Dog misses dog?

Question
We have a 1 1/2 yr old golden doodle.  We just had to put our 11 yr old golden retreiver down and the pup has cut down on what she is eating. She lays eveywhere our old dog used to lay and sleeps by the front door now. She will still play but then stop all of a sudden and look around like she's trying to find the other dog, doesn't, then lays down. My concern is she seems to be eating less and less...and in a week, I am taking in my brother's chiuaua (she's 7 yrs-he died recently) and worry what that may do to her psyche..can you give me suggestions for my pup? Thank you!

Answer
You could be looking at 2 of the times when a healthy dog won't eat what it needs.  I would keep an eye on both dogs.  Use this link to determine their condition and when you need to step in and do something, http://www.longliveyourdog.com/twoplus/RateYourDog.aspx  In most cases, it is best to not tempt the dog with rich food, but to shower attention on it.  Perhaps both dogs will find the other good company.  

Many dogs are overweight, and the Golden Doodle may start to eat once she gets closer to what she should weigh. The worst thing you can do is to bribe a dog with rich foods into eating more than it needs. Instead, put down the dish with what the dog should eat, and give it 15 minutes to eat. Then take it up. Do not give it anything to eat until its next scheduled meal. In a few days, it should be eating what it needs. Continue to check its ribs and adjust the food as needed. This is not easy. I had a Shepherd go 3 days on a few nibbles. I was a wreck, but she was fine. It is almost unknown for a healthy dog not to eat what it needs. Unfortunately, in too many cases, it is less than the package says, and less than the owner thinks the dog should have. Many dogs are quite good at holding out for tastier chow. Like kids, sometimes it calls for tough love.