Do you think he misses them?

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Sometimes Winston looks so sad. He mopes, huffs, flops on the floor, or comes up to me with the saddest eyes, tilts his head down, and buries it in my lap.

 

I know he appreciates me, the fact that he is inside with us, sleeping in the same room, well fed, given lots of exercise and play time. I know that all makes him happy. I can tell he feels better and his ears aren't bothering him so much. This morning a friend noted a remarkable difference in him from the first day I brought him home a week ago, she said he looks so much happier. He showed a lot more confidence today when we were in the park. He ran around with more enthusiasm.

 

But then there are the sad moments, he looks up at me with the most serious look, as if he is so hard done by and life is such a struggle (maybe he should be a poet??). He wimpers in his sleep sometimes. I can't help but wonder if he thinks of his former family and misses them. I know they treated him terribly but I know that dogs are loyal to their people.

 

Do you think dogs miss their previous families, even if they were neglected or mistreated? How can I help him feel better and put them behind him?

 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I agree with every word of all this wonderful advice.  The one thing I would add is that I think it's also helpful for you (as much as possible) to try to let go of Winston's past.  Winnie just won the doggie lottery.  He is probably trying to readjust to a new routine, but I'm willing to bet he's moving on quickly.  Dogs want to move forward not backward.  When I first got Murphy I used to worry about the fact that he had been through a lot of change in his very short puppy life.  I did feel sorry about that.  Someone helped me to realize that was not productive.  He was not "poor Murphy".  It was helpful for ME to let go of those feelings.  You're doing such a wonderful job with this guy!

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Thank you so much Jane. that's a nice perspective. I will work on letting go. :)

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I couldn't agree more with the other comments. While I do not have personal experience with this type of situation, I will say that sometimes dogs just look "sad".  This morning Peri was moping around and looked so depressed. I actually said to DH "what is wrong with her" and he said "oh Ally you know she is just in one of those soulful eye moods".

 

Hang in there - Winston probably doesn't understand what this "good life" is!!!!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

My partner actually said to me one day shortly after we brought Riley home "do you think he is happy".  He does have this soulful doe eyed look and it can sometimes appear as if he is sad. A lot of  Doodles do have that look and also Winston doesn't know that he is in his permanent home, so he may not appear to be as relaxed as he could be.   He does know life has changed and for the better so just keep doing what you are doing, lots of time, love and patience and then you can all relax.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

BTW Sherri, in your spare time you would very much enjoy reading the book "A Dog's Purpose". By Bruce Cameron. This is fictional ofcourse, but very thought provoking and gave me a good feeling about how dogs might think and feel.

[Donna K & Quincy]

Sherri, even though it is a change for the better it is still change and there is sure to be an adjustment period. You'll know he is really comfortable when he starts misbehaving just a little. :>)

[KAHLUA]

Awwwww.....I'm sure he does miss them and wonders why they aren't around anymore.  I don't know for sure, but I don't think animals believe that their people wouldn't want them anymore.  So loyalty makes him miss them, but I also think that dogs know who love them and before long he'll miss them less and less as he becomes more used to the loving surroundings that you provided.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

I think he's still confused and it will take time. He's showing you love and you are doing EVERYTHING to make him happy and I'm sure he is. I guess it will take time. How's Sophie and him getting along?

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Like big brother and little sister. They love each other!