Owner died, how to help dog.

Fools Motto

Fools Motto

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Today my best friends' dad died. He had a border terrier, whom my friend now will have. However, there are times, tomorrow included where the dog needs to be cared for, while they are busy dealing with the hospital, paper work and when they are away.
The very least I can do is to look after the dog, so he is coming to spend the day with me tomorrow.
I don't forsee too much of an issue, but I do worry that the poor dog doesn't know if he is coming or going. I will keep him on lead, and just hope he travels ok (will serperate him from mine in the car) while I drive around doing my jobs. (only to go to the horses).

Has anyone got any tips on keeping the little dog happy?
 
Poor little chap. I am so glad he has a home to go to, and how nice of you to look after him. Could you use his bed in the car and your house so he has familiar smells? And make sure you have his usual food.
 
As Clodagh said use his own bed if at all possible and get some of his normal feed, I wouldnt treat him any different to a normal dog and would keep him on a lead at all times to ensure his safety.
 
OP what a lovely friend you are............ offering real practical help at a difficult time when its most needed. Aw, bless you.

This poor little dog will be missing the friend's dad, no doubt about that, and it just might be that a change of scenery will stimulate him, especially as he will already know you, so it won't be like going to someone who doesn't know or understand.

Lots of toys would be my advice: if he has any from home which you can bring along with you that would be good. With our two, what works really well to quiet them down is we use the chews which are made out of deer antlers, they love them and there's nothing like them to settle a dog. Or the tripe chews which you can buy (they STINK though, just like farrier's foot trimmings!! - probably why dogs love them). Our two would sell their souls just for a tripe chew. Try your local pet shops for these things, if you've got a Pets at Home they should have them.

Make sure you have doggy's blanket and basket from home, so give a sense of security too. Plus usual food and bowls.

The other thing you could do (a bit expensive, but brilliant) is the D.A.P. (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) things you can get. They contain the same pheromones as a mother-dog gives off to her puppies, so will settle and reassure the dog. Think you can get them as collars as well as the plug-in diffusers. Or just a few drops of Rescue Remedy in the drinking water (or on a treat even) will help a lot.

Am sure friend and her family are incredibly grateful to you for helping out at this sad time with a lot of practical things to do as well as being in grief.
 
Having been in a similar situation recently I've found the best thing to be time. The dog in my case just loves to have a fuss and just to sit and have an ear scratch best of all.
Agree with keeping the same bed etc. ours had and still has her owners jumper in her bed.
It's a rewarding thing to cheer them up. :)
 
He is being very good considering. He's met the chickens, tried to play with my dog (she is too old to do that kinda stuff now!), tried to get a close up of the cows, ignored the horses and comes to call most of the time without delay.
He just doesn't know how to stay in one place! He is pacing around the kitchen, still wanting to play with mine - she's snoring!. I wasn't expecting him to chill as such, but just want him to rest!!
 
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