OT: Dog Advice Neede

Maureen, thanks for sharing.  I remember how horrible it was when Sophie died and I grieved with you.  I agree that  Rufus and I need some time so we'll wait it out and see how things go.  If the right dog comes along, I'll know it.  BTW, I'm envious of your chickens.  I'd love to have some, but Rufus is a Retriever and it's bad enough that he actually catches hummingbirds.  I'd lose my mind if he brought me one of my chickens. 

Big Hugs and Chicken Envy,
C.

Kim,

If I remember right, you're a dog lovin' kind of gal.  I remember you posting about training a puppy a while ago.  I'm taking your advice and givng Ruf lots of love and attention.  I took him for a walk last night and I had forgotten what a good walker he is. 

Rufus is actually a little afraid of the cats.  They play mind games and swipe at him once in a whie.  Stinky will rub up against him and purr and then take a swipe at his nose when he tries to nuzzle her back.  Maizie just smacks him for good measure.  He leaves them alone for the most part, but does a running head butt if they get too close to his rawhide.  He'll carry around a rawhide for a day or two or lay it on the ground and watch for anything to come near it.  Last week, he had a rawhide n the middle of the bedroom floor and Stinky walked too close.  He head butted her so hard she flipped through the air twice before she landed on her feet.  She walked up to him, purred, rubbed against his legs and clawed the crap out of his butt.  Yeesh!

Hugs,
C.

Thanks for your responses, guys.  I think I'm going to try to give it some time.  Rufus gets along OK with the cats, but they aren't crazy about him head-butting them.  Neither is my dad's dog for that matter.  It's going to take a long, long time to find another dog that will tolerate Rufus' head humping anyway.  I'm going to have to find a dog that will bite his pee pee when Rufus tries to head hump. 

Gosh I love ya Connie. You crack me the he!! up!!!!    a head humper huh?     no no can't have that.  haha... too funny. Give it time.. Poor guy. You guys hang in there. We love ya and just know your furry friend is running around having the best time ever and wouldn't want to you be so sad. Remember that your other dog is sensing your emotions as well. Try to lift his mood and take him for an excited walk. give him lots of love (Not that you arent already i know you are) and just try to be as up beat around him as possible. I'm sure thats so hard right now. Hang in there!! 

Miss Elizabeth, you are so dang smart!  I really didn't think about the fact that Rufus is probably picking up on my mood.  Duh!  I decided to fake it until I make it and I'm being more upbeat around the ol boy.  I think it's making a difference.  I was dead tired after being on my feet at work for 6 hours straight, but when I got home, we went for a walk and we played fetch for a while.  Up until now, we' been cuddling and hugging, but playing is a better solution.  Rufus is a Flat Coat Retriever and he needs to retrieve so playing has been a big help for him. 

Thanks Elizabeth.  You're wise beyond your years.

Hugs!