We always felt that, when the time came, R's death would be very hard on Shyla.
 |
| Dark Smoky Days |
R was Shyla's rock, back in the days when it felt like Shyla could barely function due to her fears. Soon after Shyla came to live with us, it was clear that R being present raised her confidence immeasurably. Whenever possible, it was Shyla's choice to be close to R - whether it was during a hike or when snoozing in the house. In fact, as many remember, Shyla loved to snuggle up to R very closely.
Indeed, losing R is very hard on Shyla. Shyla has a variation on separation anxiety that has escalated in the past week. She cannot stand to be kept away from me and the Runner when we're at home with her - and starts barking continuously when that happens.
We are sorting through solutions that let Shyla be next to us but also give Hachi some freedom within the house (we are keeping them separated). I will spare you the details but it involves an ex pen around Shyla's bed which is placed right next to us. Shyla is totally content when she's close to us, and Hachi is totally content when he's able to be free. So, this is working so far.
On the happier side of the ledger, Shyla completely adores our new place which we've been visiting regularly. It has a big creek, and Shyla joyfully splashes and swims in it. She also is working on perfecting her belly flop into the deeper parts of the creek. Then she comes up, nose high, ready to sprint out onto the bank to do it again.
When she comes out of the water, she and Hachi play joyously. I am so glad that she and Hachi are such great play buddies!
I think that Shyla will be okay. All of her frolicking will help her heart to heal. But she will never ever forget the big brother who gave her the confidence to walk through this world happily.
Like us humans with grief, it will take time with Shyla too. Maybe the move to your lovely new home with land, space and a creek ( what a huge bonus) will help her heal. Will you still get lots of snow in the winter? Love the drone view. Was that the Labmobile down below?
ReplyDeleteHi Jean! Yes, we'll get lots of snow, just like at our present home. And, that is the LabMobile. It contains all that we need to live while the house is empty! We will try to move a mattress into the house soon so that we can sleep in there. You are right about the new place being a huge boon right now.
DeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteThere is no doubt Shyla misses her big brofur... but she is now the rock as Hachi finds his feet in the world. I cannot help but think that the timing of your change of territory is going to reset things for you all - and you may not have to keep them seperate even in the house. YAM xx
You are so perceptive. We agree with you that the new place may change everything for Hachi - there's no history there. We are resisting the temptation to rush things but we hold out hope that this pair will be able to be free in the house someday.
DeleteWhat A Face
ReplyDeleteShyla is in such good hands. In time, I'm confident she'll settle.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you, Shyla. We know how very hard losing R is on all of you♥
ReplyDeleteYou look so happy splashing in your big creek!
We are keeping our paws crossed for Shyla and all your family during this difficult time of transition. The new home will hopefully bring positive new beginnings for all of you.
ReplyDeleteIt's so nice to see that happy Shyla face in the water though, good for her. Sounds like your new place is a winner!
ReplyDeleteIt's so sad to know that Shyla is missing her brother and I'm so happy to see her playing in that Creek and to know that she's happy with your new home. Glad Hachi is to wander around the house free. My son's dog Allie is doing the same thing as Shyla is constantly wandering looking for her sister Bella
ReplyDeleteWhen you say "I will spare you the details", I really wish you would share. I have dogs with difficulties too and many blogs about dogs have given me new ideas to try with my dogs. I am not sure if there are others out there that agree with me but I like reading your blog (no matter how detailed).
ReplyDeleteAlso do you have something that still has R's scent on it that Shyla could sleep with or have on her person (putting it on her around her neck as a collar or as a small backpack). I know my dogs did well when they could say goodbye to the body but also still smell the passed dogs on blankets and beds for awhile longer. Like people, it takes some dogs longer to be okay (and that is okay too). I am so happy for you and I love the water pics as I have dogs that use the water as therapy.
OK - more details next time. The main thing is that Shyla is not upset if she is alone in the house (I've used a web cam to observe her). However, she is upset if she's alone in one part of the house, and the humans are in another part of the house. When R was alive, we'd have him and Shyla in our bedroom in the evening, and we'd be out in the living area with Hachi. Everyone was happy with that (don't worry, at other times of day, R and Shyla would be with us and Hachi on his own). Now, with R gone, Shyla just barks and barks with anxiety if she's in the bedroom by herself. But, in the evening, Hachi goes crazy if confined to an ex pen. --- So our solution is to have a dog bed surrounded by an ex pen next to us in the living area and Shyla happily lies on that dog bed. Hachi is free in the living area, and he's happy too. -- We find that creativity is key in managing a household with a dog like Hachi.
DeleteShyla has been choosing to lie in R's favorite places, perhaps because his scent is so strong there. I'll try to think of something that she can keep close all the time.
LOVE the splash party! Dogs grieve just like us humans. It was ages for Sam not to do double takes whenever we encountered an OES as the female of the pair was his BFF. Give her time and lots of new adventures and she'll be fine.
ReplyDeleteAm glad you found a solution to the problem and hope it passes soon.
ReplyDeleteTry putting R's collar on Shyla. We did that when Lily died. It helped Muffin a lot!
ReplyDeleteThat smoke scary...I send so many prayers to all in the path.
ReplyDeleteShyla...love...hang in there. I'm glad you and Hachi are happy playing
Hugs Cecilia
We feel your pain. Ciara was just devastated when she lost her brother Thunder. They were so bonded. They were very much like R and Shyla. We have many similar sleeping photos. Thunder died very suddenly from cancer discovered when it was too late. His death coincided with the onset of her seizures. It takes time, but we are sure Shyla will be fine again. Timber was just so lost when Misty was gone from us for those five months. It was apparent that something was missing in his life. He is back to himself now that she is home again.
ReplyDeleteAll the best to all of you as you settle in to your new home. Time to make more memories.
It's so great that Shyla and Hachi play together so well. I hope that the joy it brings Shyla will help her. At least a little bit.
ReplyDeleteWe hope that you, R, and Shyla can all adjust to the new normal together
ReplyDeleteDear Shyla, I am missing my rock and best friend too, she crossed the Rainbow Bridge just recently. Walks and playing help. I am glad you have your friend Hachi. And your creek looks fantastic, I am jealous! We will never forget our friends that gave us courage and confidence and love.
ReplyDeleteCBD oil...have you tried giving Shyla that for the anxiety? I, too, think the move will be good for everyone.
ReplyDeletePoor Shyla, if only our pets could talk and tell us their fears. I think you've got a good handle on it and she'll come through this okay. Perhaps when you're in the new place?
ReplyDeleteI'm just glad for Shyla that R taught her and helped her so much. Maybe she can now pass some of that on to Hachi. ♥
ReplyDeleteJan, Wag 'n Woof Pets