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!