COCKERSPANIELS WEIGHT LOSS

Question
MY COCOA IS 14YRS OLD, SHE IS GOING BLIND AND ALTHOUGH HER APPETITE IS STILL VERY GOOD SHE IS NOT GAINING WEIGHT.  SHE HAS LOST A LOT OF WEIGHT, YOU CAN ALMOST SEE HER BONES, SHE STILL IS QUITE ACTIVE.  HER URINE AND BOWELS ARE NOT AS ACTIVE.  SHE WAS VERY CLOSE TO MY MOTHER AND SON WHO BOTH UNEXPECTANTLY DIED, AND SINCE THEN SHE HAS DECLINED, NOW MY YOUNGEST SON HAS LEFT FOR COLLEGE AND SHE REALLY HAS STAYED IN HER BASKET, OR SHE WILL HIDE UNDER MY BED.  WHAT WRONG WITH MY COCOA

Answer
Hi Deirdra,

Thank you for writing to me about Cocoa. I apologize for the delay in responding.  I've been out of town and just opened up your question.  Thank you for your patience.

Losing our close ties is never easy and this sweet girl is certainly feeling a deep loss.

The first suggestion is to take long walks with your dog, as much as she is able to.  Exercise expells anxiety and works on the brain as an anti-depressant.  It is very calming.

My next suggestion is to work with some suppliments that might prove to be helpful.  Start out with Rescue Remedy and explore the other Bach Flower Remedies.  

Walnut~ which is for transitions, is recommended for any kind of change.

Bleeding Heart ~
For grieving animals that have suffered a loss of either another animal or person. It also helps animals who have never recovered from a loss or grief that happened in the past.


Resources:

Australian Bush Flower Essences
8A Oaks Avenue
Dee, Why,
NSW 2099
Australia
61- 2- 9927- 1033

Flower Essence Society
PO Box 1769
Nevada City, CA 95959
1-800-548-0075

Flower Remedy Sources
Alaskan Flower Essence Project
PO Box 1369
Homer, AK 99603

Green-Hope Farm
PO Box 125A
Meriden , NH 03770
1-603-469-3662

Nelson-Bach USA
100 Research Drive
Wilmington, MA 01887
1-800-334-0843

Master's Flower Essences
14618 Tyler Foote Road
Nevada City
CA 95959
1-800-347-3639
mfe@mastersessences.com

Perelandra
P.O. Box 3603
Warrenton,
VA 20188
1-540-937-3679

You might want to bring in a companion for your dog, perhaps an adult dog who would be compatible with Cocoa's age. I would recommend a calm, submissive, senior, perhaps over 10 years, that would be more compatible with your current dog's energy level.

It would also help to spend time alone with your dog, in a dimly lit room, perhaps with candlelight and very soft classical or eastern music and calmly stroke your dog and speak very softly about how she is feeling and the beautiful place at Rainbow Bridge that her family members have gone to.  Assure her that she will be reunited with them one day and that you will all be together again.

Assure your dog that it is OK to pass on to the next spiritual level when she is ready and that there is nothing to fear.  Let her know how important it is to share today, with those we love and care about. Try to hold her head calmly against your heartbeat, which is very soothing...perhaps in a rocking chair or on a porch with a gentle breeze surrounding both of you.

May the summer bring a sense of renewal to your dog.

Best Regards,
Shelley Davis