Grief

[Flash]

Last night my basenji boy, Tikka was killed on the road. I was out walking him and his sister basenji when he escaped and ran onto the road. The humans in our household are utterly bereft - he was a wonderful little being and so much part of our family. Our girl, Minke keeps looking for him or retreating to her crate, at other times she seems restless and unable to settle. There are a lot of smells around the house to remind her of her brother. I am taking her for long walks along the beach - a perfect landscape for tears and reflection. If you have any suggestions I would be most grateful. In the meantime, fellow basenji lovers be so careful about busy roads!

[njdeb]

I am so very sorry for your loss of Tikka. They are such fast little devils when they escape the leash and simply ignore your screams of ''stop, sit, down', whatever. Sending prayers and good thoughts to you and your family at this sad time.

[eeeefarm]

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. This is one of the worst ways one can lose a dog, and unfortunately it can happen to anyone. Leashes break (or are chewed in half.....some Basenjis are noted for this) and suddenly the dog is free and enjoying that freedom. Yes, be careful on busy roads, or anywhere for that matter. And a dog does not have to escape the leash, either. My niece, who is a veterinarian, has treated many "hit by car" injuries due to flexi leads. A moment's inattention, a distraction, and your dog is out in the road. Such leashes should be locked off when walking anywhere near a road.

It will take time, both for your family and his sister, to recover from the shock of suddenly losing Tikka. My thoughts are with you....

[Zande]

Minke will grieve - Basenjis do. I am so very sorry that you lost Tikka in this way - We all have to be extremely aware of the total lack of traffic sense in this (otherwise) wonderful breed.

Cuddle Minke for me -

[hgranfield]

So terribly sorry for your loss. When I lost my previous dog - my 1st dog- it was brutal on me & my family. There is no real way to lessen the pain except to talk to other dog owners who have had the same experience. They understand.

It is said that dogs give us some of the most wonderful days of our lives and one of the worst. My condolences.

[Kembe]

So sorry for your loss - my heart breaks for Minke and your family. It is so sad to lose a family member. Please accept my deepest condolences. My thoughts are with you.

[Dagodingo]

So sorry for your loss and I know it is a deep one, I feel your pain. We lost our basenji Suzy of nearly 12 years last Wednesday. Our other Basenji is missing her but adjusting better than we are. I lost my original Basenji in 2013 and it took a long time before anything felt normal again. People tell me I did a wonderful job of giving her a great life and I believe it. Yet somehow, no matter what you do for these furry little friends, it is never enough to repay the love and bond they give you.

[DonC]

So terrible. I'd love to offer some words that would be comforting but this just completely sucks. It's like getting punched in the mouth. All I can offer is a heartfelt "Truly sorry for you loss".

[dmferrara]

My little Willow only has 3 legs because of that. What makes them do that? They are such smart beings otherwise....

Sorry for your loss

[Pippi]

Oh, how very sad. Just let the grieving process occur however it occurs. We all need time to get over a loss like that (animal and human). Lots of walks on the beach just to heal thyself. RIP little Tikka.

[elbrant]

oh, my heart just sank to my toes! I'm so sorry to hear about Tikka's passing. Try to focus on the blessings you shared. Easier said than done, I know, but it becomes easier each time you do it. {{{{hugs}}}}

[DebraDownSouth]

I am so sorry. You and your girl need time. The more activity and quality grooming, attention and exposing to new things, the faster she will adjust. But it takes time.

[Antigone]

@flash I am so sorry for your loss. I have lost 2 of my Horses in a traffic accident. That was 17 years ago and I still grieve for my 2 Geldings. You must pay extra special attention to your little Girl. My Dog was so eager to go for a run that she had a Coller and a Harness. The Leash was attached to the Harness so I had control of her Chest.

Please take all the time you need and there are folks here who have had similar experiences. Sometimes it is just good to write about it and know you are surrounded by others who have had a similar loss.

[Flash]

Thank you so much for all your kind words and sharing your own stories. Gosh it makes a difference to actually FEEL you are not alone. Minke remains subdued but is responding well to new situations and lots of grooming. We are beginning to forge something new as we move forward.

[njdeb]

@eeeefarm
Thanks for reminding us about the Basenji sneaky little trick of chewing the leash when you lest expect it!! I got a new little girl about 4 months ago and she walks beautifully on the least but I stopped to talk to our vet and before you could bat an eye, she'd chewed through the leash and set off on a tour of the hospital!! I've learned never take my eyes off my kid!!

[Kembe]

@dagodingo
Completely agree! So sorry - I feel you pain.

[Kembe]

@Antigone
Totally agree!

[lalmalbis]

just two weeks ago my 16 year old basenji named Pogi passed away and im striken with grief beyond belief. Pogi was 8 weeks old when i had him and he has given me happiness and my friends who took care of him when im on vacation to visit my Mom who lives on the opposite side of the world.Last year i had to go home and bring Pogi from Chicago to the Philippines to take care of my 85 year old mother. I retired early at the age of 49 to take care of both my aging dog and mother and it was the best decision i ever did in my life. Looking back the journey with Pogi was so immesurable that i would never doubt that with Pogi being with me for a year taking care of my
mother in the Phiippines where Pogi is mow buried is yet the greatest moment in my life so far. I miss Pogi everyday but i just dwell on all the memories because they're all of happy and magical... Pogi is always and forever ky best froend whos always in my heart...

[Zande]

@lalmalbis said in Grief:

just dwell on all the memories because they're all of happy and magical...

That is all you can do - but at least you have already started to let these memories dim your pain - and they will. Hang on to them and Pogi will remain with you.

very sincere condolences

[Flash]

I’m so sorry to hear of Pogi’s death. Like you I’m remembering all the wonderful things about Tikka that made him so special to me - how he would cock his head to one side when listening, how he put his head on my knee and look up at me with his brown eyes and lick my legs when I got out of the shower... so many good memories - love and sadness at the same time.