Deb D’Andrea,  Nederland. In previous years, people would scoff at the notion that animals feel emotion, saying we were just anthropomorphizing or applying human emotions to a non-human. Fortunately, this train of thought has been shifting as society, and science, realizes tht animals do experience human-like emotion. They do grieve, mourn and feel pain and pleasure; they do have buddies, friends and favorites; along with many other “human” emotions.

My guess is you’ve watched videos of the loyal dog beside their beloved person’s casket or sitting at the gravesite; of the terrier running onto the busy Chilean highway to drag an injured dog to safety; of the whale mourning, carrying her dead calf for 17 days before releasing it; and of elephants that appear to hold a vigil for their deceased matriarch. You’ve also watched videos of the moment people are reunited with their beloved pets, the enthusiasm, the love, the recognition that they’re together again. These few examples shine light into animal emotions and grief, a grief similar in appearance to human grief, or a deep sense of loss.

For our domesticated ones, even if arrangements have been made ahead of time for their care, animals grieve the loss of their person, especially if the animal doesn’t get to say goodbye. They can be confused and sad, especially if they had a very close symbiotic relationship with the person who passed.

In my household, when it’s time to pass everyone is present so they can smell the transition; and when I’m at that stage in my life, I definitely want my dogs by my side! This togetherness during the transition, I personally feel, offers closure to all in the household, versus a car ride and their companion never returns, leaving a sense of bewilderment without closure.

Comforting and being sensitive to our beloved pets after the loss of their person or furry companion is essential. Just as with people, some pets bounce back into their regular routine fairly quickly; while other pets take time to go through their grieving process. During this time, try to stick to your regular routine, spend more time together, provide extra attention and belly rubs and get exercise. They may exhibit unusual behavior, may get into the trash or go potty in the house or be a bit out of sorts. Just try to remember that they too need time to heal just like us; and this could take weeks or months before they stop looking for their beloved in all those special places. A good book to read is “How Animals Grieve,” by Barbara J. King. Her work has chronicled several stories of animal grief; which, in my humble opinion, helps humans better understand us and our grief.

Till next time. Deb D’Andrea, founder of 4TheLuvOfDogz & the Caribou Dog Ranch, recognized by the State of Colorado as a Certified Canine Massage Therapist will visit your home or Vet’s office to work with your dog. Canine Agility may be offered at the Caribou Dog Ranch in 2019 if there is interest. Deb currently has limited availability for new Pet Nanny Clients; and bakes up fresh dog treats & doggy birthday cakes per order. For information contact Deb at 720-675-7078 or email: info@4theluvofdogz.com.