We often wonder how dogs process the death of a loved one, especially with their hearts being so full of love. Do they understand the concept of death, or do they just think that the one that’s passed away has gone on a very long walk and that they could be back any day?
It’s especially difficult when there are two doggy siblings in a household and one of them passes away. There are so many benefits to bringing up a pet with another one. They can entertain each other, learn from each other, and fill the time while you’re out of the house. This is great for animals who struggle with separation anxiety.
But when one passes away, it can leave a huge dog-sized hole in the other’s heart.
There has been research to back up the idea that animals mourn just like us humans do. According to VCA Hospitals:
“When a dog loses a companion, two- or four-legged, he grieves and reacts to the changes in his life. Dogs alter their behavior when they mourn much like people do: They may become depressed and listless; they may have a decreased appetite and decline to play, they may sleep more than usual and move more slowly, sulking around.”
With clear proof that a loss can hit an animal just as hard as a human, this next story becomes even more touching.
Smiff and Frank lived a happy life with their owner, Libby Davey, in their home in Bristol, until Smiff sadly passed away earlier this month. Naturally, Smiff’s death hit his brother hard, and Libby decided that to honor Frank’s life, she would commission a painting of him that she could hang in her house.
The painting was done by artist Tina Muir, and it was an incredibly lifelike portrait of Libby’s beloved dog. So lifelike, in fact, that it ended up having a profound effect on Frank.
The day that Libby hung the painting up, Frank immediately recognized his brother, and his reaction was so incredibly sweet.
Libby filmed Frank’s reaction and sent it over to Tina, who later shared it onto Facebook with the caption, “I did a painting for a lady who’s dog recently died. This is his brother how amazing & sad.”
In the touching video, Frank can be seen getting up onto his back legs to try and get a closer look at the painting. After trying to reach the painting from the floor, he then jumps up onto the couch to get a better look.
It’s clear that Frank recognizes his brother, and as he finally reaches eye level with the painting, he stares into his brother’s eyes with a wistful look on his face.
Libby was touched by the sweet moment, and she was convinced that Frank recognized Smiff in the painting.
“I think Frank knows that’s a painting of his brother,” she wrote.
But the painting is a brilliant memorial for their beloved dog, and it helps them both to hold their memories of him close to their hearts.
Rest in peace, Smiff! Watch the sweet video of Frank’s reaction to his brother’s painting below.
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