I have an unusual situation that has driven me to write this and would dearly love feedback from all of you who are pet companions.
I HAD 2 dogs for 12 years: Teddy Bear and Cuddle Bear. They have been adopted separately but have been together since pups (6months).
Just before leaving for Nica, I had to put down 'mama's boy", Teddy. That left just Cuddle Bear. I have been living with my sister and my niece for the past 10 years so Cuddle Bear is naturally attached to them as well.
That being said, Cuddles has had to cope with the loss of Teddy, the loss of RJ (my niece) and Carolyn (my sister) and experience being crated and flown to Nicaragua ... and adjustment to new food as her food was not available in Nica.
SO WHAT'S THE PROBLEM? I am soooo sad. She has changed loyalty and is now sleeping with Marilyn on the bed, or on the floor. She follows Marilyn where ever Marilyn goes and lays by the front door, waiting for Marilyn to come home. The only time she takes food from me is when I give "treats" from my plate. She has been VERY fussy about food and had diarrhea for almost 2 weeks. Finally, I did the last ditch thing and began mixing human food with dog food to make it nice and smelly/yummy. She won't eat when I encourage her but will eat when Marilyn encourages her. I can't be angry with her. She obviously is having adjustment problems but it is making me very, very sad.
Any advice is welcome.
I HAD 2 dogs for 12 years: Teddy Bear and Cuddle Bear. They have been adopted separately but have been together since pups (6months).
Just before leaving for Nica, I had to put down 'mama's boy", Teddy. That left just Cuddle Bear. I have been living with my sister and my niece for the past 10 years so Cuddle Bear is naturally attached to them as well.
That being said, Cuddles has had to cope with the loss of Teddy, the loss of RJ (my niece) and Carolyn (my sister) and experience being crated and flown to Nicaragua ... and adjustment to new food as her food was not available in Nica.
SO WHAT'S THE PROBLEM? I am soooo sad. She has changed loyalty and is now sleeping with Marilyn on the bed, or on the floor. She follows Marilyn where ever Marilyn goes and lays by the front door, waiting for Marilyn to come home. The only time she takes food from me is when I give "treats" from my plate. She has been VERY fussy about food and had diarrhea for almost 2 weeks. Finally, I did the last ditch thing and began mixing human food with dog food to make it nice and smelly/yummy. She won't eat when I encourage her but will eat when Marilyn encourages her. I can't be angry with her. She obviously is having adjustment problems but it is making me very, very sad.
Any advice is welcome.
