Dogs often feel a deep sense of loss when their loved ones are no longer with them. Their loyalty and love for their human family members make them grow attached. It is not uncommon to see photos, videos, or stories of dogs refusing to leave their owner’s side while they are sick or staying by their graves after they have passed away.
ᴅᴇᴀᴛʜ can be just as confusing and difficult for dogs as it is for humans. When their owner is gone, dogs often don’t know what to do. They hope their owner will come back and stay close by. Take, for example, Wiley, the dog in the picture. He is lying on his owner’s grandmother’s grave. The dog and the grandmother shared a strong bond, and it is clear that the dog is completely devastated by her ᴅᴇᴀᴛʜ.
Dogs like Wiley are known for their sympathy towards humans, which may explain why they take their human’s ᴅᴇᴀᴛʜ so hard. Many people who watched the video of Wiley expressed that they believe he is truly ɢʀɪᴇᴠɪɴɢ. One viewer commented, “I believe your wolf is ɢʀɪᴇᴠɪɴɢ. Once science helps us understand wolves and dogs better, we will see that they have complex emotions and bonds just like humans.” Sarah, the owner of Wiley, faced some negative feedback but responded by saying, “I may be interpreting his actions, but this is how I am dealing with my ʟᴏss, so please respect that.”
It is not rare for dogs to experience ᴅᴇᴀᴛʜ as a serious loss. The signs of a grieving dog can range from subtle changes in mood to visible ᴅᴇᴘʀᴇssɪᴏɴ. Dogs may eat or drink less, express their sadness through howls or whining cries, and exhibit signs of fatigue and increased sleep. Their body language may also show slower movements and decreased enthusiasm. Some dogs may even spend more time in places their owner used to frequent. These behaviors show the depth of their ʟᴏss.
While it is important to let dogs ɢʀɪᴇᴠᴇ in their own way, there are steps we can take to make the process easier for them. Dogs, like humans, need to know that it is acceptable to grieve but also that life goes on. In most cases, dogs will eventually ʀᴇᴄᴏᴠᴇʀ if given the necessary time. Maintaining the same treatment and routine helps demonstrate that things are still normal and that sadness will not take over. Engaging the dog in more physical activity than usual can also assist in moving forward and triggering the release of serotonin in the brain for normal functioning.
This particular dog had a close relationship with the woman who ᴘᴀssᴇᴅ ᴀᴡᴀʏ and deeply misses her. While we may never fully understand what dogs feel, we know that they are incredible pets capable of giving us as much love as we give them. Let’s hope this poor dog finds comfort and peace soon.
