As a huge movie buff, one of my all-time favorite teen flicks being “Clueless” starring Alicia Silverstone, Paul Rudd, who later went on to “Friends” and other movies, and Brittarny Murphy. Last December, I was definitely stunned by the news about Brittany Murphy’s sudden death. Canine Chiropractic

While they laid her to rest, following her funeral at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles, California, my heart went out to her mother and her husband, Simon Monjack. The 32-year old actress’ death was caused by a heart attack at their shared home with her husband in LA on December 20, 2009, as listed by the news reports.

I saw breathtaking photos that Simon had taken of Brittany as I clicked on her husband’s web site. Such a shame for someone so beautiful and talented to be taken from us too soon.

While the loss is tragic for her family and fans, what truly broke my heart was when I learned of Brittany’s female Maltese named Clara. As an animal lover, I wept when I read online from people magazine’s web site that the dog was experiencing a change in behavior since Brittany’s death, according to Brittany’s husband.

Clara was a Christmas gift from the husband to his wife the previous year. Identifying Clara as “a humongous personality in a tiny package,” Brittany named her after the silent film star Clara Bow. More than a pet, she is a family member.

I had never really given it much thought, but this tragic turn of events made me wonder how pets react to their owner’s death. Do pets know how to mourn? If so, how do survivors help the pet’s physical and emotional health during the mourning period?

My pet’s veterinarian, Dr.Ava Frick, is a specialist in pet behavior. Actually, she has been using Alpha-Stim technology treatments on one of my dogs for excessive barking and showing aggression toward my other two dogs.

At our next appointment, Dr.Frick and I discussed Clara and pets’ ability to mourn. She said that undergoing a mourning period after the loss of a human or animal companion is common for a dog. In fact, the symptoms can be exhibited for days or even weeks afterwards, including decreased appetite, lethargy, and changes in the dog’s behavior.

Keeping a dog on its normal routine is important in such cases, she said. Exercise can do wonders to alleviate stress for pets like humans who are going through issues. Being with familiar people, and even meeting a few new friendly faces, can boost the pet’s mood, as well.

It is a wise move to seek for professional advice if the pet’s mourning period seems to carry on. Physiologic abnormalities, which might be contributing to the dog’s depression can be determined by a veterinarian.

Complementary and alternative therapies like acupuncture, herbal supplements, and dietary modification are suitable for dogs who are mourning and experiencing depression. Pet Pain Relief

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