it's so difficult when they lose their life mates. I've always been lucky and had a third dog so they could support each other, it was still hard for them. When Moo died Rory was alone and was deeply stressed. It took time care and reassurance for him to feel ok. She has you so she will be getting so much from you. I just spend a lot of time with them take to new or favourite places. I got friends to visit and played silly games hid treats and did all the usual stuff. Time does help. I watch the surving dog carefully they can develop health problems.
Fred
- Thread starter Cath
- Start date
Lots of games and distractions helped Merlin - but ultimately it was time that helped the most. The first few nights he howled and cried, and had to sleep in my bed... It took over 6 months before he was back to his normal self, I think.
I sure it will
It takes a little while, Cath, and possibly because they pick up our feelings of loss too. For many years now I’ve always had more than one dog, so when Wispa became an ‘only dog’ when she was still very young we eventually bought Tuppence to keep her company.
I think Tuppy still misses Wispa, but she’s now learnt to get exactly what she wants from her humans! I’ve continued treat hunts in the garden, always hiding some in the same specific places, so she has to remember a route for those, as well randomly scattering some too. She particularly enjoys that. I also tend to give her a few more treats for indoor tasks and play games when she wants to, although at thirteen she’s becoming a bit less energetic. Wispa and Tuppy would still suddenly just look at each other and have a ‘mad five minutes’ or play a boisterous game of tug after seemingly being older, calmer dogs, ready for their evening snooze. On off lead walks, it’s taken time for Tuppy to wander a bit further away from me. Both used to stay quite close, and with each other too, so I call her to check in more often.
She’s curled up beside me now on the sofa, having been asleep on the other sofa when I came in to sit down. She enjoys human company much more than she used to. When she thinks it’s time for bed she’ll disappear to her bed in the kitchen, waiting for her goodnight treat. She’s gradually adapted her (and my) routine and is training me to fit in with her needs! Annie will gradually adapt too, in time.
I think Tuppy still misses Wispa, but she’s now learnt to get exactly what she wants from her humans! I’ve continued treat hunts in the garden, always hiding some in the same specific places, so she has to remember a route for those, as well randomly scattering some too. She particularly enjoys that. I also tend to give her a few more treats for indoor tasks and play games when she wants to, although at thirteen she’s becoming a bit less energetic. Wispa and Tuppy would still suddenly just look at each other and have a ‘mad five minutes’ or play a boisterous game of tug after seemingly being older, calmer dogs, ready for their evening snooze. On off lead walks, it’s taken time for Tuppy to wander a bit further away from me. Both used to stay quite close, and with each other too, so I call her to check in more often.
She’s curled up beside me now on the sofa, having been asleep on the other sofa when I came in to sit down. She enjoys human company much more than she used to. When she thinks it’s time for bed she’ll disappear to her bed in the kitchen, waiting for her goodnight treat. She’s gradually adapted her (and my) routine and is training me to fit in with her needs! Annie will gradually adapt too, in time.
Atemas
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I do remember Red looking at every black Labrador thinking (and hoping?) it was Sky. It’s so hard when they lose their companion who’s been there all their life. 
to you and Annie x
to you and Annie x