This week I recieved the worst news that you can get as a dog lover. A dear friend had to euthanize their three year old Scottish Terrier, Barney. The reason why is still unknown. All we do know is his liver had severe complications which, in turn, lead to his demise. A shock to us all, three is too young. What could of happened to our poor Barney? Will we ever find out why this happened? There is a huge possiblity that the answer to that question is no. So how do we cope with such a sudden, tragic event?
I know myself upon hearing the news I was shocked and saddened. I found it hard to believe. Of course I thought of my own dog, Sadie, and how awful it would be to lose her. Sadie is the same age as Barney and we used to joke that she was Barney's girlfriend. They loved spending time together. Both being terriers they had enough attitude combined to take on the world. Their favorite game was chase, either one running and the other following behind. I look at my girl and still find it hard to believe that Barney is gone.
So that is how I feel about the situation but how do dogs feel when they lose a fellow canine companion?
Now I've heard lots of stories of dogs dying within weeks of each other. The whole "dying of a broken heart" theory. Is that really possible? I know this usually effects dogs that have grown up together and lived their lives in the same household. What about dogs that have friends, like Sadie and Barney. They don't live together but see each other often. Will Sadie notice Barney's abscence? Will she sense that he is gone? Or will she never know the difference?
It's hard to say. I do know that Barney's owners will miss him terribly, and I will miss him too, and there is a part of me that believes that Sadie will know and miss him as well.
Rest in peace Barnbarn.
