Was it love at first sight for you???

[MeAndMyOlivia]

So I have a new little boy here with us tonight! He is a 5 yr old rescue, about the same size and looks as my Olivia. He was recently neutered (just got his stitches out today actually), and is in the process of re-growing the hair on his back half - poor little guy was so flea infested when they rescued him a few weeks ago that his back half of his body was bald! But he's flea-free, hair is growing, and has been vet-checked and deemed healthy.

I took Olivia along to meet him, and they seem to get along just fine. They aren't really chummy or anything, but I didn't expect them to be at least for a while. Sadly, I just didn't "feel" that connection when I met him today...I am not sure why. He had been traveling for about 6 hours, hadn't eaten, drank or pottied that whole time so he was pretty antsy...the foster mom said he is usually a cuddle-bug. She offered to let me take him home until Thursday and see how he does, whch I appreciated.

So far, he is doing good; I do have a belly-band on him because I figured he might be apt to mark or pee in the house. He had a bath, ate his dinner, he and Olivia are doing fine, he's pottied outside every time I've taken him. He's been sleeping right here most of the evening. No barking, jumping, or any other bad behaviors so far.

So is it normal to not feel that connection right away? With my first dog and then again with Olivia, I knew right away that they were "the one". Maybe it's because I have really been wanting a boy so bad, spent a lot of time searching for the perfect fit - and I had set my expectations to high? Looking for some assurance here! LOL He does seem like a sweet boy...just writing about him makes me think more positively!

[yorkie_mama22]

I really wanted a dog when I went to go see Stormy so I am a little biased I guess but felt a "connection" right away I would have to say no. I wanted her and I felt bad for her in some way so I wanted to bring her home and give her the best life I could. Within a few days though I knew she was perfect for me and as time goes on I can't picture not having her here. maybe you need a few days and a few of those special yorkie hugs and kisses!

[MeAndMyOlivia]

I think that's part of it - with his poor naked behind, I can't help but feel sorry for him and what he must have gone through. I talked to my daughter and she reminded me that she rescued her little chi "Ricco" because he was in similar shape and she felt sorry for him, but he turned out to be the perfect one for her too. Thank you for your input!

[yorkie_mama22]

I am sure it is all so new for him too, he is probably so scared, going through all the new changes of homes and with the fleas and neuter. He needs a little time to "come around" and show you the real him, I am sure once he does you will love him to pieces. I know within a few days I was hooked and I didn't see it coming! lol

[MeganS]

Congrats on your new addition.

I had a really hard time picking Tucker, actually. It was between him and his brother, and it was a very hard decision. It was definitely love at first sight...but I had it with both of them. We ended up going with Tucker -- I don't remember what the deciding factor was haha. But I'm so greatful that we did because I can't imagine not having him.

and btw, Tucker's breeder, Kim (who has become a family friend), kept his brother (Dewey), so it's all good. Turns out that her husband had gotten really attached to Dewey, and he was basically praying that we wouldn't pick him!

[LuvtheCooper]

Congratulations on the new little one!! How wonderful for the both of you!!

I know what you mean about that instant connection! I got Cooper when he was 9 weeks old, and the very second I saw him, that baby was mine. I fell in love that very second and that overwhelming feeling has never changed. He is my joy.

I got Carley at 6 months old. She was kinda-sorta a rescue. I thought she was adorable and was more than ready to add her to the family, but that instant connection I felt with Cooper wasn't there. I don't know if it was because she was not a baby, or what exactly...and it wasn't that I was sorry I got her or didn't love her.

It took me about 3 or 4 months actually to have that total in love feeling with her. She kinda felt like a "loaner" or something, and I can't tell you why that was...but now, she is sooooo much a part of the family, she is my baby girl. Believe me that feeling will come for you too!!! I still sometimes feel guilty I didn't love her "as much and as soon" as Cooper, but I try to remember we can't dictate our feelings and I never treated her like a "stepchild", LOL!!

Again, congrats on the new one!!

[PrincessDiana]

When we got Franklin, it was love at first sight. We went to the breeder's telling ourselves not to get attached and that we needed to look at other dogs. My boyfriend was the rational one, telling me all this. The minute we saw Franklin, he said "get out your wallet". No joke.

With Maggie, it was the opposite. She is a "rescue" of sorts. We adopted her from a breeder who just didn't have the time to take care of her anymore. When we brought her home, I was almost in tears I was so upset. We had a stressful day and she was scared and confused so she kept snapping at and trying to attack Franklin. Not only was there not an instant connection but I HATED her. I feel guilty for admitting it but it was true. I had envisioned a perfect little family with my boy and girl and here I had this dog that was attacking my dog and being a total pain.

Turns out, it was just the stress of the trip. After a couple of weeks she opened up and today we couldn't love her more. Don't tell Franklin but sometimes I love her more. She is the sweetest, most loving dog I have ever seen. She is behaved, responds well to my commands, and basically is the perfect dog. We LOVE her and we really do have that perfect little family I wanted.

So, it's normal for you to not feel that initial spark. It doesn't always happen right away. I'm sure that he's just nervous and anxious and scared. He will open up to you soon and steal your heart before you know it. Good luck!

