not house trained (ex trial/hunting dog) but after I get home I've been letting in the house every night until bedtime just for some company along with plenty of tummy rubs.

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Originally Posted by Flyblown

Yeah really sorry to hear this news Ryan. Our two staffies here send their commiserations.

If I remember correctly your old boy was incredibly old, like 18 or more?

Staffys are way more than just a dog, so you need to get another one.

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He made it to 20 which is a pretty bloody good run. Will probably get another staffy eventually as they're such great little dogs, we plan to have a kid in the next year or so and I love the idea of the kids having a staffy to grow up with. It just doesn't feel right rushing out to get another dog just yet, nothing will ever replace him but just need some time to process stuff properly

Mate just lost his staffy couple of weeks back. 17 1/2 years. Great dogs

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Originally Posted by Ryan_Songhurst

, nothing will ever replace him but just need some time to process stuff properly

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this is more than likely the WHY of Bos behaviour mate...he is reading you two fine folks and mirroring your moods...... bonfire on beach with wine ,box of beerzies or two and much laughter,will do you ALL a heck of a lot of good...you have been tied up whipping that new block into shape and getting the measure of new staff at same time...watch YOUR stress levels,dont want you rushing off in green n yellow bus wit hChristmas lights all a flashing AGAIN...

@Ryan_Songhurst

Sorry for your loss.
A few years back we were in a similar situation, but my wife has always successfully used Homeopathics on us and the dogs for varies reasons and this remedy seems to take the edge of grief and separation.
Ignatia 30c is the remedy we used for us and the remaining dog as well as Rescue remedy in the evening for a good night sleep which also helps with grief and can be taken by humans too.
Hope that helps.

When our Martha went at 17, Poppy was very depressed. She came out of it, but getting young Bernie re-invigorated her. (And me).Attachment 233399Attachment 233400Attachment 233401

I hope Bo has picked up a bit Ryan

Take him to Waimate,then when he gets back to Oamaru he will realise how lucky he is.

This thread brought back memories. Our Shepard (Stacy) was 10ish when we got our Collie/lab cross (Bo). She really mothered him and they were inseparable, after she died Bo was acting depressed for weeks and then my brothers dogs had a litter. So even after 3-4 months it still took him a few weeks to bond with the new pup (Cookie), they're great friends now but nothing like what it was like before.
Basically I don't think there is any magic fix, as others have said plenty of love and attention. Don't rush into getting a new pup unless it's right for you as well.
Attachment 233721
Stacy & Bo
Attachment 233722
Bo & Cookie

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Originally Posted by norsk

Take him to Waimate,then when he gets back to Oamaru he will realise how lucky he is.

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I think actually current living situation isn't helping him either, he grew up with deer out the front door, hunting two or three times a week minimum, out on the farm everyday with hills and bush, the pomahaka river and all sorts of fun shit for a dog, now we live on a big flat featureless square

It's a fine looking farm for all that. Herbert forest is just down the road.get a permit and get out and explore