A dog in mourning? Help!

[Stargazer]

I acquired my little Kirby when she was 9 weeks old. I had four other dogs at the time and she fit well into the pack. Over the past 8 years, the other four have crossed The Bridge, one last May, and one about two months ago. Kirby, who has always been an active, friendly, fun-loving girl, is now quiet, doesn't get all wiggly and excited when I say "walk", "ride", "toy". She just lays around. Her appetite is substantially decreased and she has dropped from 20 to 17 pounds. The vet has done everything except scan her and can find nothing wrong.

She perks up when she's around other dogs and people. But that's a rare occurrence. I'm really getting worried about her. Should I try to find her another companion? It's nice to have only one dog in the van (easier to avoid stepping on or tripping over them). Have you ever experienced this with a pet? How long does it take to get her back to who she was, if ever! She just doesn't seem to care about anything anymore.

Thank you!

 

[Wild_E]

She is a little Fur Person/Kid,<br>they have feelings so try to go to doggy day care or Dog parks. Socialization with lots of dogs will help her out. She is sad and lonely just like we get, best of luck with her.&nbsp;

 

[She_websitetoolbox_import3114]

I so agree with Wild E. I had a kitty(Oreo) who missed her&nbsp;friend(Tiger) and&nbsp;cried&nbsp;for weeks. I paid extra attention to her and let her know I know she missed him. Gave her a few extra treats and played with more then usual. She came around.......but it took a little more caring on my part...which wasn't hard to do <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">

 

[Wild_E]

I was just thinking that there might be foods she can eat, like humans that might help with depression. Salmon etc??? Bacon !!&nbsp;

 

[She_websitetoolbox_import3114]

I agree Bacon cures anything!!

 

[cleanheart]

Stargazer, I'm very sorry for your loss...Your baby Kirby will eventually turn around but the best medicine would be another furbaby. They're sociable animals and need the interaction. I understand it's probably less stressful with just one furchild to watch for but I'm sure you have enough love to give for another....<img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img"><br><br>ETA: I agree.....Bacon is a cure-all!

 

[Stargazer]

Thank you everybody. Dog parks and doggie day care, while we're on the road for the next few months, mostly boondocking in remote areas, woukd be pretty difficult. I do try to spend lots of playtime, IF she will even play, try lots of little walks (she drags along). If there are other campers, and they seem open to dogs, I'll sorta let her guide us over there for a little more social time.

Bacon! I haven't tried bacon...groan...it's so not in our diets, but neither the doctor nor the vet are watching so I'll do it just for her ;-) I know that a dog lover will adopt her when I fall over from cardiac arrest! But what a way to die!! Yum!

I may adopt another little one. We'll see.

Meanwhile, keep the ideas coming. Thanks!

 

[Wild_E]

if you have a long empty bone, devoid of marrow, try sticking a hot dog in there. I let the dog watch, warm them so they are a little toasty, she gets the smell then I put it into a long bone, she then slurps it out.

 

[maritimecamper]

I don't know if getting another dog is always a good thing. MY dog gets jealous if l even pet another dog...but your dog is used to being around others? Good luck to you both.

 

[Zil]

I have 4 cats you can have. they are the best cats in the world.

 

[Stargazer]

Weenie in a bone...I may try that! Err...for the dog.

Jealousy has been a little problem in the past, but I think maybe it was alpha behavior. For the dog.

Four cats? Sounds like a movie title. "Four Cats, A Dog, And a Lady in a Van". I like cats, too. Another lady next to me brought her big gray cat outside yesterday evening; it sat on the steps to her MH while she sat in her chair outside and they watched the sunset together. Pretty cool. Kitty didn't try to run away or even get down. Just sat there and enjoyed the evening.

Thanks all for your suggestions!