My Doggie

[jennyjoan]

Need to know how to thicken his fur up. Thanks

[ganesh]

It is a big commitment but if you have doubts it was too soon then admit it, we all make mistakes! It sounds like you are a dog-lover so do what's best for the dog. Your original question was a physical problem but more has come out since. No-one would blame you if you admit your mistake, you still haven't said where you got him from and if it is possible to take him back. If you feel you cant love him then you need to do something now and the earlier the better.

[pastafreak]

JJ,give it time. As others have said,you are grieving and emotions are running riot. Is it possible that you are worrying not about the commitment to your wee dog,but to loss at some time in the future? Put that out of your head and enjoy the 'now'. He sounds a lovely dog...most people would love a dog that doesn't bark. My Sally has probably barked only 4-5 times in the 4+ years I have had her. Perfect in my book. A bit of time,and you will fall in love with him I'm sure.

[jennyjoan]

I bought him from a girl who advertised in Gumtree and I picked him up.

I had only buried my brother on the Tuesday and i got the wee dog the following Sat - I probably have rushed. Will give it another a cuppla weeks tho - he is so lovely.

[pastafreak]

What's his name jj? You've not mentioned it.

[Mamyalynne]

Just try to relax, your stress levels are very high and your mood low, yes give it a while longer.

[Mamyalynne]

Think he's Maxie, Pasta.

[ganesh]

Yes, maybe your head wasn't in quite the right place at the time then, sorry for your loss, I thought you were grieving from your previous dog as you were comparing this one to your last.
In that case (and you say he is lovely) allow a bit more time as you can't take him back, and you will probably get used to him. I still say that if you're not really 'bonding' you can take him to your local rescue centre and re-home him with someone who wants or needs that type of calm, quiet dog.

[chaptazbru2]

Sorry, but I feel sorry for this poor little dog and think he should be given the chance of another home where he will be understood more.

[wolf63]

As long as your wee pal seems happy there is no rush for you to make a decision.

I know that I sometimes feel overwhelmed with the responsibility of caring for a furry family member. I have no family support and it all gets too much.

You will probably fall in love with him. Just take it slowly. I really hope that it all works out for you.

:-)

[Dizmo]

I agree with Wolf. You're feeding him, giving him water and a warm home - don't make any rushed decisions. Give it time JJ.

[jennyjoan]

thank you all for your answers - I have been reassured a little.

[Sir Alec]

His fur problem may be due to stress, mites, etc. I also have many health problems and am coping with a new puppy! He's called Rufus and is 13 weeks. He went out for the 1st time yesterday, after his injections. He was scared, but enjoyed meeting other dogs and people. Can you get your puppy out and about? It might make it settle down a bit. Mine slept for ages after the excitement.
I also suggest buying some 'hide' chewies. I bought in bulk from ebay, from a firm I've used before and trust. They chew for a long time on these, if you need a bit of time to yourself.
I get most of my stuff from PetSupermarket.com They have a good range of treats and toys at reasonable prices.
Stick with it for a while longer. If I need to sit down, I can still throw his favourite squeaky toys from where I am, and he loves running about playing fetch. It tires him out after a bit and I can get on with stuff while he has a nap!

[Sir Alec]

I forgot to mention buying a mini Kong. It looks like a pyramid Michelin man. It is worth every penny and did't cost a lot. I buy pots of meat paste, Tesco do a value one for 25p, also their own brand beef paste, which is only 45p. I also buy SMOOTH peanut butter, (don't want puppies choking on bits of nut!), their own brand again, which is much cheaper than the other brands. If I need to go out to put bird food down, I put a little meat paste or peanut butter in the Kong and it keeps him busy for a while. He absolutely loves it! Good luck!