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2 labs, one just died/ the other dealing with loss

Raven

Just lost our Male chocolate lab last night. That is difficult as it is... but we have a black Female lab who is now alone outside.

The two grew up together for 11 years.
What, how do we care for her? She's been barking and whining and very nervous/pacing.
I dont know what to do, do you have any suggestions? How can she deal with this loss.
It's hard for me, but she's the one who's spent day and night for 11 years together with him.
Thank you for any help, as soon as possible.

• Experienced Advisor Selena Carnell says:

  April 09th, 2008 at 03:01 AM

  Hi there, I am so sorry for your loss, it is so hard when you lose an animal yourself. Animals will often pine for their mate, at the moment she doesnt really know what happened. This might sound odd but did she see him after he had died or was he taken away to be put to sleep?

  Are they kenneled outside? or are they indoor pets? it will take a while for her to adjust to being alone, one alternative is to find another friend for her, but this is not always the best solution, as she may not accept another dog. You can get a pheremone spray in the UK called a DAP diffuser, it helps calm them, and eases behaviour.

  Food treat toys or anything that might keep her mind occupied might help.

  If you can spend a little extra time with her that may help too, but other than that there isnt alot that you can do.

  Hope that she will stop pinning soon.

  Regards,

  Selena Carnell VN

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• User says:

  April 09th, 2008 at 12:48 PM

  Wanted to ADD/ mention that both labs are not not spayed or neutered. Strange but they never, ever had not even one litter. Also have 2 small Poodles in the house. Female is spayed and 11 years old. Male not neutered, 3 1/2 years old - not related to female poodle. Originally got Female Poodle and Male lab (now deceased) one a month after the other. Then got Female black lab, a few months after that.

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• User says:

  April 09th, 2008 at 12:51 PM

  THIS FIRST RESPONSE WAS SUBMITTED, BUT THE: "YOUR RESPONSE HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY SUMITTED" DID NOT SHOW. SO RESUBMITTING NOW. Thank you for your reply. This is very difficult for me/us; the loss and her behavior now. Yes, she saw him die. He evidently suffocated on a part of a toy that neighbor kids threw over the fence(saw parts of toy near him) we tried to get the object out of his throat, but couldn't. It was late at night. I made olive oil, applesause and p- nut butter mix in hopes he would lap it up and it would help the object slide/pass. He did lap it up but it didn't help. They've been kenneled outside the whole time. She laid next to him when he was dead. She barked as soon as we wheeled him out the next day. Had to put her in the garage last night as she kept barking till 1:00AM. This AM she was put back in the kennel which is 1/2 the yard in size, not a run but a very large area 1/2 blocked off by chain link fence. She bored a hole at bottom of chain link and won't stay in kennel part. She seems to want to be nearer to the house. She knew what happened to her mate, she moaned and whined, and her behavior of laying next to and resting her head on him after he was dead, and her not leaving his side 'till he was taken away. If they pine for mate, then they must know/understand? Another pet isn't an option. Thought about adopting her out in hopes someone could keep her company. Do you know of any lab rescues in USA - Bakersfield, California ? Since she won't stay in kennel area (needs repaired) she is now staying by back door of house. It's no wonder, I myself don't like seeing him not there. He didn't have to die like that, it's not fair. We were helpless to help him. Thank you for the pheremone suggestion, I've never heard of it but can ask Vet here if have it. Sorry response is lengthy.

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• Experienced Advisor Selena Carnell says:

  April 10th, 2008 at 02:19 AM

  No problem, it all sounded very traumatic for all of you. It does sound like she is quite lonely now, in a way it is good that she saw that he had died, i sometimes think dogs understand more than we think they do.

  Its hard to suggest what to do, she is used to having a mate, and not being on her own. and she is an outside dog. She may well settle down after afew days, but in the mean time it is quite distressing for you.

  Only you can make the descision to rehome her if you think that would be better for her, as she is staying by the house she is feeling insecure. i have found this link.

  Bakersfield Animal Shelter
  201 South Mount Vernon Avenue
  Bakersfield, CA 93387-0100
  (661) 868-4685
  http://www.co.kern.ca.us/acd/default.asp

  http://www.entirelypets.com/dsp60dogapph.html gives info on the DAP diffuser and spray, which might be worth a try.

  Hope this helps.

  Regards

  Selena Carnell VN

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