Question:
I had a female Weimaraner for more than 14 years. We traveled together, hunted together, and she was usually within a few feet of my side while I worked my little farm. Locals joked that she was an extension of my hip, which wasn't far from the truth. About four months before she was killed, she started to have hip-mobility problems (difficulty in getting up) and a daily dose of aspirin and glucosamine arrested that ailment, but it was obvious age was catching up to her. Her end came when she broke away from a farm visitor and loped under a truck. In all her years, she was good at looking out for her own welfare, and this accident was so unlike her personality. I have a hard time trying to understand why this happened. I am asking, in all seriousness, if dogs ever become suicidal. I have enjoyed many different dogs over my lifetime and consider myself very tuned to their traits and habits. Believe me when I tell you that a Weimaraner has a very distinct and strong personality. I cannot help but think she knew her time was drawing to an end.
M.M., Enderlin, ND Apr 19, 2009
Answer:
I sympathize with your loss -- it must have been a terrible shock to lose your beloved canine companion so suddenly. My guess is that she could have been suffering from dementia. Considering her good age, this is highly probable and could have been compounded by impaired vision and hearing. If she was depressed before this fatal event, the possibility of a willed death is something to consider. Animals do know when they are seriously ill or injured, often seeking a quiet place sometimes outside of the home to lie low to self heal. They are frequently found dead or dying, but that is not proof of death awareness. Still, since they do respond to loss and mourn the death or absence of a loved one, I remain open on this topic and would appreciate receiving the observations of other readers.
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