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How dogs grieve: What I learned when my golden retriever lost his brother

For the first time in more than nine years, Cooper experienced a night without his older brother Coby, displaying clear signs of grief including seeking lonely corners, losing interest in food, and visiting Coby's favorite spots.
The brothers' bond spanned nine years of shared adventures, from a 2024 road trip to quiet nights on Coby's memory foam bed, where the blind and arthritic Coby had slept for three years.
Cooper found solace by curling tightly on Coby's bed, drawing comfort from his brother's scent, while both dog and owner experienced restless anxiety and deep emptiness that disrupted sleep.
In the days following the loss, focusing on Cooper's needs comforted the owner while providing mutual distraction, with Cooper now showing playful behavior and enjoying new toys, treats, and resumed early morning walks.
Though gradual household changes continue—slowly swapping bowls and other items—one monumental event awaits: retrieving Coby's ashes in what the owner anticipates will be a difficult, emotional drive with wet eyes.

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How dogs grieve: What I learned when my golden retriever lost his brother

The evening we said goodbye to Coby, I coaxed Cooper onto the bed, where he had slept soundly thousands of nights before. This night was different. It was the first time in more than nine years that Cooper would experience the night without his older brother. Neither of us slept much; a restless anxiety and deep emptiness kept us awake. Later the next morning, looking for a distraction, I went through the motions of a workout in the garage gym. …

2 days ago·Cherokee County, United States

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