It’s raining. It rains and it pours and it buckets. It plops from the gutters, rattles off the (newly completed) greenhouse roof and hammers the skylights.
Bert, who has eaten nothing since Taz arrived, save half a slice of toast and a lick at some milk, languishes on my bed. He now refuses to come downstairs at all, even though Taz is shut in the kitchen. At least before he would sit on his bed beside me in the office. In desperation, I open another tin of sardines (his favourite thing) and hold them up to his mouth. He turns his head away.
Now I’m really worried. And still it rains.
July 3rd, 2008 at 12:14 pm
July 3rd, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Liver pate on toast, maybe? Although you could be creating a monster, at least you’d know if he was sulking or sick. LOL!
July 3rd, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Jay: Big time. Tried everything: chicken, tuna, sardines, cheese… all the things he’d usually beg for - he just walks off. And this is usually one spoilt dog ANYWAY! x
July 3rd, 2008 at 1:30 pm
His comfy life, and his place in it has been upset by a fawn ball of trouble. She doesn’t know enough about the status quo not to upset it and he’s used to being an only dog.
Give him plenty of ‘alone’ time without the pup as she’s kinds young to integrate through walking, etc and give him lots of reassuring cuddles.
Try bringing him (on a lead if he doesn’t volunteer) into your study and shut the door. Get onto the floor with him and cuddle him. Give him a little chicken to nibble and then (if the rain ever stops) bring him for a walk.
This will pass. He will accept the new arrangements (remember Bex and the house move?) and integrate. It’s upsetting, but a greyhound won’t starve himself to death as a form of protest. He wants you to reinforce his ‘place’ in your home and heart. You do this by feeding / petting / greeting / cuddling him first, then Taz. Not easy when a new pup is pinging off the walls with joy when you appear but try it.
I’ve had this situation myself many times when a kennelmate is adopted and the one left behind pines. Reassure him and tempt him with goodies. He’s miserable because he feels; like a small child with a new sister; that Mummy only has so much love to go around and there might not be any left over for him.
And give him a big, wet, sloppy kiss from his Auntie Jen.
Mwah!
July 3rd, 2008 at 1:34 pm
It’ll take time, but he’ll be peachy. Promise.
And if he isn’t, I’ll come over and have a word.
July 3rd, 2008 at 1:38 pm
I know all this, but it’s my fault and I feel so rotten. Bert will always come first with me and I’m responsible for bringing this little PITA into his life. The other problem is, he has to be kept separate from her as he tries to attack her! Not easy at the best of times, but with a houseful of kids home for the holidays, doors are getting left open and I’m dreading a bloodbath!
Oh and don’t worry - he’s getting lots of hugs and cuddles - I’ve passed yours on! xx
July 3rd, 2008 at 1:38 pm
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:49 pm
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:00 pm
July 3rd, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Aussie: He is. And sadly he’s my #1 priority and I can’t bear this whole hunger strike thing. Little Taz is going to the kennels on Saturday x
July 3rd, 2008 at 5:40 pm
July 3rd, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Which one should be moist and which should be dry ????… I think I am sick.. my pits are moist, my nose is dry …. I’m off to the Drs !!!
Also, just be patient with them both … it’s jealousy, thats all, they are pack animals remember, and Bert is number 1 hound, being threatened…. it will soo pass, and they will be great mates, don’t panic to early …..
Again, explain to me this rain thing again …. when does it happen ?, it’s mid 80’s again today, gonna be on the beach all 4th July tomorrow …!
Also EM, who is going to look after pups when you are in your big new hat in Sept ?
July 3rd, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Moon: Auntie Jen will do the honours. That reminds me, must book a flight for the big day.
And sod off about the rain. I’m very sensitive. It plays havoc with my hair.x
July 3rd, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Rain plays havoc with my hair as well! I should have bought shares in “No Frizz”
July 4th, 2008 at 12:44 am
July 4th, 2008 at 8:39 am
I shall be boarding Albert for the Wedding. It’ll be less like his Mums and more like Boot Camp for Spoiled Greyhounds - 5 mile walk at dawn anyone? LOL!
July 4th, 2008 at 9:36 am
July 4th, 2008 at 9:57 am
June: Gosh, you’re having a right old hugathon today. Backatcha babe x
Jen: Albert! Hee hee! No, not the walkies! You know how he hates that
xx
Wee One: You wouldn’t believe what a baby he’s being - he actually turns his head away when you try to hug him - arch emotional blackmailer that he is…!
July 4th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Enjoy your day off whilst the rest of us work
July 4th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
July 4th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Fourth of July will be spent on the beach, about mid 80’s again today !
July 4th, 2008 at 11:53 pm
EM - how’s he doing? I hope you’ll do an update once the bratpup is gone!
July 5th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Jay: You’re right, definitely the Diva of the dog world!! Yes, I will do an update. He’s okay - still not eating much but did eventually chow down on the sardines so he won’t expire or anything xx