[Dailydrool] Grieving Pet

[Sandi Wittenberg]

When we lost our Jesse, his litter mate (Cash) was devastated, as were we.
We used St. John's Wort to help him through this time.  It did seem to help
some.  Cash also wouldn't eat and I cooked for him for a while to get him
started.  You might want to consult with a homeopathic vet or a local
homeopath.  Regular exercise will also help Buddy work through the loss.
Change the routine and include a new walk (in a different direction or
park).  Although it may seem harsh, it is helpful to remove the crate,
bedding, etc. and wash the toys.  As long as Bert's scent lingers, Buddy
will keep looking for his friend.  

 

Since Cash and Jesse lived with our son at the time, Cash was alone for the
first time in his life.  We brought him to our house for a month so he could
be around other bassets and he went to dog shows with us (he liked that
since he was already a CH).  After about a month, we added Morgan to our
pack.  He was a retired CH who's owner had died and he needed a new home.
Both Cash and Morgan went with the entire pack to dog shows for the next
month with us.  They were NOT instant buddies - in fact they got in a fight
the first weekend we got Morgan (but they both were intact males).  But we
persisted, walking them together several times a day and providing
supervised "sniff time" for them.  When the dog show season ended, Cash and
Morgan returned to my son's house and over the course of the next 6 months
bonded and became buddies.  

 

When you are ready to add another basset, I would suggest a spayed female.
Buddy would be more likely to accept a female than other male.  

 

Our condolences and best wishes for you and Buddy.

 

 

Sandi Wittenberg & The Red Bay Gang

Grady, Hoagie, Johnny & Norm

sandi at redbaybassets.com

 

 

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