Dogger Depression

SEE BUDDY

Remember him? This is my beloved 8 year old Boxer Buddy. And do you remember that I just lost my baby girl dog, Jingle,who was 9 years old, no more than two weeks ago? We all took it hard, as she was a member of our family and it still stings. But Buddy? He is taking it the hardest.

I think Buddy is depressed. Is that possible?

Buddy and Jingle were like peas and carrots. They grew up together and shared everything. They even slept in the same crate together every night; with the door open, so I know it was their choice.

It wasn't a romantic love they shared, it was more like a brother-sister love and Buddy has been lost without her. It's so heartbreaking to see him lay around and sort of sulk. He still has Amos, the boss, and the Alpha of the group so he's not completely alone, but I never realized how tough the loss of one of the pack was going to be on Buddy. And Jingles, his favorite one.

What do I do? Do they have doggie shrinks? Does he need doggie Prozac or anti depressants or will this ride it's course out while he adjusts?I mean, we all have to adjust. The thing that worries me is that Amos is the old dog. We aren't quite sure how old Amos is, because he was a rescue dog, but I know his age is somewhere in the teens. He's in great shape, but I'm worried that when it's Amos' time how Buddy will handle it? As it is right now, he's requiring a lot more attention and we are more than happy to give it to him.

Today I'm in no position to get another dog. I've had three dogs for close to a decade and I've loved every minute of it. Would I do it again? Hell NO. Yet, the boys seem so lonely without her.

I just want to see the little spring creep back into Buddy's step. I somehow think Jingles would have wanted it that way.