09-14-2012, 03:10 PM
cbelt3 wrote:
While that's always a 'sad sign of devotion', I wonder about the owner's family. Why didn't they work harder to help the dog over his loss, and give him a new Alpha pack leader ? I assume they care for him in his vigil, which means they're actually reinforcing the behavior.
When my father in law passed away, his little Pomeranian stayed with us. She missed him horribly for a while, but she's accepted my wife as her Alpha Mommy. It took a lot of effort, but we wanted her to be happy.
Heck, we're doing the same thing with the young people that we quasi-foster in our house.. make them comfortable and safe, and ensure that they know they are cared for, appreciated, and a worthwhile member of the family.
