Dogs develop deep connections with their family and companions, and the absence of a cherished one can leave them deeply distressed and mourning.
Similar to human experiences, the death of a close animal companion can profoundly affect dogs. Imagine sharing every day with someone who suddenly vanishes.
Despite their intuitive nature, dogs find such losses hard to manage.
You may observe changes in your dog’s behavior such as listlessness, signs of depression, or a lack of appetite.
Browser, a colossal English Mastiff from Las Vegas and an avid food lover, was devastated when his little sister, Sasha, died. His grief was so intense that he stopped eating.
An Unbreakable Bond
On March 5th, 2024, Browser’s family announced the heart-wrenching news of Sasha’s death from cancer on Instagram.
“It’s been a very emotional day and we are all so sad. Thank you to everyone for all your love and support,” the family expressed in the post.
Browser was particularly struck by her loss. He and Sasha were inseparable companions, sharing moments of play, exploration, and enjoyment of treats.
The absence of his spirited “little” sister left a void in the home.
Though massive, Browser is a gentle soul. The loss of his sister deeply saddened him, a sorrow he carried visibly.
“Been a little sad lately without my big sis, Sasha. She was the brave one, and I was the muscle. Without her, I’m feeling lost,” the caption on their social media read.
Following Sasha’s departure, Browser even began refusing food from his bowl—a stark contrast to his usual enthusiastic eating habits.
The family creatively adapted to encourage him to eat, discovering he would only eat when hand-fed by his father.
A touching video on social media depicts Browser seated at the table, being hand-fed a meal of ground beef, black beans, and brown rice, emphasizing the extent of his grief.
Navigating Through Grief
During such times, it’s crucial to provide extra affection and support to our grieving pets.
They experience confusion and sadness just like humans do.
Maintaining a regular routine and engaging in activities like playtime or walks can help distract them from their loss.
Love and time are healers of all wounds.
While Sasha is irreplaceable, the family mentioned on Instagram the possibility of introducing a new furry companion to Browser in the future.
Following their post about the loss, numerous people shared their condolences and support for Browser during his time of grief.
“Aww, my big buddy. It’s so hard. It takes a little while. Your parents love you very much, and you’ll be okay without your dear big sis eventually. Lots of love to you all, big guy,” one commenter wrote.
Another added: “Ahhh, Browser, I’m so sorry you and your family lost Sasha. It’s so hard…hang in there. I’m sure you’re getting lots of love.”
Loved immensely by his family and the broader community, Browser’s resilience is assured. Follow him on Instagram and TikTok to see how he is adjusting.
