End-of-Life Animal Experiences

[WilliamDeLaPole]

This popped up in my recommended and it reminded me of this asshole yappy dog an old friend had. He was one of those types that tried to bite you if you even looked at his owner too much. Near the end of his life he was less yappy and bitey, but still made it clear he was upset if anyone was near her. One day we were all hanging out at her house, he was pretty lethargic in his bed most of the time. Out of nowhere, he got up and greeted all of us like he wanted to be petted, which was totally unheard of. He spent the most time with her before returning back to his bed. The next day, she told us he had passed away.

I never realized how prevalent this sort of "say goodbye" phenomenon is with animals. It's also interesting to me that he apparently had no ill will toward us enough to leave us out of the goodbye. I guess he was just doing what protective dogs do and it wasn't personal. He said goodbye to his owner and her friends and that was that.

Reading the comments on the video and Substack are interesting. You can also download the pdf and read the actual research paper.

Anyone else experience this?

 

[Margo Martindale]

Seems like mammals are capable of experiencing this. Don't think there is anything like this in reptiles or fish

 

[Ughubughughughughughghlug]

Not watching your video OP because I don't feel like crying

 

[Hrafn]

Yes, my late American Akita was ill for a while with bowel cancer. She was in great spirits despite her declining health but we were putting off putting her to sleep until it was clear she was suffering both mentally and physically. Brought her to visit my grandmother who she adored and spent a lot of time hanging out with, and she managed to eat half of a jumbone dog snack (her favourite) and drink some water despite her appetite not being fantastic. We were going to take her in the next day, but she just went in her sleep during the night, comfy on her big dog pillow. Buried her with her first toy in the nicest spot in the garden where she liked to sit, and have a little grave for her. She wanted to say goodbye to everyone I think.

Lived til almost 13. She was a very good girl and I miss her very much.

 

[Otterly]

My cat was really affectionate the day before he died. Not clingy, just sort of ‘hey this was fun.’