Thanks for sharing that about Max.. I feel that could be valuable advice in the future.

Coopsdad

Sadly, this is something I know a bit about.  We have a large pack, and therefore, have had many of our canine family transition from this world to whatever is next.  My experience is that pack members know, and say their good byes, long before we people are even clued in sometimes.  And yes, they mourn, although not in the same way humans do.  They move on past the death, but for a while after it seems almost as if the spirit of the one who has died continues to be part of the pack and their behavior.

I have witnessed our pack evaluate a sick or older member closely.  I have seen their behavior go from concerned and caring, to each dog carefully sniffing the transitioning member, and then after that, they seem to almost not even notice them.  As if they have transitioned but their body is still here.  The dogs we have had that have moved over on their own (no euthanasia), after the death, the pack howls.  Always.  And a very distinct howl unlike their normal howls and noises.  I have also noticed that transitioning dogs will move so that they face the east before they pass.  Sometimes at great lengths as the last effort they give this world.  Many mushers I have talked to have observed the same thing.  Now, if I need to have a dog euthanized, I insist they are outside and facing east.  That somehow seems to make it more peaceful for the dog (and for me too).

I believe they know way more about what is going on than we do.  I think they do say good bye and they do mourn.  Actually, I know they do.

And sadly, as I am writing this, my pack is saying their goodbyes to my sweet Calpurnia.  She started her transition last night.  She is very peaceful, and the other dogs are laying in the sun next to her.  But she has a far-off look in her eye like she is seeing a trail that I can't see.  I am giving them their space to take their time because I think it is very important.  I have no idea how long Cali's transition will take her, but am willing to allow her to do things her own way, like she has her entire life.  She takes comfort in her teammates, and it is a peaceful scene - them laying quietly in the sunny yard with her.  My breaking heart takes comfort in this.

Oh no 🙁 Sweet Calpurnia. I'm sorry she is not doing well. 

I witnessed something similar to what you describe as our old guy began to deteriorate. Since the day we brought Coda our Beagle home, our old guy ruled the roost. She was always vying for his attention and he was always the one to decide whether she'd receive attention or a snark to go away. She could sleep with him, when he decided. They decided when to play, on his terms. Over his last year, and especially his last month or two, roles completely reversed. She became a mini-dictator and he gave up all control. She decided when they slept together, or if they played. She was all of a sudden a very confident queen bee, and he a very feeble follower. She'd give him a very stern 'go away' and he would listen. She never would've dared before. And she at the end, became very uninterested in him.  It was really, really interesting to see. I once read as animals get older they relinquish their seniority to the younger, stronger pack members. I don't personally buy into a lot of the pack 'stuff' as far as alpha and training - but this change in our two was undeniable. She did not mourn in the way I expected her to, when he passed. She did become best of friends with one of our cats, but she didn't search for him, or pine for him. I found this odd as any time he had to be away for a night in the past, she was very unsettled and anxious until he returned home. She did become a bit mopey and quiet, I'm sure mourning in her own way, but it wasn't the ordeal I thought it would be. I'm sure she knew he was dying, and had said her goodbyes before it happened. 

Our pups I do worry about, as aside from Dante's amputation at 8 weeks, they've never spent a night apart. Even when they had their spay and neuter, the vet kept them in the same crate together. Mina is also incredibly attached to our beagle, and Dante very, very firmly attached to Mina. I know the day will come where one will need to go before the other and I'm not sure how we will deal with it. They howl the saddest of howls when they are separated for longer than they would like, or if one needs to leave the house without the other. Haunting howls. I do think we will bring them to say goodbye. I don't know if it will help, or make a difference, but if there is a chance it could, I'd like to try, and I don't think it could hurt. 

These posts made me tear up too.  When my girl Jazzy left for the vets, I think all of her pack mates new what happened.  I do know that they didn't lay on her bed for days after she died.  (interestingly, she was facing east too, but that is because that is where I was sitting, at her head)  Finally my eldest dog, her daughter, took over her bed. 

I know that they experience grief.  My pack didn't really show it but I have a story about a dog who willed himself to death because his people didn't come home.  My mom's friend had this very large, very aggressive spanish mastiff.  Her husband and this dog were so bonded, he was the only one who really handled him.  The husband died unexpectly at work.  My mom's friend tried to go out and feed and water their dog.  He refused everything.  He was only 5 years old but loved his person and it seemed that the sun rose and set on him.  So when he didn't come home, this dog stopped eating and drinking.  The dog died 10 long days later.  The vet had tried to give him fluids but despite it all he passed.  The vet said he was sure he died from a broken heart. 

I know this is different than a "pack mate", but it is a story about how grief affects an animal.

To Cali's pack, she has been such an inspiration to me.  I have loved her stories and think that she has been a shining star here.  My prayers and love are with you. 

Elizabeth and Sammy