Pets Grieve Too
Snowball knew something wasn’t right when only I came home from the ER. He immediately jumped on the chair and went in circles around the blanket he would sit on with Rich. He wouldn’t go out in the yard to run and chase his ball, he just laid in the chair or by the door, waiting.
Lia picked up Snowball, took him outside and just hugged him for about 15 minutes, he sensed her compassion and just let her hold him close.
Snowball and I sit on the chair just looking outside, he did not want to go out and play. It was so sad to see him sad and there wasn’t anything I could do except be sad with Snowball. I finally got him to go upstairs but he sat on the end of the bed, still waiting.
The one thing that got Snowball moving was when Lia came over, he would hear Alex’s car and run to the door. Friday night Alex and Lia stayed with me since Lia’s fundraiser was going to be Saturday. Bedtime came and Lia said she was going to sleep with me and Snowball. She fall right to sleep and Snowball curled up next to her, first looking around but then he settled in and slept the entire night with Lia’s arm wrapped around him. (I used a flash for these photos and it didn’t even wake Lia up.)
I woke up about 6am and went back up shortly after 7am to check on Lia. Snowball was awake but still snuggled next to her. He finally moved to the end of the bed but wouldn’t go downstairs until Lia woke up.
I’m giving Snowball lots of love and biscuits plus taking him on walks and car rides when I run to the recycling center. He loves to go there and as soon as I mention going for a walk or ride, he perks up his head. I guess pets just need time to grieve like people but it’s so sad because they can’t understand.
But today I’m giving Snowball a special treat to hopefully make him happy. It’s his 3rd birthday and I gave him some new toys and some homemade peanut butter doggie biscuits! When Lia’s and Snowball’s eyes met when we first saw him at 3 months old, it was love at first sight. Happy Birthday Snowball!
They do…I’ve seen a wide range of reactions, but animals miss friends too. (((virtual hug to Snowball))) (((and you))) (((and Lia)))
Thanks Priscilla, it seems harder with animals because we don’t know if they understand when we take to them. But he’s getting lots of hugs from both Lia and me.
Happy birthday Snowball! We love you little guy!
Thank you Amanda, he’s 3 years old, WOW!
I feel like Snowball, Martha. I’m happy that you have him and Lia with you. Such sweeties the two of them.
It’s hard for people to understand Lily so I can’t imagine what Snowball is thinking about why his best friend isn’t here anymore. But yes, Lia and Snowball love each other so much.
Martha, I can feel Snowball’s sadness from over here. What people don’t “get” about “getting a dog” is that it’s not going to be an animated piece of furniture. A dog is a fur-covered child who will never mature beyond about 4 years old. Snowball is experiencing all the pain of Pop being gone, without the sophistication to understand it. The fact that he went straight for Pop’s chair, to feel his energy and smell his smell, says he knows something has happened to Pop. Lia holding him for 15 minutes was the best way to help at that moment. Healing will take awhile. Love and hugs–
That is so perfect how you explained this Kebba! Every now and then Lia will pick up Snowball and go on the couch or in her tent and just hold him. I’m wondering if it’s to comfort him or her. I think it’s a bit of both. Hugs and love to you too.
Sweet Snowball! Yes, I believe that dogs do grieve too.
It’s so hard to watch people grieve but seems harder to watch animals. We are there for each other Angie.