So sorry. That's a bad week. I hope things improve and you find your it in your hearts to welcome another into your home.

That's awful. My dogs were used to greeting my mother in law in the morning.

After she died, they would still go into her room and sniff around the bed. They never did this when she was alive but they would take turns jumping onto her chair and rubbing their bodies over the seat.

It took them a couple of months to get used to the idea she's not coming back. But they still go to her room and do a once over around the bed out of habit. But it's not like they're looking for her any more.

I'm sorry for what happened.

Thanks for all the suggestions. We’re pretty hands on with dogs. They do spend time on the cousch with us watching TV, reading etc. Buddy’s getting extra walks, laps etc. we’ve talked about a puppy. Buddy is a rescue as was Carmen. We’re gonna take a break for a while as far as a new puppy. One article suggested immediately bringing in a puppy could cause some problems. We do have a puppy in the future.

Something else occurred to us. I’m about to turn 70. Dogs live 10-15 yrs. Wife and I are the same age. Hate to leave a dog with no place to live if we go. One cousin has suggested a “cousin pact” where we all promise to care for each other’s dogs should the need arise.

We lost one of our two Border Collies last March, he was 15. When it happened I made a point of letting the other see and sniff his body. It was a clear opportunity to understand the loss. While she obviously wasn’t happy about the loss, Gracie knew Jack was gone. I have learned, from having other Border Collies, that this event is important.

On a previous occasion, same situation, one dog passed. The other had not seen her friend, did not know he would not be back. Being naive, I thought this curious behavior of one looking for the other. Being out in the yard I called to the one who had just passed. The excitement and hope blossomed in my pup - and it broke my heart...

I’m so sorry. You guys all need a break and some love. Maybe a day off for all of you to go on a day trip somewhere where there are new smells and sights; a beach, a park, a field.

quote:

Originally posted by maxdog:
Something else occurred to us. I’m about to turn 70. Dogs live 10-15 yrs. Wife and I are the same age. Hate to leave a dog with no place to live if we go. One cousin has suggested a “cousin pact” where we all promise to care for each other’s dogs should the need arise.

Good thinking. Also worth considering would be adopting from a rescue that is willing to take a dog back if needs be. Also y'all might consider fostering dogs instead of adopting.