I worry about Riley.

She has really become the greatest companion I’ve ever had. She’s totally sweet, very loyal, and so incredibly smart. She and I have really bonded in so many ways, and it’s amazing that the puppy that once drove me bonkers has grown up to be such an amazing part of my life.

When my mom and I adopted Lulu, I thought she would help keep Riley company while I was away at school and my parents were at work, that they could play all day and really be a great team.

In a lot of ways, that’s happened..the two of them are inseparable, sometimes sleeping together in a tight bundle.

Lately though, Riley's become rather subdued and when Lulu is playing with her, jumping on top of her, biting her neck, Riley often looks up at me with doe-eyes, almost saying, “Dude, why did you have to disrupt our family unit by adding her to the mix?”

When I put Lulu into her crate and Riley and I have time alone to lay down on the couch and watch TV, I could tell that she relishes that. She’ll come up to me and snuggle alongside my chest, and occasionally lick my face. And it’s times like those that make me miss when it was just the two of us.

I don’t really regret that we adopted Lulu. She’s a sweetheart, even though she still pees inside the house, but the dynamic isn’t the same anymore.

One day when she gets older and calms down, I think our family unit is going to be great, but for right now, I really worry about Riley. I really really do.

Comments:

Puppies=kids=dogs=kids....I could go on.

It's the same with kids. When you have one, he/she is your one and only. And while you have enough love and ayyention to add another that's great, but now your "one and only" is part of a group. They don't get the undivided attention anymore and they wonder why. It's a good thing that Riley gets the alone time with you, and given time everything will work out.

comment by ducky on July 13, 2008 7:42 PM ()

I never thought of it that way. I'm sure Riley will get over this phase with Lulu. It's good to know that I'm not crazy worrying about her feelings being hurt.

reply by mattguru18 on July 14, 2008 9:31 AM ()

I think you are doing the best thing, by giving rilie special time with you. It seems thats what she needs.

comment by elkhound on July 13, 2008 10:38 AM ()

I think so too.

reply by mattguru18 on July 14, 2008 9:36 AM ()

Rily is so cute and you are awful sweet to worry.We sure love our fur babies

comment by firststarisee on July 13, 2008 9:23 AM ()

Thanks...that meant a lot.
And yes, our pets are very special. Furrbabies

reply by mattguru18 on July 14, 2008 9:42 AM ()

What a cute face With age, animals do mellow Matt so try not to worry too much Believe me, I KNOW FIRSTHAND how attached one can get to an animal (dog and cat!) and it's upsetting when you think they are sad or need something; just like a child really

comment by brian45 on July 13, 2008 8:35 AM ()

She has a very expressive face -- it doesn't hurt that she has those giganticly (is that even a word??)big bat ears either.

reply by mattguru18 on July 14, 2008 9:48 AM ()

comment by lunarhunk on July 13, 2008 8:33 AM ()

I never realized sibling rivalry existed with dogs. It's obviously a big issue since a lot of your pets have gone through it. New to me.

reply by mattguru18 on July 14, 2008 9:51 AM ()