How To Help Pets Left Behind..., Surviving dog misses deceased Options

[shadded dreams]

Hello all!! Today is day 5, and things are looking a little less blurry. I still miss my little Zip, but doggie daddy and I have resorted to talking about the good times, and the fun times Zip brought us. My question now is, for those of you who have surviving dogs (or cats?) how can you really help the survivors not to be so lonely? My survivor Toto is quite lonely, and doesn't want me to leave him at home. He is doing a little better about things today. But if he hears my Zips tags (which I have attached to my purse with a personalized key chain) he comes running and looking, as if to say "Hey, Zip! You're back!!" And Totos actions are saddening me further. What do you do? Toto is prone to whine in the evening, as if to ask where is Zip. When I leave the house, Toto tries to get out, as if he thinks he is going to see Zip. I have a very hard time leaving with him acting this way, but to be here at home, is too much for me right now. What to do, what to do? I am not, nor will I ever be as close with Toto as I was with Zip, as Zip was my first ever pet, and I had Zip before I had kids. Not to say that I don't love Toto, because I do love him. I do spend time with him, give him treats, pet him, sit with him...etc. But we got Toto from a shelter for abused dogs, so Toto is not the lovey, huggey, kissey, snuggly dog that Zip was. I can't act like that with Toto, as he doesn't care for that stuff. It's as if Toto is happy as long as someone is home, his bowls are full, and he can come and go outside as he pleases. Thanks for letting me vent. I already read the forum page on the grieveing of animals, but gave me no ideas, or tips that have been tried. Any ideas, let me know!! Thanks again for being here!! Zippers Mom

[Tracey]

We have a suriving dog as well, and I'm not sure who the loss of Megan has been harder on, me or Molly. Molly has acted out a few times and destroyed a few things in the house. She has also been very clingy. Her personality was very different from Meg's and although I love her, she just does not bring into my life what Megan did. I feel horrible for feeling this way, I know you should not have favorites but I do (did). There I've said it. Molly is just too laid back and sweet natured...does that make sense? Megan was such an in your face dog. When she was still alive it drove me nuts but now I'd do anything to have her "wooing" when I got home.

So now Molly has become the center of attention and we take her to the dog park so she can see other dogs. Although she is very lonely, we have not got another dog yet. This has become somewhat of an issue between my husband and I. We got Megan BECAUSE Molly did not tolerate being alone. But he does not want another dog, he's tired of the hassle and hair in the house. I'm slowly working on him and secretly hope that Molly wrecks a few other things

It sounds like you're doing all the same stuff with Toto as I'm doing with Molly..it will get better. Please keep posting, I'd like to hear how Toto (and you) are doing.

Tracey