Lorrie,

I agree with Heather, the dogs greive too. When we had to say goodbye to Wrigley at the end of March her sibling Rookie had a real hard time. The night before we let her go, he slept by her side and licked her throughout the night. For the first few days afterward, he was very mopey around the house. He was eating ok, but not real energetic. Everytime I would pull into the driveway, he would run to the car as if to see" maybe I brought her back this time". He is  a German Shepherd and part of their nature is to "protect" so with her "disappearing" I can't help but wonder if he feels somewhat responsible, or in a sense that maybe he failed in his job somehow.

We did our best to keep him busy.Taking long walks, places we went with Wrigley, the kids baseball games ,car rides etc. I talked to him. I tried to explain to him what happened. That is wasn't his fault and that he did everything he could to help her. I explained she is running free now and not to worry anymore. I just gave him lots of love.

As much as I was probably not ready to do so, after about 2 weeks we did end up getting  another dog for him. I was worried about him and didn't want him to make himself sick. It is sometimes tricky adding another dog so soon after one leaves as they surviving one will sometimes get angry and act defensively with the new dog- Rookie seemed to accept the new dog very well. They now run and chase each other in the yard like he used to do with Wrigley. He has not done this since Oct. when Wrigley got sick. I must say, seeing him run like this, like he used to , makes me very happy. And I think he is very happy too. He has a wag to his tail again, he has a smile on his face.

Now, I know getting another may not be for you, so please don't rush in to anything. If he likes your sons lab, maybe let them hang out more often. I know the gal at our vet offered to loan me her dog to come over and play with Rookie if I needed it. Whatever you do  I do recommend spending lots of extra time with Duke and talking to him- telling him all is going to be OK.  I know it's hard, because you are sad too. Oh, that is another thing I tried not to let Rookie see me so upset over Wrigley's passing. He is very sensitive to my emotions, so I did my best to do my crying by myself, so he couldn't see. When I was with him, it was all about being OK and happy.

I hope things get easier for you. You will be in our thoughts.

Dear Lorrie,

I am so sorry for your pain in having to say good-bye to Blue. What a darling little puppy he was!!

It seems as though his metastisis may have been like my Abbey's. The vets thought it probably attacked the spinal cord and caused paralysis. I was glad she didn't have to go through the lung mets.

I'm sure Blue is grateful for the amazing care and love you showed him and for giving him and his littermate, Duke, such a loving home. I bet he is running and playing with all the other former tripawds, now on all fours and having a great fun time. I really believe with all my heart they will greet us madly when we join them.

 I had a friend who showed their other dog the body before they buried her. It seemed to satisfy her and she did not look for Sunny anymore. As for Duke, I think you are doing everything right; keep him company and give him extra hugs. He will adjust in time too.

Remember, there are no rules to grieving. Give yourself time and permission. Blue is now home free. I pray God's love and peace surround you.

Diane