[morgansacre]

Hi,

My brother lost his 16yr old dog about a week ago, he had a stroke and went peacefully in his sleep. Then 6 days later one of their cats, who was 18yrs old also passed away. There are 3 pets, the dog and 2 cats who were very close, they slept together, played and ate together. When my brother took the dog to the shops for a walk, the 18yr old cat would always follow them everywhere, she would wait outside with the dog and then follow them home....

They have one cat left, who is 15yrs old, she has now gone off her food, and my SIL is beside herself she is going to go too.

I just wanted to know if this usually happens when pets are close, if one dies, does the other/s pine away and die too?

I know it has a lot to do with ages of the animals, and I told my brother they lived till a great age. I told him to give the remaining cat more attention and fuss and hopefully the pining with ease.....but I'm guessing it might not and this one will pass away too

Lynn

[*Spikey*]

Not always. But sometimes.

They were all very old. Sometimes, it just works out that way.

DH lost three of his cats (out of 4) in fairly quick succession (they were 13+ at the time) and our first Elkhound. The remaining catlived for another 6 years (to 18yo). She didn't like the new kitten - I'm sure she felt it was her fault that her litter mates died.

[babybeli]

This is something I worry about with my boys. We got the two pups together so they would always have a companion but I am concerned as to what will happen in the future if one of them was to die.

[morgansacre]

I have lost animals, while the survivor mopes around for a week or two, but seems to come to terms knowing the lost one isn't coming back.

Shadow has done it twice, I lost 2 Aussie Bulldogs to cancer, one at 8 and the other at 11 months. The puppy she was very fond of.

My brothers remaining cat has chosen him as a substitute.....my brother sent me a picture of his desk, on one side is a cushion that has his Tabby asleep on it. He said she wont leave his side, everywhere he goes the cat goes. I guess its the cats way of grieving, poor thing.

I agree its something I think a lot about too, especially with Archie.

Lynn