No sooner did I post my article about the problem of cats that are left behind when their owners die, when I received news that one of our oldest clients had passed away. She was 79 years old who loved her 2 Great Danes dearly. After a short battle with heart complications she died suddenly in the hospital.
It was all very unexpected and the lady’s gentleman friend suddenly found himself with 2 Great Danes that were pining for their mistress.
The amazing part of this sad story is that one of the Great Danes died three days after the lady died. Granted, both dogs were 7 years old, and that age is the beginning of the end of a Great Dane’s life cycle. Nevertheless, I find it fascinating that this dog apparently was so psychically connected to his owner that her death ultimately led to his demise.
At the onset of this post I mentioned that the lady had 2 Great Danes. The second one is still alive but he’s clearly suffering. The most amazing physical transformation happened to this dog within a week of both deaths. Abruptly, his muzzle turned completely white as if he’d aged 5 years within that week. He now mopes around the house and looks at you with the saddest eyes that you’ve ever seen.
I’ve advised the new owner (the deceased lady’s gentleman friend) that the dog now needs more love and attention than ever, and that a vet should see him regularly to ensure that he gets adequate nutrition. He’s listless and uninterested in eating, and I worry about him.
If this dog can grieve like us, let’s hope that he can also get over it like us.
And there are those who argue that dogs don’t have a sense of self!
Ray
Christine’s Pets
703.626.3829
