scottlr
07-05-2010, 04:39 PM
I know you think little dogs are... well you know. But they ARE dogs.
Our Romeo has established himself as the alpha dog since we got him. Some of the others never really gave a shit, but still HE was the alpha dog, with ME as his only barrier to complete dominance. After Roscoe, then Rachel and finally Ruby died, he was so damn lonely. He cried and cried every day after Ruby was gone and it was only him. Finally, my wife brought home Chloe. He loved her from the start. But she is almost more than he can handle, and SHE is taking over his spot as alpha dog. I see a big difference in his attitude. I assume this is a natural turn of events in a dog's life, but I feel bad for him. Chloe is so young and strong and fast, and he is old and weary and half blind. At first, she really cheered him up. A LOT! But now, I see him as feeling inferior or something. I was hoping she'd give him a reason to live, but now I wonder if she is giving him a reason to just give up. I absolutely HATE the thought of burying a 4th dog in 2-3 years. Maybe he will be OK. We try to give him as much love and praise as we can, but Chloe is demanding attention, much like HE did when he was the baby. SHE seeks it out, while he no longer does. We have to seek him out and give him love. I guess that's all we can do, but I thought maybe you might have some insight.
Our Romeo has established himself as the alpha dog since we got him. Some of the others never really gave a shit, but still HE was the alpha dog, with ME as his only barrier to complete dominance. After Roscoe, then Rachel and finally Ruby died, he was so damn lonely. He cried and cried every day after Ruby was gone and it was only him. Finally, my wife brought home Chloe. He loved her from the start. But she is almost more than he can handle, and SHE is taking over his spot as alpha dog. I see a big difference in his attitude. I assume this is a natural turn of events in a dog's life, but I feel bad for him. Chloe is so young and strong and fast, and he is old and weary and half blind. At first, she really cheered him up. A LOT! But now, I see him as feeling inferior or something. I was hoping she'd give him a reason to live, but now I wonder if she is giving him a reason to just give up. I absolutely HATE the thought of burying a 4th dog in 2-3 years. Maybe he will be OK. We try to give him as much love and praise as we can, but Chloe is demanding attention, much like HE did when he was the baby. SHE seeks it out, while he no longer does. We have to seek him out and give him love. I guess that's all we can do, but I thought maybe you might have some insight.