Murphy is helping his real brother. UPDATE

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

Murphys litter brother, also named Murphy, is losing his 11 year old sister, Onyx, today. Onyx is a german shepherd, who has become increasingly sick and debilitated with arthritis and bone cancer. It's time to send her to Rainbow Bridge.  Murphy has never been an only dog, and loves to play and romp with his sister, so his mom and I anticipate Murphy's grief.

 Our plan is to keep the brothers together for a few days, to help offset the loss.  They love spending time together and whenever one or the other of us goes away for a few days, it's eachothers' houses they stay at, so they really are like "brothers".

We can only hope this eases their Murphy into accepting the loss with minimal sadness. Any other suggestions from those of you who have lost your second dog? How did your surviving doodle do with the change? What changes did you see in him/her, if any?

UPDATE:

Murphy appears to be doing well. He keeps running in and out the doggie door like he's looking for Onyx, and laid down in Onyx's special spot last night during dinner, but otherwise no whining, crying or looking depressed. So far so good. He's a real people lover, so as long as he has his people around him, it looks like he'll be ok. Thanks everyone.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I have no experience with this, but I wanted to say how sorry I am for Murphy & his family. I am sure you'll get lots of good suggestions from many others here who have gone through this. 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I so dread the day when this happens with my boys.  They are so different yet they are truly bonded "brothers".  My heart goes out to Murphy's family.  It's awesome that you and your Murphy will be there to help everyone through this sad time.

[Lori, Daphne, Lucy & Pippa]

This is such a sad situation and I think you have a good plan to start off. Fortunately I have not experienced this so I have no advice. The best thing might be to add another dog but neither of them are probably ready for that just yet. I wish there was something I could do or say to ease their (and your) pain. The only thing that will help is time. Hugs to all of you!

[Judy, Meg & Polly Wolly Doodle]

Heartbreaking to hear about.  What a great thing to anticipate and help to ease this loss for Murphy.  We have two at our home as well, they sleep on top of each other half the time and I can not bear to even think about what you are all going through.

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

After our standard poodle passed, my daughter and her malamute came for a visit.  Bella the malamute roamed the house looking for Wilbur and then wanted outside.  We let her out and it was not long when we heard her howling!  It was so sad.  I imagine Murphy will mourn the loss of his big sister too, but the fact he visits and plays with your Murphy should help.  Every time a hear a dog is crossing over the Rainbow Bridge, I fear that someday, I will be experiencing this we have two doodles - one older than the other.  I dread that day! You and your friend are making it as easy for Murphy as I think possible.  You are great doodle mom's!

[Andrea, Belle and Honey]

Sue, your plan sounds wonderful.  I have one other suggestion.  When my lab Ellie died last winter, Roxie the Cat, who had slept between Ellie's legs since she came to us as a tiny kitten, was inconsolable, and started roaming the house at night crying.  Ellie had a sweatshirt of my daughter's that she dragged around with her and slept with, so I put it, complete with lots of yellow lab hair, in Roxie's bed and she now sleeps on it every night. She still looks for Ellie in her favorite spots in the house, but no more crying in the night. Maybe a favorite toy of Onyx, along with the other supports you mention, would comfort her brother Murphy.  I am so sorry you and your friends and the Murphys are going through this.  It is good that you have each other.

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

Thank you, that's a great idea. We just got back from the Vet and Onyx passed peacefully and easily in the arms of her mommy and me. The two Murphys are busy running around the yard playing right now at my house and he and my Bella will go back to Murphys house tonight for a sleepover. Bella is much more playful and will keep her Murphy pretty preoccupied tonight.  My Murphy will be home alone with us tonight, but he won't care.  That's all we really can do. Sad for the family, but glad its over for Onyx.  Being a RN helps me see the practicality of ending a life that is suffering with no hope of recovery. I hope I can be that rational when it's my time to help my Murphy or Bella cross over. 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am so sorry for Murphy and his family.  We recently and suddenly 'lost' our Springer while we were all on vacation. Ned and Clancy didn't notice it so much while in the RV, but when we got home a few days later, they  seemed to feel that Gordie would be there.  Both wandered around looking for him and Clancy (who is our vocal boy) made the saddest noises - I am sure calling for Gordie. It broke my heart - again!  I mention this only because Murphy will go home eventually, and will  look for Onyx.  I don't think you can change that, but the idea of having something with Onyx's scent might help the transition.

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

Yes, Murphy is fine now at my house, but you're right, he will eventually go home today and then we will see his reaction. We hope Bella will soften the shock of Onyx not being there. My friend has Onyx's bed and favorite stuffed toys left around. Will see how it goes. That is sad that Ned and Clancy were calling Gordie. Breaks my heart to think of it.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

It sounds like you have a good plan for helping Murphy  through this tough time. I'm glad you guys are so thoughtful at considering his needs. Bless you and I'm really sorry for your  and your friends loss.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Sue, something you might consider in the future would be to have the euthanasia at home. Many towns have vets with mobile services who will do this service in your home. This allows the entire family to be present at the time of the pet's passing including other animals. I think that animals have a certain understanding of death. Perhaps it makes more sense to them then seeing their friend driven away but never return.  I've only had one experience using this method and won't go back to a clinic setting if at all possible. It went peacefully and smoothly and afterward the remaining pet sniffed their friend and then walked way and didn't experience any obvious signs of distress later. It was just one animal and one experience though so I don't know if it's typical. 

And once again, I'm so sorry. 

[Julie, Eloise & Beasley]

Ricki, that's a really interesting point about having the other animal present.  I've not heard of that before but it makes a lot of sense to me.  My vet does this in-home service as well (they'll also make house calls for patients who just do better in their own homes for exams and some treatments).  I'd always planned to go that route, though hopefully not for a long, long time.  It's so heartbreaking to think about, but I'm glad you mentioned having the other animal there as it never crossed my mind.