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Teresa Ford · 10-06-2012, 08:52 AM

Question: Do dogs grieve ? Answer: Yes
All dogs like children need individual attention. But keeping dogs apart so they won't get too attached, has little merit. Should a husband and wife be apart so that they won't grieve when one dies ?
I do advocate that a new puppy is cared for and tethered to a human, during the very early bonding and potty training period. I want new puppies to look to the human as the PLP (Provider, Leader, Protector) not the older dog. There is a critical bonding to humans time window, which should be firmly established before age 16 weeks. But that is another subject and not an answer to the question about grief.
Dog do miss companions ? How they cope is very individual. Some seem not to be bothered, and others get very sad and act depressed. And some dogs like some people, get angry and act out for a short time. I also think Yorkies are especially sensitive to what their human is feeling. If we feel sad, they react to that as well. I think dogs are blessed because they mostly live in the moment, they enjoy every good moment in life. They enjoy every tasty meal, stroke of affection, greeting, nap, and play session. Perhaps that is the lesson they are supposed to teach us. Cherish the moment !

10-06-2012, 08:52 AM	#14
Teresa Ford Therapy Yorkies Work Donating Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Central, Florida Posts: 3,863	Question: Do dogs grieve ? Answer: Yes All dogs like children need individual attention. But keeping dogs apart so they won't get too attached, has little merit. Should a husband and wife be apart so that they won't grieve when one dies ? I do advocate that a new puppy is cared for and tethered to a human, during the very early bonding and potty training period. I want new puppies to look to the human as the PLP (Provider, Leader, Protector) not the older dog. There is a critical bonding to humans time window, which should be firmly established before age 16 weeks. But that is another subject and not an answer to the question about grief. Dog do miss companions ? How they cope is very individual. Some seem not to be bothered, and others get very sad and act depressed. And some dogs like some people, get angry and act out for a short time. I also think Yorkies are especially sensitive to what their human is feeling. If we feel sad, they react to that as well. I think dogs are blessed because they mostly live in the moment, they enjoy every good moment in life. They enjoy every tasty meal, stroke of affection, greeting, nap, and play session. Perhaps that is the lesson they are supposed to teach us. Cherish the moment ! __________________ Teresa & Rubin, Gracie, Abba, Ginny Joy and Julia Rose Act like a dog, be kind, forgiving, and loyal. Last edited by Teresa Ford; 10-06-2012 at 08:53 AM.