Sunday, January 14, 2007

A Doggie Question...

My Bear is such a big sweetie. I often have to go and put my feet up after supper for a half hour or so (gotta ice my knee) and, when Bouf was around, this was his time to come and snuggle. I really missed that after he passed. And Bear, well, he was uncomfortable getting up on the bed (I guess his last owners were adamant about Bear being on the floor). So I have been coaxing him, telling him that is our special time, and this past week, he has decided it is okay to come up and snuggle! He first checks Sean, to make sure (I guess) that he is busy and doesn't notice him slipping into the bedroom. Then Bear gets up beside me, and gives me a little snuffle. The sweetest thing is that he always has to have a paw over my leg, or his nose up against me if he is going to have a snooze. So he clearly has decided to like having company! When we go over to Mom's (she lives 5 minutes away), he gets all excited at the prospect of seeing Elmo (my mom's cantankerous ShiTzu) (he was also a rescued dog). Bear tries his darnedest to get Elmo to play with him, but with limited success. My husband and I both work, so Bear has to spend time on his own. He very much likes other dogs. So-here is the question-does anyone have experience with a rescued dog (who has had some abuse/neglect along the way) and getting him his own dog? I know, sounds odd-but I wondered about getting another dog, so Bear has a companion. Would Bear see it as a replacement for him, and withdraw? Or would he likely find this a good thing? Any experience out there with this stuff????????
I have been knitting, as well. The cashmere scarf is almost done. I have a lovely, lovely Secret Pal (SP9) who sends me beautiful things. She sent me some Elann yarn(Peruvian wool) in rust and green. So I designed and knit a hat-quite cute, if I do say so myself. I will take pictures when all the ends are sewn in. And I went over to Old Navy yesterday-the stuff was really picked over, so I didn't find the sizes I wanted, but I did find a ski jacket for Bear for 9 bucks! (Yeah, pictures to follow) We tried it out on his walk last night-it's a hit!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Tough question. The only experience I've had with rescues is one who didn't like other dogs very much, and would get jealous of any attention to other dogs. Totally different situation in your case. Does he react any differently when Elmo visits him vs him visiting Elmo? Any chance you could dog-sit for a few days to see how he handles another dog in the house? How he reacts would probably also depend on the temperment of the other dog.

Anonymous said...

I have no idea either - I've mostly had cats. Cats who hate all other cats. And dogs. And most people. But it sounds like a lovely idea. Dogs are pack animals. Maybe someone at the shelter might be able to help? Your vet?

lesley said...

it may work well for you guys it may not work well at all my dog gets really jealous and thought her house was being taken over when we brought another animal homes. my dad's dogs sleep in a huge pile so its a case by case thing i'm sure. and definately have hima nd the other dog meet on several occasions just to make sure that they get along but this may change when the new beastie "invades" his territory.

Diane said...

I don't know either. My experience is limited, but both Gypsy and Lassie (my old dog) tend to be a bit possessive of me. Since Bear is still a fairly new addition to your family, I think I would wait a few more months before considering an addition. When Gypsy was young, she really, really liked the radio left on to listen to.

Miss Scarlett said...

Sorry - I don't know. Perhaps you could ask at the shelter? I just wanted to say that it warms my heart to hear of Bear's progress with trusting and relaxing into his new home. What a great family he has inherited! Thanks for caring for those who need it!