Chelsea and the red chair
The one thing I wasn’t prepared for after losing Milkshake was how it would affect my Chelsea dog. It’s been hard to watch. She’s depressed, I have no doubt about it. On our walks to the park, she just sniffs the air and looks around. I know she’s looking for her friend. The vet told me it could take as long as several months for her to get past this.
So I’ve used the advice I give to others. Get out of the house, go visit friends, walk in different places and find new adventures. It’s helped me and it may be helping Chelsea. She liked today’s adventure to the Farmer’s Market and she loved this red chair we found outside the civic center.
If anyone has any ideas on how to get her through this, please share. What’s your experience and advice? We’re a couple of desperados indeed. I wish I could pack her up and take her to quilt market with me!
In my next post, I’ll share the new mini quilts and our newest petite pattern, Foxly.
Hugs to all of you this beautiful Mother’s Day weekend!
Anne
30 Comments
Julie Zaloudek
I’m a little late o this post…How did Chelsea do while you were at Market? Bet she was super excited when you walked in the door!!! To me, it sounds like you are doing all the right things. New adventures, new smells to distract her, and lots of affection. Maybe even a new toy? Hope you are both doing better. She does look pretty happy in that chair.
Donya
There are some essential oils made especially for animals by a vet Melissa Shelton. She has a blend called Transition and another Calm A Mile that you might consider using. The company Dr. Shelton owns is Animal EIO she has a Facebook group also with great information. Prayers for you and your sweet little girl.
Tonia Conner
Praying for you and Chelsea. Pain to subside soon.
Helen LeBrett
She looks like a true miniature on that chair: so cute!!! And I’m sorry, but I don’t have any ideas for how to help her get through missing her buddy. It’s sad, and I think you are doing the best thing for her in going new places and keeping her busy with new adventures. Hugs, to you and her!! H
Kathleen O'Grady
That is so sad. When we lost one of our German Shepherds the only thing that worked was getting another dog. Now after 4 months they are best friends, even tho one is just a puppy. Hard decision for sure, I feel for you.
mimi'sdarlins
She’s so tiny in that big red chair, can’t you tuck her inside a bag (like an accessory) and take her to market? I’m sorry I don’t have any advice….I recall with our cats how when we lost our Rudy, little Max would let out these long meows as if calling for her sister :(
Libby
I wish You could take Chelsea to quilt market with you too. After I lost my little dog (of 17 years), I thought I would be ok, afterall, I had a new grand daughter. But there was still something missing, my little dog went to work with me and almost everywhere else, everywhere she could. She was my pal, she was my stress releif, she was part of our family; my husband finally got me another dog. It is a little different with you, I had no Chelsea, looking for her partner, but maybe she needs a new one too. I still think about my little Buffy, and my oldest grand daughter sill asks about her, she was almost 2 at that time and an animal lover then too, but Buttercup has made her way in our lives. It didn’t take long either. An amazing companion. Best wishes to you and your family. Hugs to you !
Carol DeLater
Dogs are pack animals and most…probably all…are happy with a companion. You may want to look into getting another dog. Perhaps there is a rescue near you that can offer a senior dog that your pooch will take too. We have been through this syndrome for 40 some years. We always have at least two dogs.
Colleen
To be honest time is the best healer. I think it is best that who ever is home most give Chelsea a routine so she can count on going out (x) time treat at (x) time etc. let’s her know everything continues on and gives her routine and something to look forward to. Then you can fill in with what you enjoy doing with her when you are home. That way she has a routine and when you are away that should have less stress on her. I am old I’ve had pets all my life I have out lived many I have happy memories of them but I still miss them and yes I do cry also
Linda
She need a puppy to train and take care of. Just like you, she needs to stay busy. A puppy would certainly take care of that.
Hildy
Poor Chelsea! Don’t know what you could do to help her beside give her a lot of attention and cuddles. Hugs to you and your family.
Karen D Martin
I think what you have been doing is exactly right—new places, experiences and most important–new smells! Just like us, it takes a furry buddy time to lessen the pain of loosing a beloved friend. Hugs to you both!
