Hi Carla. You are right. It isn't easy dealing with this and I see it in our rescue group all the time. I have three of my own and it wasn't easy introducing each into my home, but I am experienced and used a trainer. Occasionally, I foster, and one or the other of my brood is unhappy, but in an emergency it beats the alternative. I am sorry for your loss.
Hopefully they will reconsider giving up the older dog. Poor thing. It was there first. Maybe the dog whisperer will be able to save the situation.
What a sad situation Carla. I hope the dog whisperer will be able to make a difference.
Carla, I can't stop thinking of this. I see it a lot. Always the older dog is given up. Imagine giving away your tennager because they have become difficilt. People don't think and it breaks my heart.
This is so true we have to treat our pets like they are part of the family and know each one's personality.
I don't care how nice the people are, they do not deserve to have a dog if they behave like this.
I certainly hope they get this issue straightened out to their .. and the dog's benefit. Your reminder is a good one, Carla. Dog's have personalities and needs too .. and we must remain mindful of them. They just aren't always going to be a good fit for an additional pet in the home ...
Gene
Hi Carla - Any new animal or person added to a pack will change the pack's social dynamics, sometimes in unpredictable ways. Our dogs are happier when there is a cat around, for some weird reason, and they are completely unaffected by visiting animals, even if it's a longish stay. I think the trick is to make sure that each existing animal gets the amount of attention and affection they need - and that need will go up if a new animal is introduced - they need reassurance. (In regard to Sheila's comment in #4, it would have been a lot easier to give up our daughter between the ages of 14-17 than any of our pets - wouldn't trade her now, though.)
Carla: The out with the old and in with the new attitude for pets also....yikes....I really hope the dog whisperer helps this poor elderly dog out so that the family keeps him/her.
Once you have pets, taking in others must be a consideration. I am a cat person myself and we have a Siamese who absolutely despises any new cats...so, until such a time as she grows too old to care, no more new kitty's in the house.
This is a very good post Carla that pet owners need to read :)! Maybe I can call your petwhisperer about my cat lol :)!
Spot on Carla. Getting two pets at the same time, is typically a good idea, but when you bring one in to a home with an established pet, all bets are off.
wow- throwing out the old dog. Fortunatelyy when Laney showed up Glen was still a pup. And while adding dogs to our feline litter caused some changes and issues. (we had to add a new litter box in the "ladies" room. and Put a new cat bed in the closet for skitty and buy her some new toys.... we worked it all out. Each pet gets some individual petting time daily.
Love the dog whisper lady. I hope they called her.
Our pets don't want to dispose of us when we get old or develop behaviorial issues. Why can't we be more like our dogs?
Carla, it seems the behavioral problem is with the humans. Don't you wonder what other steps they've taken to resolving this other than calling the REALTOR? If there is someone like the Dog Whisperer available to them and their older dog and they DON'T take advantage of the resource and advice, then they maybe aren't as nice as you thought...they are very selfish and mean. I'm sure the older dog has seen them through trials and tribulations. I'm hoping this is resolved and they become better humans and restore happiness to their faithful companion.
Isn't that the truth! And litter mates can also decide that they don't like each other. But I still think it is sooo cool that she thought of you as the go-to person for all things! Speaks volumes about the service you provide to your clients.
Some dogs do not do well with other dogs. I have three dogs. THey have to get USED TO EACH OTHER and you have to let them sort out the hierarchy themselves. You can not force one dog into the position of "top dog." Having said that, I'm lucky in that most of my dogs have been Siberian Huskies or mixes of husky and something else. Huskies are a "social" breed used to working in groups. The same can not be said for other more protective breeds. But for the most part, if the owner is determined to make things work - it will work out. But it is WORK to have it work out! Great post!
I LOVE Marge's #14's comment.
This sounds like the human parents didn't do a great job of introducing them and getting positive interaction. Hopefully, an intervention from someone who understands dogs will get this situation worked out.
Please keep us up to date if you learn anything more.
Carla~knowing you, this had to be one of the most painful phone calls to receive. Laying this sadness at your doorstep to have YOU come up with a solution is what breaks my heart, along with thinking about that poor dog who was there FIRST. Shame on them. And, my reaction to this, is that they won't bother to call the woman who can help.
However, it gives me a chance to know about another wonderful contact to add to my Resource List--thank you.
P.S. I have joined the group, Pet Friendly Real Estate thanks to you!
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