Loss of Pet and Altzheimers

I'm sorry for the loss of your Dad's friend, Freedom. It sounds as if you are not sure how he will take the news. Does he ask about the dog? Perhaps you should contact your local therapy dog association and see if you can arrange for a visit with a dog that has been trained to go into nusing homes, etc, and see if you can arrange regular visits. Animals are such a source of unconditional love and acceptance. Hope this helps.

Thank you so much for your support and suggestions. It helps to know that I am not alone.

With my mother, she actually forgot the animals fairly quickly. She had two dogs that had to go elsewhere when she went to a nursing home. She actually didn't ask about them. If the dog has already been out of the house, possibly tell you dad the truth - then once he forgets the truth (which could be very soon) Just don't mention the dog. You can find a replacement as mentioned in another reply (therapy dogs).

My mother lost her husband of 57 years around the same time - she forgot he died pretty qickly too. If there is one thing I have learned about Alzheimer's, is the reaction you expect is not necessarily the reaction you will get. Things change and you have to learn to expect nothing. She didn't cry or become upset about my dad, nor did she make a big deal about the dogs. Good luck and I hope it goes smoothly for him and you.

I don't know how much memory your father has but would agree that visiting another dog should help. Life spans on dogs are so short compared to us that your dad would have faced this problem many times even if he doesn't actively remember it. I feel the important thing is relating and touch with some living affectionately behaving creature. Best of luck and know that your concern and assistance if the most important thing. Take care of yourself too.