Lena is depressed

[Ribno]

Hi. New member here.

I have a sad story...

Lena is a 4 year old purebread beagle. 2 days ago her brother moved out of state. Her brother was owned by our dear friend Laura, who lived a block away and the two dogs spent every day of their lives thus far together, then in the evenings, they'd go to their respective homes. Lena with us, Jude w/ Laura.

2 days ago Laura & Jude moved out of state. Lena is very confused and does not like being alone. I know she needs to mourn the loss of Jude who she will certainly see again someday, but not for a very long time. It's heartbreaking to see Lena go to Jude's spots and lay her head down where he once sat.

I think eventually we'll want to get another companion dog for her, but based on some reasearch I've done, I don't want to do it too soon...2 or 3 months maybe. At the moment, Lena doesn't like letting me out of her sight...and smell...she is afterall a beagle.

I'd love any comments and/or advice from anyone with any insight or experience....

Thanks,
Scott (& Lena)

[My6beagles]

Ribno
Definitely Lena(great name I have a Lena too) is missing her brother. Really how could she not. When Tess passed Belle mourned her for months and Pixie wandered around in a haze for the longest time after Penny died. I think the process is different for every dog. One I took on long hikes (5+miles) where we used to go when Tess was alive. She seemed to adjust but still laid in her spot for almost a year. Pixie I took to obedience classes to get some "me" time with her. Personally since you are a one dog house I would see if friends or relatives would do a play date with their dogs. There is also doggie daycare just to give her time with some buddies. Obedience classes or agility might also be a great bonding time with her. Good luck..


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[Mollys Mom]

It will definately take some time and I found that beagles are especially sensitive when someone disappears from their live. I would keep him as busy as possible, trips the pet store, dog park, car rides etc. I have never had a beagle alone for long. I had a greyhound when I adopted Molly and when he passed away suddenly it was hard on all of especially Molly. We kept her busy, I took her to work, on rides with us etc and then a few months later we started to search for a beagle pal and we adopted Vazzle.