Do dogs feel greif?

[Newyork]

The question came up in my mind today since my grandpa's dog is staying with us for the week. Almost two years ago my grandma died and this dog was hers. The dog has never been the same. She seems almost depressed. I don't mean to assign human emotions to an animal but it seems to me that she is greiving.

I also remembered that many years ago we had two dogs that were good friends and when one dog died other dog pined away for her untill we got two young puppies.

So my main question her is do dogs feel grief? In your own experiances have you noticed similar things?

 

[Tleilaxu]

I think they do, if I recall correctly wolves have been documented mourning a lost pack member for a time but since they are wild animals I dont think they have to "luxury" to dwell on it.

Elephants have also been document mourning a fallen herd member so the higher emotions are able to be expressed by certain members of the animal kingdom.

 

[LeilaNami]

My dog did after my mom died. She died at home so I was waiting at a neighbor's house with the dog to talk to the medical examiner. He started throwing up and shaking as soon as the man walked in the room. Afterwards, he would howl and cry if he couldn't find me. After seeing this, I definately believe that they recognize death and grieve for the lost one.

 

[SlaytanicArachnid]

yes they do, ive had 2 dogs go in the last 4 years. age 12.5 and 8.5. the our other dog moped around fpr almost 6 months, howling where the other died every day, sitting by the graves all the time. they went back to normal after getting a new puppy.

 

[Mina]

Yes, they do. My Grandmother's dog grieved for her after she died. He did eventually start eating and drinking again but he seemed to just be going through the motions.

 

[halfwaynowhere]

I've seen many social animals express this type of behavior. I don't think its anthropomorphizing at all. grief is not an exclusively human behavior.
I had a rabbit once starve herself to death after losing her mate. I've seen a mouse carry her dying cagemate over to the water bottle so she could get a drink, when she was too weak to get up and get it herself. The surviving mouse didn't fare well when her pal died, and developed an odd relationship with my cat. That mouse was amazing. I've seen it with rats, as well. And animals that develop a bond with their human companions suffer even worse. My uncle had a wolf hybrid dog. She was the best dog ever, absolutely loyal to my uncle. When he died, her health declined, she stopped eating, it was pretty bad, and she had to be put down.
While humans are more advanced than other animals, it doesn't render animals incapable of any emotion.

 

[Boanerges]

I'd also say definately YES!!!

 

[james.m]

I would have to say yes too. I had two dogs, brother and sister for almost 7 years before the female passed away. The other has never been the same since. Poor guy. Im think of getting another pup once spring comes around.

 

[blazetown]

Higher mammals all have emotions in a way.

 

[phearamedusa]

Yes animals do grieve, we had "play dates" with a friends dog after Dusa passed, Mugzsy was devastated. We had to get another dog within 2 months of her passing. I think all higher life forms grieve in some way, even if we don't understand what they are doing.

 

[davidbarber1]

We had a Long Haired Dachshund that almost died of grief when my father passed away. Animals do have emotions. They just don't have souls. That's where humans have the advantage.

David

 

[skippy]

well, if you have to believe in souls and heaven and all, why not believe that animals are welcome there too? i think it would be a much better place with my puppy than without it's kind of sappy but if i was to believe in something it would be this:

"Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... "

i know, i know... a little to cutesy but hey, i love my dog

 

[davidbarber1]

Skippy, I'd like to believe that I will see my animals in Heaven. I have had so many that died. It would be nice, but, we will have to wait and see. By the way, welcome to the boards.

David

 

[skippy]

hey thanks i like it here

 

[skippy]

on a side note... it would me odd to be mobbed by all the critters i've lost over the years all at once

 

[davidbarber1]

Ditto!!!

David