Our soon-to-be new dog!

[overlander63]

Not that I'm superstitious or anything, but I am beginning to think this thread is jinxed, and any additional dog subject mentioned here may be doomed before it starts...

[Sugarfoot]

Originally Posted by overlander63

Not that I'm superstitious or anything, but I am beginning to think this thread is jinxed, and any additional dog subject mentioned here may be doomed before it starts...

Terry, you have a point there . . . it makes one wonder.

[cameront120]

I'm sorry it didn't work out. The assessment made sounds right and I hadn't considered breed trait. I'm sure they'll find a great home for Dugan.

I think you need to get a Labrador, they love everybody! I might be a little biased to that breed, though.

[2airishuman]

funny yet true, terry.

bummer 'foot...

but it all reads right. dog dynamics in action.

might be time to just enjoy ONE dog for awhile longer.

sometimes folks go for a replacement too soon

or to lessen the anticipated issues before the next one goes.

i think many older dogs are stressed by new additions to 'their' home...

whether or not they show it.

here's to hoping the cattle dog finds another good human to herd.

cheers
2air'

[Sugarfoot]

Thanks Stef for commiserating with me. Even though the circumstances were a bit different we know how each other feels.

Cameron, you have every right to be biased about Labradors. Look at what an awesome pair you have there! Maybe one day for me . . .

2air, I think you hit the nail on the head. Lesson learned. I need to enjoy Lulu while I'm so fortunate to still have her.

[safari57]

When one of our cats died at 11 and we had a 12 year old one who was very close to him, bringing in another cat was very stressful for her. She never did take to the newcomer even after 8+ years. We thought that at some point she'd at least tolerate him but she just never seemed to get over the passing of her first pal. It was "their" territory and this new interloper was a pain in the patoot to boot. He wanted to play with her toys, play chase you up and down the stairs, used "her" litterbox which she suddenly wouldn't use and the ultimate sin - would eat out of her dishes.

We eventually moved her food to another spot, she got her own litter box location, and she ruled the upstairs and the family room fireplace and my lap and he got the rest of the house and Donna's attention.

It worked, not perfect though and caused both of them a lot of stress and I wouldn't do it again. Now with her gone and he now 12 we have just left it with just him and he has really come out of his shell. He's extremely affectionate, far more than before, and is getting all the attention he feels he deserves.

Some dogs and cats are quite willing to accept a new addition if circumstances are just right as friends of ours have had. As the older dog passes on they bring in another younger one so they pretty much always have two dogs and whether its the breeds or what it has worked pretty well for them.

Sad to see you had to take the other dog back but in the end he'll get a better fit for his needs and your dog will be able to relax in the knowledge that you are now under control.

Barry