Depression

[Lynn Weaver]

My husband is near death, in hospice in our home. i think Chloe is picking up on my sadness, and seems depressed herself. She turned one, and used to be full of life. She won't even play at the dog park but just sits with me. Anyone have any experience with this?

[Wendy and Myla]

I have no words - everyone here has said what I can't even begin to express but know that I'm thinking of you and big hugs to Chloe who I'm sure is happy just being with you and each of you drawing comfort from each other!  Only the two of you know what the other is feeling!  Hugs!

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Lynn, I am so very sorry to hear about your husband. These beautiful Doodles sure seem to be able sense our every feeling.....good and sad. May you both provide comfort for each other...and Prayers ascending for you and your Family.

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

A dear friend of mine recently lost her husband and her three mini schnauzers are experiencing sadness also.  Dogs are very intuitive.  I hope you can find a little time for yourself and Chloe to get away from the house even if it is outside for 15 minutes - it will make a world of difference for both of you. Sending thoughts and prayers to you, your family & Chloe at this difficult time.    

[Susan Dingess]

Lynn,

I am so sorry; my husband passed away on year ago this Friday. I did not have my puppy at the time. I got her 3 1/2 months ago for companionship.

When my neighbor lost her husband, her cat quit eating, slept a lot, etc. She took the cat to the vet and it was DX depression. Dr. said to pay more attention to the cat. She also has a dog, but the dog was not affected the same way.

HUGS.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Lynn, I am sorry to hear about your husband. How very hard this must be. I feel you and Chloe will go through the ups and downs of sorrow together. You are both lucky to have eachother during this sad time. Prayers going out to you.

[Debbie & Gibbs]

I am so sorry to hear of your husband's illness and that he is in hospice. I have no personal experience with this other than a friend of mine relayed to me that a former foster doggie that I had for 6 months shared the last 6 months with the adoptee's mother on her death bed. Libby didn't leave her side until her death. Sweet little Libby brought comfort to the mother as she nursed her dying mother through the ordeal. Animals are so intuitive, and I do believe they experience sadness. Prayers for you and your family as you face these challenges.

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

So sad for you and your family...Chloe will, I believe, feel your sadness but in her own way help you to heal. My thoughts are with you in this difficult time 

[Lynn Weaver]

Choe will help me I'm sure. I suppose when I begin to feel happy again, she will too. In the mean time, she rarely leaves my side and presses into me as though she can't get close enough!

[BG and Gavin]

It sounds like she is trying to hug you.  Bless her.

[Lynn Weaver]

My back is out from all the stress, and I'm sitting on the floor a lot. When I do, she comes up and put the top of her head right in the middle of my chest and presses. That is about as close to a hug as I can imagine!

[Camilla and Darwin]

I don't have experience with this and there are a lot of great replies. I just wanted to add that I'm so very sorry for what you are all going through, and I'm thinking of you.

[Valarie]

Lynn,  I have worked in healthcare settings for the last 30+ years.  I have heard many people report similar situations.  I think our pups are so in tune to our moods and feelings they can't help but respond to such sadness.  I'm sure she is a comfort to you during this difficult time.  I am praying for your family.