Oh that is sad. For both of you. I hope things improve, and you both become close.
Leslie

Please keep us updated. Since I don't have my Doxie anymore I love hearing about everyones pets.

Man, that's got to be tough, Mike.

I'm glad to hear he's starting to calm down. Everything is so much harder with a bigger dog ... they do all the same things that smaller dogs do, just on a larger scale, which can cause havoc. Your patience will surely be tested before this transition is over.

When we got our first rescue, Bugsy, it was after my precious Stoney had died. I chose Bugsy because he reminded me so much of Stoney, in looks. They couldn't have been more far apart in attitude and temperament. When Bugs came here, he was frantic for ... I'd guess ... four or five days. And then it was over. He was an escape artist and could find any tiny hole in the fence and get out. Scared me to death because of the coyotes out here, but he just wanted to know he COULD get away if he had to, because he would come right back in the yard. Anyway, having him here in person did make me feel better in one way, knowing I was helping a dog that needed a new home. But yes ... it was so very hard ... since he looks like Stone ... it's almost like I was feeling GUILTY. I finally came around to thinking that taking in Bugsy (and all the others afterhim) has been an honor to Stoney ... because of the joy he brought to me. It does take time to get to that point.

Good luck to you and Mason!

I think it's very normal for him to be upset at first, Mike. But he'll adjust quickly, I bet, and so will you. I'm sorry you're still missing your girls so much, but that's normal, too. It just proves how much you loved them. Mason will come around, he'll soon grow to LOVE being the only dog and getting ALL the attention. Just give yourselves some time, please!

And lots of good walks, that'll help too.

AWWW Mike...I'm so sorry you had a rough night..do you have a PLACE that you want him to sleep...getting him used to your routine will help immensely, like his own bed by yours if thats what you want...his water and food bowls out...some nice long walks just talking and getting to know each other.

Ruger and Nikky will be looking after you...when you least expect it...(((Mike)))

My hubster came home with a collie just three months after my Allie died...it was too soon...we had a big fight and he ended up taking her back...(she wasn't for us anyway...had been kenneled too long!)...a couple of months later he came home with HIS collie and he stayed...but it was only two years ago that I got another Blue Merle...i knew it was time and Abby's my little furbaby...

Sorry both of you had a rough night. Give it some time.
It's an adjustment for the both of you..but happy to hear
Mason found a good home. I also miss my dobie very much. This is the first Xmas in 8 years Delhia is not with me.

Marilyn

Thanks, all.

I think he's doing a bit better. I'm still pretty down. I'm just worried what's going to happen when I go to work in the morning. I just hope he doesn't bark and howl all day.

Awww Mike, I was hoping for a smoother start, but what has occurred is normal. Leave a radio or tv on for him tomorrow while you are gone. Please remember he will not replace Ruger and Nikky; no one could, but one day in the future it will surprise you how tightly he tugs on your heart strings. Good luck friend. I'll be thinking of you.

Linda

Leave him a slightly sweaty t-shirt of yours, too, one that he can ruin without getting in trouble. That will remind him of you, help him bond and comfort him. And definitely the radio or TV, like Linda said. If you have any Kong toys, stuff them with peanut butter and freeze them. Then hide them in the morning and let him find them and entertain himself for hours.

OK, last night was much better than the first night, but I still didn't get a lot of sleep.

I'm also feeling rather depressed this morning.

Mason is turning out to be a pretty good guy, though.

I'm sorry you're feeling sad, Mike. Mason may be picking up on that. Maybe a good long run/walk will do you both some good! (((Mike & Mason)))

~Betsy

Mike, it can only get better. When we got Axel it was HARD. Really hard. I wanted to give him back after a week. But we stuck it out and he is a wonderful boy. Mason needs you as much as you need him. Things WILL change!! Hang in there!

Glad to hear last night was much better. Hopefully
things will improve each day. Keep on bonding with
each other. This is a hard time for all of us who have
lost family and friends and also our four legged family.
Let's just try to hang in there for their sake.

Sorry to hear you are having such a rough time. I have had Jake for almost two years now and thinking back, it took him almost a year to learn what I expected of him. He was used to running loose (he was a stray) and now he knows to stay by me or DS if he is here.

Each day will get easier. Hang in there, Mike.
Ron

I just went home to check on him, and Mr. Mason was being a very good boy. He just about bowled me over when I got him out of his crate to let him out he was so happy to see me.

I'm going to have to work on breaking him of that habit.

I took him out for a walk and he was a perfect gentleman.

Well this is a great bit of news.
As mentioned above, this is a hard season for a lot of people who've lost loved ones. Try to turn you focus on Mr. Mason, and give him an extra loving hug.
Leslie

It's hard not to like a perfect gentleman! Thanks for the updates, Mike, we like staying involved. :) It took about a year for Artie to learn to keep all 4 on the floor and to learn to speak our language.

I'm glad to see you got him...and you are both adjusting..difficult yes, but worth it very soon I'm sure!

I miss Ruger and Nikky so incredibly much it's not even funny.

This was my experience when I got a new cat--a kitten. The new kitten just made me miss my old cat SO much. The age difference, and the different behaviors because of it, only made it worse. As a consequence, I wasn't as patient, and didn't enjoy it as much.

I vowed that I would wait longer between pets next time.
So that I could appreciate the new pet more.

I'm glad things are going better.

I'm glad things are going better. This is a big change for both of you, and it will take a little time for you and your new buddy to adjust to each other.

We are waiting for pictures!

It's good that he has a crate, that'll keep him out of trouble, lol. It will be his own secure place to go. Can't wait for pictures here either!

Hi Mike, thanks for the update. I was wondering how today was going for both of you. Glad that things are going much better for you.

Hugs, Mike!

You know Mike it is normal for this adjustment to be bittersweet with memories of Ruger and Nikky coming to the fore.

But it sure sounds like Mason needs you and you need him. I predict that in time you will wonder how you ever lived without Mason. The love you have for Ruger and Nikky will be come the legacy of the love you will find yourself having for Mason. Furkids do that. :-) There is always room in our hearts for more without displaying the old.

Glad to hear the new friend is doing better.
And how are YOU feeling today, Mike?

Hi Mike,just checking in to see how you and Mason are doing
today? Hope all is going along smoothly.

LOL At him almost bowling you over! I was going to mention wait til you come home after being gone and I knew he'd be happy to see you!

It is hard. I went from 12 & 13 year old dogs that were perfect to new dogs that didn't know any words or anything.

They learned and I like them. It will get better.

Wildchild had a good word for it, that it is a bittersweet experience.

Hope today is going well also.

Fortunately, I have always had at least one dog at home when the oldest would cross the rainbow bridge. That helped because I never have had to go home to an empty house. Also, the remaining dog would help teach the newer dog when we got another.

Of course, I have carried it to an extreme, I now have 4 dogs, I just couldn't say no to the rescue.

glad things are getting better Mike...but your such a lover of doggies that we all knew it would...it's an adjustment for Mason too...i would give anything to have 5 minutes of human talk with my doggies...wouldn't that be a riot to hear what they've REALLY been thinkin!