We have had Buddy since November. He is now almost 7 1/2 months old. A week ago we adopted an English Setter who was returned to the shelter 3 times (adopted for an older lady, he seems calm and very placid at first, but once he settles in - very active), (adopted for a year and returned because the owners were moving and couldn't take him), (adopted again but afraid of little 2 year old daughter and she afraid of him) and returned to the shelter. When we saw him, he was just lying there in a corner looking so rejected and forlorn. He was the only dog that when we took him out seemed interested in us and even came when we called him. Went back the next day with our 3 boys (11, 8, and 5), he really liked them. However, when we brought Buddy in he tried to hide in a corner and shook really bad. We stayed with him a long time and tried different things, staying calm the whole time. Buddy went over to investigate him and then went to the other side to sniff the cat toys and climber. We decided to get him and let them work it out at home.
Buddy rode home in his old small puppy crate and Shadow rode up front with us. At home, when we went to put Buddy in his larger crate, Shadow went right into that crate and seemed so happy. Things have progressed quite well and now he loves for Buddy to be in his little crate at night right next to Shadow's crate. HOWEVER, he really doesn't like for Buddy to leave and starts to cry, howl when he is away. Buddy seems really happy to have another dog, although I believe Buddy to be the much more dominant dog in the relationship. He and Buddy are both neutered but Shadow is the one who rolls over constantly and Buddy is always licking his face, legs. Buddy is much more food oriented than Shadow and Shadow is more people oriented. However, we are working with trying to leave Shadow for small segments of time by himself so that he won't continue the crying (which I think is probably one of the problems he had with his other families. I think because he is so submissive, he doesn't really like to be alone. We can't really walk them together yet because outside he pulls incredibly hard on the leash. After seeing these two dogs together, I don't think I could ever have only one dog at a time. Buddy has always liked being around other dogs. He seems much happier now with one that is always here.
Nancy |