depressed?  Zorro, my Siberian Husky has not been the same since we lost Blackie (he was with Blackie when he was shot and killed).  We also lost Skipper, Zorro's best doggie friend last spring.  The good neighbors dog, Lily, does practically live at our house, but I don't think it is the same for Zorro.  I was so concerned about him last night that I brought him to work with me today and got him in to see the Vet.  He is healthy.....all tests negative.  All Zorro does is cry and mope around.....I don't know what else to do other than give him doggie massages and love.  We bring him in the house at night (something he never did that often before) and he just lays in front of the couch looking depressed.

Any suggestions???

Aww  Poor Zorro,

I believe that animals do get depressed after losing a friend.   We had a German Sheppard and a Yorkshire Terrier when I was growing up.   The Yorkie died suddenly and our Sheppard mourned him for weeks.    We did end up getting another Yorkie  but it took a while for Ginger to accept him.    

I think you are doing the right thing.  Love and attention are what Zorro needs now.  Maybe down the road a new friend?

Take care and again,  I'm sorry for the loss of your beloved pets!

Jeannie

The same thing happened when one of my shepherds, Star died. The remaining shepherd Shadow was depressed for about 9 months. Eventually Shadow got back to his old self and remained active for about 5 years. Exactly one month to the day after my mother died, I awoke to find that Shadow had died in his sleep.

I think it's a great idea that you're heaping more attention and affection on Zorro... Is there any way that you can get another companion puppy for Zorro maybe in the spring? I'm thinking that maybe that will increase Zorro's activity level... and as Caesar (The Dog Whisperer) says... more exercise leads to a more well balanced dog.

[smiley=hug.gif]


with warm regards,
Tony

midwestbeth wrote on Jan 29^th, 2009 at 2:46pm:

We bring him in the house at night and he just lays in front of the couch looking depressed.

Of course dogs can get depressed.  My dog shows her emotions better than most of the idiots I hang around with.

I lay in front of the couch looking depressed if my dog is not around.  Just sayin.  

Lobster wrote on Jan 29^th, 2009 at 5:24pm:

My dog shows her emotions better than most of the idiots I hang around with.

Which begs the question, why you hangin' 'round with idiots, dog?

Brew wrote on Jan 29^th, 2009 at 5:31pm:

Which begs the question, why you hangin' 'round with idiots, dog?

Bwaa hah hah!  
Very good to see you again, Brew!

Thanks for the replies.  Zorro does get plenty of exercise, there is a trail all around our property from him making his rounds everyday. The vet said he is in excellent physical health for a dog his age (10 years).  I was concerned because he hasn't been eating well, not even treats.  I brought him in last night and hand fed him some cheese and turkey.  The girls were so concerned, they made me promise that if it was something bad, I would not let the vet put him to sleep before they had a chance to say goodbye.  The only thing that makes sense is doggie depression.  :(

I'm thinking that by spring, I may be able to talk the hubby into getting another dog.  We have the county humane society nearby and I'll start looking there.

Here's a pic of Zorro and Blackie.  Zorro is on the left.

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Beth,

They are beautiful.    I bet it is depression.  Did the vet have anything to say about that and how to help him?

I hope he is feeling better soon.

Jeannie

We had 2 labs, mother and daugthter. The daughter died unexpectedly last January. Mom dog (Molly) was pretty mopey, as were Guiseppi and me. We brought her in to start sleeping in the house(something she had never done before). Amazingly enough she responded very well and is now a spoiled pain the a$$. Now the only time she mopes is when we have been away for a few days, even though she is totally spoiled by my housesitter.

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Yes, dogs can get depressed. My golden retriever, Murphy, was depressed for awhile, and the only reason I could think of is my other dog kept horning in when he was getting petted, and thought he wasn't getting much attention, I don't know.

I started calling him when he was out of the room, in a high voice, making a big deal out of him coming to me, petting him, and not letting the other dog horn in. The main thing for him was making a big deal over him, and talking to him in an energetic voice. It helped, and he came out of it after about a month or so. When we were out walking at the park, or local huge cemetery, I'd play with him, throw sticks and stuff. Kept up the energy to him, and he got it. Why don't you go for some walks with him? Make a big deal out of it.

I don't know if any of this will help. I know Maggi was depressed after Murphy died.... for awhile. It was normal. I'm sure he'll come out of it on his own.

I was thinking about your question and from my experience I definatly think yes. When my kids went off to college in the fall or I go back to school after being home all summer both of my golden retreivers have"pouted" for awhile. My little dauchsund I had in high school was so lonely after our cat died. They too miss their companions.

Charlotte

They do. When something really hits them, they change. Being with you is the best medicine. They handle it better than humans most of the time.

Charlie

They miss their friend and hurt just like us. Get another dog. I believe your baby just needs someone to play with when your away.

Zorro just hasn't been acting the same and I knew something was wrong.  I made and appt for him with the vet to take an xray.  I didn't think he was breathing right and everyone else agreed with me.  After the xray was taken the vet said his chest was filled with air.  She saw that he had a fractured rib and it could have punctured his lung filling his chest cavity with air.  I had to take him to the animal hospital.  The vet at the hospital did a chest puncture with a needle and two liters of air had been removed within an hour.  I had to leave him there overnight for observation, he may have to be there longer.

