Whats wrong with this picture

[tinav]

Since I lost my beloved Pucci on Dec 6 of this yr. I am trying to be "everything" for my dog GiGi. As a result she is not barking as much or messing up in the house. I don't leave her in the kitchen when I leave for work cause that is where I used to leave my 2 babies when Pucci was still alive. So she has the run of the house so she can bark at the mailman etc. I expect to see a mess when I get home but....whala.....nothing. I now have the perfect dog.So I ask "what's wrong with this picture"? Or should I just zip up for now?

I am wondering if it is too soon to get her another dog....I am getting ready to shop around....it pains me to see her alone after having her best friend since she came to live with us 12 yrs ago.

Tina

[Captainzing]

I wonder if, she did this to get your attention??

Sorry for your loss

[Cherie6446]

Maybe she likes being an "only". At her age an addition might not be welcome. I 'm sorry about the loss of your little one.

[yavenay]

Originally Posted by Cherie6446

Maybe she likes being an "only". At her age an addition might not be welcome. I 'm sorry about the loss of your little one.

I was thinking the same thing too. She seems like she is enjoying her me time or she is depressed because she doesn't have BFF. Maybe in time, she may go back to her normal self or her normal self is finally coming out now that she doesn't have to share your attention with another furbaby.

Who knows what goes on in their heads.

[tinav]

I have to agree with you all.....I always thought that she needed to be the "only child" with all the attention. I am sure some where inside her this is where it is at...but when you have a best friend you miss that feeling. But who knows maybe she will grow into this and maybe it would be better for her to be alone / just with me. But I will try different things to see how she responds...like maybe doing some play dates. She seems to be opening up to the other dogs in the neighborhood lately but it is still hard to tell.

I miss my little guy sooooo much.

Thank you all for your condolences and ideas.
Tina

[gracielove]

Some dogs just bond more with people than other dogs. Giving her a special place near a window that she can watch the outdoor activity through while you are away will help her to fill her day.

One of our little guys had a table by a window that he got to by stepping from a couch. He loved watching from that window!

[matese]

So very sorry for the loss of your little Pucci......I have to agree with Cherie6446 and yavenay, at 12 y/o she may not accept a youngster in the house. I would devote all my attention to Gigi. You do not say if Gigi is grieving, you say she is not barking and you have given her free roam of the house. When I had my 2 dogs my older one passed at 13 y/o my younger girl was 7 y/o, she grieved for 7 months, my work kept me away from the house for 16 hours a day, I could not get her a new buddy because of this. When I was home I devoted all my time and attention to her, it took 7 months for her to adjust to being an only child and grew to LOVE not having to share my attention.

[Doodlebug]

I have a similar situation. I just lost my 12 year old Daisy in October. Teddy Bear and Daisy were together their whole lives. Teddy will be 12 in February. He misses her and we are giving him a lot of extra love and attention. His personality is changing so much now. Daisy was the alpha and Teddy the follower. But now without her, Teddy Bear is coming into his own. We are marveling at how he is able to communicate his wishes to us. He is enjoying it too. We think that adding another dog right now would be a big mistake. Whereas Daisy was very bold and independant, Teddy is shy and hesitant. We are loving to see him blossoming and learning.

[tinav]

Hey all.....
Great suggestions. I must say that GiGi is handeling this period like a trooper....I think she has come to my rescue as I have come to hers. I am sure she is grieving but dealing with it. But as you have mentioned this type of home environment may just be the best for her. She might really grow into being more and more independent.

She has an ottoman in front of the window that she always utilized to bark at anything from people to moving grass. Not sure if she does that now. while I am at work. Some mornings she barks me off to work from there but when I get home it is dark and she is resting on the pillow in front of the ottoman. When I come in she notices me and comes running to me so I can pick her up and give her hugs.

I get more time at home after April so she will have me there more then. I just can't tell right now how she likes this. But maybe she is not sure yet either. If I do get another dog I really should wait till April. I was thinking more in terms of an older rescue....but we will see. If I ever get puppies again it will be 3 from one litter. But that would be a bundle and I don't think I would do that right now, not good for GiGi.

Thanks again for your thoughtfulness and condolences.

Tina

[Tay65]

I'm so sorry for the loss of your little one.

[Wylie's Mom]

It's so tough losing these precious little ones...I'm so sorry for your and Gigi's loss.

I'd probably be hesitant, if I were you, to get another one if I was seeing this great behavior in Gigi...I'd be tempted to leave well enough alone. But then again, it's SO hard to not get another one!

[tinav]

Yes it really is hard not to have more than one.....also I have never cried so much. in my life and I know this is not the end of it. I sure do miss my little guy.

But aside from the longer hours I will have to work for 2 1/2 months this time is an opportunity to see how GiGi will do and to see what will be best. It is so much more quite here and the house seems to be in more order. Not used to this.....only on special occasions. But this is the way it is now till we make a change If we do.

Yesterday GiGi had a good barking session out the window .....we had to stop though to go food shopping at Petsmart. She might be testing the waters again.

But so far she seems to be do I g fine as an only child......so it may be the best way to keep things for both me and her. But wouldn't I just love to have a litter of little Yorkies running around.

Thanks again for your thoughtfulness from all and your good advise.

Tina