Dogs who mourn

[Catherine]

Anyone who has ever known a dog knows that they mourn.
I felt so sad for the dogs in the article. I am glad they found new loving homes. In time they will know peace again.

I was struck by one of the final lines: "Can dogs really grieve for the dead? Behavioral experts are torn."

If animal behaviorists are torn, then they obviously do not spend much time working with actual animals.

This story broke people's hearts. When the dog reached up to his partners hat I wanted to cry.
http://news.nationalpost.com/2014/06/10/...t-funeral/

Dogs are not the only ones who mourn. I have had hamsters die of a broken heart when the mate passes away. Guinea pigs are really bad for turning their faces to the wall and dying if they lose a cage mate.

I think it is so hard for them because they have so few ways to express their grief.