Hi there,
First, I wish you the best in your fight with cancer. As others have mentioned, stay strong. My son has leukemia so I do know that your emotional well-being is so important to your treatment and recovery.
Second, don't be deterred with your pups' behavior. It's so difficult to compare your new baby to the one you so sadly lost. Every puppy is different, yet you can work with him to develop a close bond for
both of you.
As others have said, you should become the human devoted to your baby for a while. Perhaps your DH can step back so that the bond between you and your pup grows.
Anecdotally, my daughter is the primary caretaker for our Lucy. She takes her out for walks, plays with her and feeds her - sometimes by hand! Lucy follows her everywhere and cries when she leaves.
She will be attending a week long school trip next week. I've had my daughter drop the reigns some so that my son (who'll be the stand-in caretaker) can bond with Lucy. Well, in not very much time, it's been working! My son takes Lucy for walks, feeds her (sometimes by hand
), carries her around and plays with her. Now, it seems that Lucy is becoming equally comfortable and affectionate with both my children. Lately, she's even been sleeping in the bed with my son.
I also think that perhaps you're still quite sad and grieving over the loss of Gizmo. You really have to allow yourself to love another puppy as much. I believe that dogs are receptive to our feelings. You must be completely willing to adore this puppy as much as Gizmo. It's so difficult not to compare the two puppies. But I think you must give your new baby total devotion. You can do it! Stay positive and focussed.
I'm certain several months from now you'll have a completely different view of the relationship you have with this baby!
Good luck and stay well.
Tracey