So tonight I am able to take time to have a chat with our dog Tilly. @mikmaqpeek and I think she may be distressed since we euthanized our housecat last Friday.
Yesterday, we found Tilly hiding and shaking in the dark in the walk-in shower. We'll keep a close eye. If anyone has had experience with a dog "grieving," I would welcome to learn of your experience. It's not like I can just ask her what's wrong. But I can watch, listen closely, and "see" what she has to say in her doggy way. #DogsOfMastodon
@Romaq @mikmaqpeek
Dogs definitely grieve (so do cats, Matty Catty was quite upset when her friend Chico died.)
Chico had been bonded to his brother (so much so that the SPCA wouldn't separate them) and he was somewhat lost when Spike died. He ended up becoming much more attached to the people in the house.
Your dear Tilly probably just needs you to pay extra attention and give her as much love as she will accept. She's a beauty, BTW. A new cat friend might be in order.
If she keeps finding dark places to shake in (and little dogs have plenty of dark places they can access), you might consult with your vet just to make sure nothing physical is wrong and maybe to give her something to reduce her anxiety.
@HLGEM We have spoken with the vet. If Tilly is stressed over the weekend, we'll set up an appointment to see if an anti-anxiety prescription is right for her. It is distressing to see her appear cowering in fear while uncomfortable in the dark. Well put a mat in there if she won't come out, though she appears fine now. And I plan to sleep on the floor with her if she seems to want me to. No work tomorrow. Thank you for your response. I treasure the times when she has this short pant breathing like she's laughing at me, then runs and "challenges" me for a treat!
