I have a 10-week-old, super adorable fella I brought home a week ago. But I’m wondering if we’re mismatched. I really hope not, but here’s what’s what:
My first-ever Golden, Max, was my soul pup. We bonded instantly and fell completely in love in about 10 minutes. I would have taken a bullet or given a kidney for that dog—he was so, so special and so, so close to me. I devoted my days to him. We hiked about 8 miles in the woods and swam in the nearby river or at the lake place every day. He went everywhere with me. He slept in my bed. He was my 24/7 companion and my best friend in the world. There was nothing like him. My son and boyfriend teased that they were just afterthoughts to Max. At not even three years of age, he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Imagine my devastation. We amputated, tried chemo, tried everything. For six months, he was a glorious tripawd and did everything he ever did on four legs. But the cancer took over his body, and nothing we could do could save him. I spent every one of those days by his side, spoiling him, sleeping on the floor with him, sitting outside and watching the clouds drift by, doing whatever he wanted. He passed away in October—not quite six months ago. I suffered through a sad winter after, and nothing fills his profound absence. My grieving is far from over.
Everyone told me to get another dog, but I thought it would be years before I was ready for another Golden. My boyfriend saw an ad and persuaded me to take a look at the litter. The breeder is reputable, and the parents are magnificent—gorgeous, sweet dogs with impressive pedigree. As irresistible as the puppies were, it was the parents who sold me.
The breeder recommended a boy from the litter who she said would be perfect for my needs: a loving companion, a fellow hiker, a best friend. I trusted her suggestion and went with him. I’ve named him Leo in honor of Max’s lion heart. He’s been home with me for a week… but I’m struggling a little bit.
He’s VERY independent and quite smart, already responding to some light training (sit, come). He follows me around and regards me as Person Number One, but he doesn’t seem to LOVE me—he won’t snuggle closely, and no puppy kisses. I pet him and kiss him and scratch his tummy, and he seems to like it, but he doesn’t respond to it—no licks, no paw. He’s absolutely obsessed with going outside. He whines and paws at the door. I have a third-floor condo, so there’s no yard for him to go hang out in. I have to go up and down two flights of stairs to take him in and out. This wasn’t a problem with Max—we went for long hikes and walks around the neighborhood and then just came inside. I’m not trying to compare him to Max—I want him to be who he is and appreciate his unique character—but I need him to love me. He seems slightly indifferent, or at least way more preoccupied with the world around him.
Am I overreacting? I just feel really disheartened? Is he showing deep-seated traits (himself over me, a need to be stimulated always) or just new puppy curiosities and quirks? Max was the only other dog I’ve ever had, and he was perfect. I’m smitten with Leo and really, really want this to work, but I don’t want to get too far down the road with him if it’s a mistake. Any insight or experience on this subject? I would be so grateful.
My first-ever Golden, Max, was my soul pup. We bonded instantly and fell completely in love in about 10 minutes. I would have taken a bullet or given a kidney for that dog—he was so, so special and so, so close to me. I devoted my days to him. We hiked about 8 miles in the woods and swam in the nearby river or at the lake place every day. He went everywhere with me. He slept in my bed. He was my 24/7 companion and my best friend in the world. There was nothing like him. My son and boyfriend teased that they were just afterthoughts to Max. At not even three years of age, he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Imagine my devastation. We amputated, tried chemo, tried everything. For six months, he was a glorious tripawd and did everything he ever did on four legs. But the cancer took over his body, and nothing we could do could save him. I spent every one of those days by his side, spoiling him, sleeping on the floor with him, sitting outside and watching the clouds drift by, doing whatever he wanted. He passed away in October—not quite six months ago. I suffered through a sad winter after, and nothing fills his profound absence. My grieving is far from over.
Everyone told me to get another dog, but I thought it would be years before I was ready for another Golden. My boyfriend saw an ad and persuaded me to take a look at the litter. The breeder is reputable, and the parents are magnificent—gorgeous, sweet dogs with impressive pedigree. As irresistible as the puppies were, it was the parents who sold me.
The breeder recommended a boy from the litter who she said would be perfect for my needs: a loving companion, a fellow hiker, a best friend. I trusted her suggestion and went with him. I’ve named him Leo in honor of Max’s lion heart. He’s been home with me for a week… but I’m struggling a little bit.
He’s VERY independent and quite smart, already responding to some light training (sit, come). He follows me around and regards me as Person Number One, but he doesn’t seem to LOVE me—he won’t snuggle closely, and no puppy kisses. I pet him and kiss him and scratch his tummy, and he seems to like it, but he doesn’t respond to it—no licks, no paw. He’s absolutely obsessed with going outside. He whines and paws at the door. I have a third-floor condo, so there’s no yard for him to go hang out in. I have to go up and down two flights of stairs to take him in and out. This wasn’t a problem with Max—we went for long hikes and walks around the neighborhood and then just came inside. I’m not trying to compare him to Max—I want him to be who he is and appreciate his unique character—but I need him to love me. He seems slightly indifferent, or at least way more preoccupied with the world around him.
Am I overreacting? I just feel really disheartened? Is he showing deep-seated traits (himself over me, a need to be stimulated always) or just new puppy curiosities and quirks? Max was the only other dog I’ve ever had, and he was perfect. I’m smitten with Leo and really, really want this to work, but I don’t want to get too far down the road with him if it’s a mistake. Any insight or experience on this subject? I would be so grateful.