Marilyn Holley-Stupka
I’m sorry for you, Chelsea, and all those who cared for Milkshake. I always hear that a new young furry friend works wonders. But I always think that trying to hurry grieving is not a good idea.
Susan
Oh, poor Chelsea! Maybe get her a puppy??!!
Laurie Shain
I have learned everything I know about forgiveness and loyalty from my dogs. Animals teach us so much..even in grief. Your friend has to go through it and your love is the best comfort. They are our dear friends. And gifts….
laurie simpson
I’m so sorry, Anne.
ana garcia
lo siento mucho,mi caso fue perrito y gatito,la solucion fue un nuevo compañero de juegos.quiero decirte que estoy enamorada de tus proyectos aunque donde yo vivo no consigo nada de ellos, asi que te doy mil gracias cuando desde tu blog compartes trabajos para poder realizar.unbeso enorme para ti y tu perrito
Marian Simons
Hi Anne, I am not sure I can help as I am having to do this with my cat. Her friend’s “Mum” died and Tabitha was rehomed.
Faye
A puppy?
Cathy
It’s hard on them too. They are incredible creatures w/emotions too, regardless of what some think. You’re doing all the right things. We were also told to shower w/extra attention. And when the time is right for you, might you consider adding another. My opinion two is always great.
Michelle B
Ot will take a while. Two years after I brought Daisy to TX she saw a Border Collie and was SO excited to think Ringo had come. About broke my heart! Ringo took care of both of us. The memory may fade but just like us, it will not go completely away.
Angie Bowling
I love the red chair and Chelsea. I think she will be OK. Just like you, it will take time. Maybe more cuddling and lap sitting. I don’t know how pets handle grief. When our dog Stubbie died, her sister Freckles did not miss her for long but the circumstances were much different. Freckles had a stroke about 2 weeks before Stubbie had a heart attack so she was not the same Freckles. Freckles lived another year and then she was buried next to Stubbie in our back yard. We still talk about them and they’ve been gone many years. We now have 2 cats, and as much as I love cats, they can never take the place of a dog.
Kim
I am so sorry for your loss. This happened to us in April of last year. Our little Emma, a sweet little multi-poo, died in my arms of congestive heart failure. We were devastated. Our little Bichon was all alone. It was painful to look at her with our her friend. They were always side by side. I couldn’t stand the absence of Emma. I adopted an other dog a month later. No dog could ever replace our sweet Emma but, the new dog has found her own place in our hearts.
Jan
So sorry about Milkshake. What a sweetie! Chelsea is adorable. Hugs to you and her. Gone, but never forgotten.
SandyG
Time does help, but they are always missed aren’t they? Sad for Chelsea, and other pets because they don’t know what has happened to their dear friend. Hugs!
Judi R
Digs do mourn. We bought another poodle as our Weimaraner would not even eat after our Goldie died. She just lay around. When we lost her, our new poodle was three and she would just whimper and go in a corner. We now have her brother-a rambunctious 3 year old Portuguese Water Dog that she can order about!
JanetF
Her pic in the red chair is wonderful. I always tell people who ask me this question to let them grieve. Do take them out to do things – that’s good for both of you, but don’t get rid of Milkshake’s bedding and smells for awhile. And I always get another friend. I usually wait about 3 months, but that’s what works for me – I always want them to have the chance to be an only dog and get all the attention for awhile …. Poor Chelsea, and poor Anne, too.
liz n.
Have her start socializing with other dogs, and then adopt a new friend for her, preferably a younger dog that she can mother and mentor. When we lost our Bruno, we adopted Henry sooner than we would’ve if it’d been on our emotional timeline, but Pete needed to be a big brother to another furry dude, and now those two are inseparable.
DeAnna Dodson
It’s so hard to see your other pets grieve, too. But I think you’re wise to take Chelsea out and do some things with her. Mostly just be with her and let her know you’re not going anywhere. You’re the best thing for her. :::hugs:::
Susan
Do you have any dog parks near you? Socializing with other dogs may help. At least it is company of her kind.