05/22/2023
We have observed many posts of beloved pets crossing over the “Rainbow Bridge”. As previous pet owners we have been there and it is heartbreaking. This is just something we wanted to share regarding the death of our beloved pets. Our hearts are with you!
There is an expression when a pet dies of crossing over the rainbow bridge. We love the fact that we can look forward to a point of reference, a place to where our beloved doggies will be able to wait for us, or where we can see them once they pass “over the rainbow bridge”.
Per the Veterinary Biological Sciences at Colorado State University, wild animals have been known to express grief by yelling out or yelping out loud, wandering aimlessly and eventually reorganizing the pack. As also in humans, grief can be expressed in crying out loudly, in addition to moving through the additional stages of the grieving process. Our pet dogs can see their humans as a member of their pack, their grief reaction can involve this social bond they have formed with their social family system.
Some scientists differ on their opinion as to the level of emotions or grieving felt by dogs. The American Kennel Club reports that a dogs brain when shown on MRI imaging after the death of a beloved owner will light up in areas similar to a human when compared to parallel emotions. (AKC, Published: Jun 4, 2018).
When an owner dies, Dogs will notice a change in their usual routine. They will note changes in their environment, like the decrease in smells, and they may be placed in a different home for continued care.
Just as in humans, no two dogs will grieve in the same way. They should be observed for changes in their normal behavior. If placed with someone less familiar with them they can be observed for signs of anxiety, pacing, stress, whining, panting, barking, fidgeting. Dogs can also show signs of grief similar to depression in humans to include loss of appetite and weight, lack of interest in activities.
We have all likely seen photos on the internet of pets who will not leave the gravesite of a loved one. Scientists believe that dogs do mourn, but at the level of a 2-5 year old. It is felt that most dogs believe their loved one will return, their loyal nature along with this will keep them waiting in some cases until they themselves die.
During the time of grieving for our dogs, we can help by spending more time with them, trying our best to stick with the usual routines if possible, this includes paying extra attention to them.
