Dogs and Mourning

Today I am here to write about two wonderful Portuguese Water Dogs, Sunny and Splash, who have lost their best friend, their dad and the person who they spent every day of their life with - Senator Ted Kennedy. These dogs had the privilege of going to the United States Senate with him to sit under his desk, to go out on his beloved boat sailing with him and, at the end of his life, to comfort him, to keep watch over him and to be his loyal companions to the very end. In return for this most wonderful bond, Uncle Teddy, as the family called him, had written a wonderful children's book in honor of his best friend, My Senator and Me.

Today is a different day for everyone including Splash and Sunny, for their daddy has moved on and they, too, have to mourn. How do our dogs mourn, and how can we help our pets get through a time of loss? It is never easy to lose someone we love; the same goes for our dogs. They also become very attached, and they do know when we are sick. It is an instinct that our dogs have to know when we do not feel well. They can sit next to us in the bed or by the bathroom, no matter what. They are there to hold on to us.

When I had breast cancer, it was my dog, Governor, who laid on the cold bathroom floor right next to me so that I had a strong warm body to hold onto when I was so sick. I will never forget the kind, gentle love that dog offered me. When Gov (as I called him) passed away, I was deeply saddened and depressed. I know Splash and Sunny are going to go through a transition time with the strong love of the Kennedy family and their "Mum" Vicky, for whom Splash was originally purchased. She and the two dogs will have a common bond, all three missing "Daddy".

Vicky and the dogs will be able to help each other through this mourning period by walking on the beach together, playing ball (something the two dogs love so much) and simply being together. They will never forget the love they have for their dad. In time they will heal, and they will stay a family. However, it is important to know that our dogs do grieve, and it is up to us to help them get through this time of morning.

I do want to say that it is great that Senator Kennedy had two dogs. Dogs are pack animals, and it makes it a bit better to have two versus one. Just do remember when you and your dog are as close as the senator was with his two, a dog can be profoundly affected at the sudden loss of his best friend, not to mention all the flurry of activity that comes at such a time. You really need to be considerate of your dog's needs. If your dog is grieving for another dog or person, be kind and do not add another member to the family right away. Be sure to let the dog, or in this case dogs, have enough time to grieve. Remember, they too are in mourning along with you.

Of course, it never hurts to add a little extra chopped lean turkey or chicken to a dog's dinner to coax him to eat, even if he doesn't feel like it at that moment. Just please don't add too much. The last thing you ever want is an overweight sad puppy. Just as with people, time with good friends and lots of love will help ease the pain when a dog loses someone he loves very much. It is never easy, but it's all part of the circle of life.

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