The vet kept asking me if he could have been hit by a car. If the cause of the air in the chest cavity is from trauma, that is good news.  If the cause is not from trauma, well, that isn't so good.  No chance that he was hit by a car around here....kicked by a deer, buffalo, or horse maybe.

No wonder the poor baby wasn't acting normal.....he was in pain and couldn't breath, only I couldn't tell how bad because these dogs are so tough.  I should have insisted on the xray at the first visit.  :(

Poor guy!  Poor you too!  Hope he gets to feeling better and can come home soon.  I hate having to leave one of my guys in hospital.
T

Don't beat yourself up, Beth.  You did your best.

Hindsight is not your friend right now, healing is.

It's too bad our animals can't talk and tell us where it hurts. I hope Zorro is better soon and the news improves.

Charlotte

I hope Zorro gets to feel better soon. My dog Phantom was very depressed after Misty died, but we just  adopted another puppy this past Saturday (Rebel) , He is 10 months old and is another blue heeler, they are having fun together, they still fight over our attention but I can see Phantom is feeling better with a new friend. Let's us know how Zorro is doing please.

                                                Hugs

                                                           Rosy

Beth,  so sorry about Zorro!    I hope he feels better soon.   :(

Hugs,
Jen

Sorry to hear about the fractured rib Beth but it is a full explaination for his behavior.  Only question remaining is what caused the rib damage.  You may never know but the chances are he will be fine.  

Guess there is no need for Puppyuppers, just time for it to heal. ;)

-P.

Thanks for the well wishes.  The vet called me at 2:30am, they had to put a chest tube in Zorro.  His chest cavity was filling up with as much air as they were letting out with the chest punctures.  It is still a mystery as to why.  I may end up having to take him to a specialist in St. Louis.   :(

I am so sorry to hear your dog is so poorly.  I do hope they find what is causing the air to get into his chest abd  he gets well soon

love and light for you and Zorro

Tanya

Beth, I'm so sorry about Zorro.  Please keep us updated as to his progress.  I hope they find the cause and CURE soon!  Do they have ANY idea what could be causing this?

Hugs,

Jeannie

Thanks everyone.  I did get to bring Zorro home yesterday evening.  They took the chest tube out and have him all bandaged up.  The air had stopped building up in his chest cavity, but they cannot say for sure that it will not return.  The cause is still a mystery.  This is not a common condition, especialy in larger dogs.  

I hope it's an isolated freak happening and the future holds nothing more of this sort.

Take a deep breath, Beth.  You've earned a coffee, a long sit and a good cry if you need it.

Took Zorro to the Vet today and the news wasn't good.  His chest cavity was filled with air again.  They do not know the cause.  I'm having the vet do a chest puncture to relieve all the air that is in there and then I'm bringing him back home tonight.  I can't afford to do this anymore.  :'(  I've already spent more than I should have. This is such a difficult decision.  He will be kept comfortable and loved for as long as possible.  The vet said he may have up to a week.  I'll have to keep an eye on his breathing and make that judgement.

:'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(

Oh Beth....I'm so very sorry.   :'(


Much Love,
Jackie

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I am so sorry Beth  :'(   I know how hard this is for you.

I'm sorry to hear this, Beth.   :'(

Best wishes,

George

Oh Beth, I'm so very sorry :( :( :(

I know when Cisco was sick, we had to face that decision as well.  After we spent way more money that we could afford on him, if he didn't respond they were going to ask us to make that decision.  Cisco didn't last long enough for us to make it.  It was one of the most devastating events in my life.  I feel for you, my heart breaks for you.

Our pets are such loyal companions, and it is just devastating to have to go through things like this.

Sending all my hugs and support.

Cat

Sorry Beth. Let's vibe and pray for Zorro...you never know.... :)

I'm so sorry Beth. It tears your heart out.   :'(

Charlie

Oh Beth,

I'm so sorry.    :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(

Hugs,

Jeannie

I am very sorry....I truly hope he recovers, I do.... :-[

I'm really sorry.  It is tough, and a tough decision to make.  He knows you love him.
T

:'( [smiley=hug.gif]

Joe

:'(
Hugs,
Lizzie

Oh I can feel your pain.  Am holding you and Zorro in my arms and praying for you both.  Sending lots of cyber hugs. :'( :'( :'( :'( [smiley=hug.gif] [smiley=hug.gif] [smiley=hug.gif] [smiley=hug.gif] [smiley=hug.gif] [smiley=hug.gif]

tanyana

hang in there beth just pray for him iv been through it to :'( :'( :'( :'( hope for the best.

Only just read this, I am so sorry Beth ! How sad and painful for you all !

Praying for a complete recovery for Zorro.

HUGS

[smiley=hug.gif]

Any good news with Zorro?

You're still in my thoughts and prayers.

with warm regards,
Tony