[LilMissy]

It was definitely love at first sight for me with Missy, but I do believe that you can grow to love a pet too

[Potter]

My story was..I wanted a small dog (not hubby) but then hubby said yes and chose the breed, a Yorkie and I agree coz I love Yorkies too. One night a breeder invited us over so we went. I was thinking we are just looking around, no buying tonight no making decision (we didn't even bring money with us coz we thought that we stop us from making a decision that night). Then we met our puppy 12 weeks old and looking very tired and sleepy (we were there at like 11pm)...my husband was smitten and said he wanted him ..I was like okay feeling a little dazed. I wasn't really thinking just holding and carrying puppy. We didn't even get to choose..he was the only one left. His siblings were all sold and he was the biggest so no one wanted him...and we somehow forgot about looking around first ..We bought him and on the way home, I was holding him in my arms..I started to panic..oh my god what have I done...a puppy??? I had dogs before but they didn't come to me as puppies..this is my first puppy...and I got scared and that panic kicked in and replaced the feeling of the like for him...but I cared for him really well and a few days later, panic and shock went away and I was all I would do it all over again...I say give it some time, your dog will come around and so will you

[chloesMama]

With our first dog it kinda was and kinda wasn't ...we originally went to pick up a Westie at the petshop, but the dog seemed sick and scared of us ....So we were leaving and we saw Sydney. She was so loving and fit the "criteria" we were looking for ( non shedding , small , and sweet) but she was filthy ...( not a well kept place) But when we played with her she responded so well we had to have her. I didn't fall in love with the looks of her ( you could see she was cute but she was a mess) !! but I did fall in love with her attitude. When I got her home and washed her up she looked so much better So not love at first sight , but soon after she was bathed....

Then with Chloe , when I first saw her photo I thought she was adorable ,but it wasn't really her cuteness that won me over, it was actually the look she had on her face. I know that sounds weird , but she looked "tough" and sure of herself. And I knew it was her I wanted even though I had seen " cuter " ones while we were looking. Something about her caught my attention and I knew she was the one....( even though I was REALLY freaking out over the thought of getting another dog ! ) So she was love at first sight but not based on her cuteness.

Give it some time , It's a new situation for the both of you.

[margaritaville]

Congratulations, thanks for rescueing him. My Sissy is a rescue. I got her at a young age (5 mo.). When I went to meet the rescue 1/2 way, she showed my this poor, skinny, covered with vomit (carsick), shaking little thing. She looked at me and said "don't feel obligated to take her". Ok, I'm a nurse, no way could I walk away from the poor little thing. I took her home, (she vomited several times in the carrier on the way home) and when we got home she went straight to a dog bed, ate very little, and didn't interact, although Bubba wanted her to play. It took quite a while for her to come around and join the family but with good nutrition and a lot a patience she is doing great. She is very shy but loving. She was just 3 in Sept. and has gained 4 lbs. since we got her. They are inseperatable now. Things will get better just give him a chance.

[Patti]

When I went to get Cali it was instant love, same with Pixie, she was 13 months old, and then Dixie. But when I went to get Roxie who was given to me by the breeder after Dixie died after having her 5 weeks, I was a little disappointed. She wasn't at all like Pixie and Dixie in looks and temperment, but I felt kind of obligated to take her. Well after a couple of weeks she quickly became my heart. She is sweet, feisty and the snugliest of all of mine and she grew into a very pretty girl. So unless he really does not feel right I would give him a little time to win over your heart.

[Lucia]

I fell in love with Twinkle straight away! She rushed up to me, tripped, and literally fell onto my feet! She was much bigger than the others and a bit clumsy and mad looking! I completely fell for her even though, if I'm honest, her brothers and sisters had more of the tiny delicate look that I love. This bold, brash puppy just stole my heart! xxx xxx

[MeAndMyOlivia]

A great big huge thanks to all of you that responded! I feel so encouraged and much less guilty about the way I was feeling, actually I think I just need to close up my office and go home right now and play with him! LOL But I have another 4 hours to go....

Just reading all the comments and stories helps confirm that I was a bit panicked, like someone said on the way home I was thinking "what have I done???!!!" But looking back it's easy to see it was a crazy day; he was picked up early morning, went on errands, had a 3 hour drive and was late arriving so we had waited in the parking lot almost 3 hours for them and then he looked so pitiful...I think all of it combined just overwhelmed me a bit. Not to mention how he must have felt.

He did wonderfully through the night. It will take us a few days to get a new routine going in the mornings - getting them to pee and poop at the same time is a must, so I'm not making 4-6 trips outside before work! That was a little hectic, and then 2 poop accidents to clean up because I missed their signals when they finally DID decide they needed to go! LOL And there is a winter storm coming - I am sure THAT will be fun!

We're having our 2 daughters, SIL's and 3 grandkids over for my grandson's birthday tonight, so everyone will get to meet him. My daughter is very compassionate with animals and LOVES to rescue, so I am sure I will be convinced that he's staying by the time she leaves!

[hartygirl]

Wow all the stories are so heartwarming!

I am so glad to hear you are feeling better about your decision! You did a wonderful thing bu taking him in! I'm sure everyone will be adjusted in no time!