Yorkshire Shepherdess and TV star Amanda Owen has shared a surprising and poignant diagnosis for her beloved terrier, Sprout, after the pet began acting out of character.
Strange Behaviour Sparks Concern
Amanda Owen became seriously worried about her dog Sprout in the weeks following October 2025. The usually lively terrier lost her appetite, appeared listless, and developed a strong reluctance to come inside the family home. Sprout would wander off to neighbouring houses, her eyes dull and her spirit seemingly broken, leading Amanda to fear she was "physically poorly" and potentially suffering from a serious illness.
The star of Our Farm Next Door explained that after weeks of watching Sprout's decline and worrying she might "fade away," she made the decision to take the distressed dog to the veterinary surgery for expert help.
The Unexpected Diagnosis: Canine Grief
The vet's conclusion was not what Amanda had anticipated. Sprout was not physically ill, but heartbroken. The professional diagnosis was that the terrier was grieving the loss of her companion, Chalky, another terrier who had passed away after a period of illness in October 2025.
Amanda realised Sprout was "searching for Chalky, her best friend, partner in crime and full on foe at times." While the vet mentioned that medications could be used to lift Sprout's mood, Amanda and her family decided against this path, feeling it was not the true cure for their pet's emotional pain.
Community Support and Shared Experiences
After sharing the update and photos of Sprout and Chalky together on Instagram, Amanda's followers flooded the post with support and similar stories. One person affirmed, "100% true. Grief can totally change a dog," while another shared their own experience: "Happened to us with our border terriers. Henry just couldn’t cope without George so along came Reggie and he felt much better."
Many well-wishers suggested that Sprout might benefit from a new canine companion, with comments like "She needs another playmate" and "get her a puppy, you’ve got the space." The response highlighted how deeply the bond between pets is felt and how profoundly they can be affected by loss, a sentiment clearly understood by the shepherdess and her online community.
