Coping with Grief: Day 6 - Dogpression
On the sixth day of grieving my true love sent to me four paws a laying….. like a sad clown in his dog bed. Elvis, my normally exuberant boy has noticeably relented to grief’s choke chain. He spent in utero plus 1,023 days of his life with Mama Gaga. They were kin, companions and competitive partners always challenging the other to biscuit, ball and bunny duals. Mr. E. is feeling her absence.
The first evening after Lady Gaga passed, Elvis bounded down the deck barking ‘Joy to the World’ per usual. He paused about 30ft into the yard and did a 180 looking for his speedster sidekick. She wasn’t there; the look of confusion on his face melted my Great Lash. Nearly one-week later Elvis has accepted, or at least understands, his buddy isn’t there to race him to the arbor squirrel den.
I did everything “right” by him, meaning Elvis was given an opportunity to see his mom after she passed - closure. That doesn’t discount him missing her as much as I do, maybe even more. They spent the entirety of their days keeping each other company while I ran the cubicle farm. Gaga and Elvis shared a tricked-out dog room rivaling a Four Seasons suite, which they cheerfully checked-in to upon my daily departure. Now Elvis hits the brakes and balks at going inside solo; his SpongeBob eyes widen with the desperation of Baby Jessica.
I’ve also noticed he is eating less, more picking at his food with the appeal of hairy jelly beans. I’m not worried about his health, but I am worried about his heartache. So, I Prime Dayed a cloud camera that works with Alexa; it will allow me to speak to E. remotely. Whoever thought a cylinder on my mantle would become my new puppysitter and grief counselor?
As each day passes our new normal will seem a little less foreign. To ease the transition for Elvis, I’ve upped our Game of Throws ball jousting, cuddle time and social activities, particularly those involving other canines. I am embracing my role as his main BFF, entertainer and cheerleader.
For more information regarding signs of grief in dogs and how you can help, please visit the following:
