Lonely Maggie after Companion Dog's Death *suggestions please*

[finn's mom]

Well first of all, there is no way that my parents would rehome her. I would bring her to the city with me before that would happen. She LOVES being outside on the farm . . . she LOVES running and playing . . . she LOVES my parents. It's not like this is a life/death situation here . . . at least not enough to do something so drastic.

I was only asking for suggestions of things that we could do for her, to make her more secure & comfortable.

And, I was only giving you suggestions based on what I've seen other people do in similar situations. I'm sorry, I misunderstood. I thought she wasn't running and playing and being happy. Blech, I'll just shut up.

[christa]

And, I was only giving you suggestions based on what I've seen other people do in similar situations. I'm sorry, I misunderstood. I thought she wasn't running and playing and being happy. Blech, I'll just shut up.

Maybe *I* wasn't clear enough. It's just hard to explain your dog's personality without writing a book.

Maggie is on top of the world when me or my mom or dad are outside with her. It's almost like she gets so excited . . . I worry that she'll make herself sick! Is that possible? Anyway, she IS a happy pup . . . just seems lonely. She's really changed. In some ways, it has settled her down, which is good . . . but I just feel bad for her. And just wondering if anyone had any suggestions.

Do you think the night light and the radio will help? I know we use to always leave the TV on in the garage during the day and the dogs didn't roam as much. They stayed close to the TV/noise.

Finn's mom: No hard feelings. ok?

[finn's mom]

Finn's mom: No hard feelings. ok?

Whew, I hate hard feelings. None here.

[lv4dogs]

Yup, I'm with everyone else. the only suggestions I have are ones you don't want to do (bring her inside... even if it is just at night, get another dog for company or rehome her).

Sorry but there really isn't much else that can be done in this situation.

Good luck.

[lv4dogs]

The radio might help a little bit if you can program it to a soothing cd ro something.

The problem with radios & tv's is that sometimes you'll get a commercial or the like with scary noises/voices, loud bangs, whatever... you never ever know what they play or show next or if the frequency will have interuptions causing static and the like. Sometimes that can make the situation even worse.

If you can program it to a cd or something that you KNOW for sure will NOT skip and it doesn't have any frightening noises it may help. But thats next to impossible.

[shais_mom]

I am sorry for your loss. I am sure Maggie is grieving for her companion just as you and your parent's are also. I think a soothing cd sounds good. I wish you the best with her you both deserve it.
{{hugs}}

[pitc9]

Oh how sad.... too bad another dog is out of the question.
Sure... try a radio. It can't hurt to try!

[cyber-sibes]

So sorry about Abby. When we lost Star's companion, Rosie, we saw much the same thing, her personality changed. And she started doing "Rosie" things, it was obvious she really missed her. Star is an outdoor dog too, and really doesn't like being indoors, but she looked SO sad all the time. i took her for extra trips to the dogpark to play with other dogs, that seemed to cheer her up a little. I also took her with me on more trips to the store etc. maybe they can try things like that.
Our solution- - Sherman! We knew when we met him he was just what we ALL needed. Star's been back to her happy bossy self since he arrived.

[christa]

When we lost Star's companion, Rosie, we saw much the same thing, her personality changed. And she started doing "Rosie" things, it was obvious she really missed her.

Funny you say that . . . Abby was always the "protector" and Maggie would just wander around the farm, exploring everything. Now Maggie won't leave our side! She's VERY protective. We all thought it was so strange how she stepped up so quickly and assumed Abby's old role.

[Ginger's Mom]

How old is Maggie? My only suggestion would be to bring her inside at least at night. I know that you said that she loves being outside, but you also said that for the last three months (since July) she has been fearful and lonesome outside. So maybe bringing her inside at night for some company and security and letting her enjoy herself outside during the day would work. I am not sure that what Maggie needs is noise (radio, ect.) as much as some genuine interaction and with someone she trusts.