This is tough. Let me point out a few things; The fact that his nails are overgrown bothers me. However, with that said let me just say that Newman our 10 year old Yorkie is prone to overgrowth. His nails curl naturally and grow quickly AND, he is not good at all at having them trimmed so in some cases his become much longer then I intended because only the vet and a small army can trim them. In so far as how he's acting at your home. It could just be that he's uncomfortable in a strange house, with strange dogs. Tia who is very good with "OUR" other Yorkies, was visiting with us at a strange place and she snapped at a very friendly pup that just wanted to say hi. AND, Bella is just not good with other dogs other then our dogs. The petting throws me a bit. When you say your hubby went to pet him and he yelped and ran. Only thing I can say is that that doesn't necessarily mean anything either. Newman is very touch sensative. Down right nuerotic and it's due to poor breeding. You cannot chew gum in front of him or he freaks and shakes. If you pick him up, he yelps, and that's due to his hips bothering him. Perhaps this 8 yr. old is just a bit artheritic? Oh boy next in so far as his being over weight. Well, I'm guilty of that for sure. Newman is over weight too. Partly because he sneak eats the other's food and partly because he does have trouble with getting excersice due to his arthritis and due to a collapsing trachea. The only thing that does really concern me is the fact that the people would think nothing of bringing their ungroomed dog to stay with you. I know that sometimes things get crazy and at times my dogs may seem unkept from time to time (Very rare) but one thing for sure is that I ALWAYS make sure they look GREAT when they have a vet visit or we have company etc. I would be mortified to have someone see any of my babies looking scrappy. I think your best way to judge this is to see how he reacts when his mom and dad come to get him. If he's not excited about seeing them then I woudl think that would give you your answer right away. I know mine would be bouncing off the walls when we came to get them. Elaine |