Hello everyone,

My brother and his family picked up a stray boxer puppy back in August. They had been wanting a dog for the longest so it was the perfect opportunity. He was the sweetest and cutest little thing, but unfortunately he was just too sick to survive very long. When he passed away back in November, they were naturally devastated (as was I). My niece took it the hardest because they really bonded. I thought that with time it would hurt her less and less, but she is still referring to him in present tense. She will say things like "Rocky jumps on my bed all the time" or "I have to tell Rocky all the time to stop biting me".

Is that normal or is it something that I should be worried about?

Hi, maiysmiley, please permit me to offer you, and your brother and his family my sincerest sympathies in the physical loss of their beloved Rocky. Losing a companion is never easy regardless of the circumstances or how long we are blessed with the privilege of their company.

Professional counselors now recognize that children grieve differently from adults. It is not uncommon for people of every age who are grieving the physical loss of a beloved companion to experience things such as hearing barks or meows or other sounds such as the clicking of nails on the floor, or feeling things such as the familiar rub or jumping up onto the bed. This is not imaginary. It is important that your niece be allowed to talk about her beloved Rocky - - her memories and how she misses his sweet physical presence. Clinical professionals also recognize that the physical loss of a beloved companion is normally a child's first experience with a physical loss, and how they react and cope with it will form a foundation of how they cope with loss and grief as they grow and mature. The physical loss of a loved one - - whoever the life form - - is a traumatic event, and the grief adjustment journey can only be traveled in an individual way in an individual's own time. There are some excellent books for children who are grieving the physical loss of their beloved companions that may be helpful for your niece to read - - along with you and her parents.

I hope what I have shared with you will be of comfort, encouragement, and help to you and your brother and his family as you each travel your individual grief adjustment journeys. Please know each of you are in my thoughts and prayers, and please let us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Moon_Beam, thank you very much for the kind words. My brother has actually told me that he still hears the little shuffling of paws around the house. It is very difficult for all of us because this was their first pet. My brother and I never had pets growing up, so we were kind of naive about how it can mentally affect you if they pass away. Hopefully with time, we'll heal.