Newsflash! Introducing a very good boy... meet Rufus Barkley!!!

You’ll be cool man. Pretty soon he’ll be your new wingman. You’ll look back and remember how you were nervous at first and laugh. Then he’ll eat a rickenbacker and you’ll just laugh and say, “I love you, Roofie.”
 
Don't let it get to you. In time Rufus will be taking care of you,and you won't even realize it.
 
I feel you, Smurfco. The good thing is that you do recognize that the irrational thinking is there. The more you remind yourself of the facts the less power the irrational thoughts have. It takes time, work, and practice, but hearing your music I know you are used to investing time, hard work, and practice. Be good to Rufus and yourself!
 
I used to talk to my kid when she was a wee baby and I would get to feeling overwhelmed. It helped calm me down and she didn’t seem to mind. I bet Rufus wouldn’t mind one bit if you explained it him.
 
Just hang in there. Both you and Rufus are getting to know each other. Once a schedule falls into place I'm sure all will be well.
 
Rufus Barkley — that name seems familiar! It was a few weeks ago when I was contacted by a Rufus J. Barkley, Esq. who informed me I had won the Irish National Lottery. All I had to do was wire him the $2500 winner’s administrative fee to collect my $300,000.

Mr. Barkley took my money and I never got my winnings. @smurfco, I think your dog might be a damned, dirty swindler!
 
smurfco said:
Thanks again guys. I just need to get out of my own head. He is a great pup and i really do hope it works out for us...
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Listen mate it's not even a case of 'if' it works out, it's 'will' work out.

It's a shock to the system for both of you but it's a learning curve and its all good. As has been mentioned, before you know it you won't be able to remember what things were like before you had him.

They're resilient creatures and incredibly empathetic, Rufus will let you know what he needs and you're a great dude, you'll make sure he gets it.
 
smurfco said:
Thanks everyone. I am still kind of a mess but this helps. I wish I didn’t react to
Things the way I do. My brain “knows” it’s irrational but I still can’t seem to help it sometimes.
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I have constant nightmares about my kids. The fact that you can recognize it goes a long way. Here's a thought, play for him. Sing to him. Do the things that calm you from your anxiety with/for him. Trust me. It helps. My baby passed a couple of weeks ago and I miss her so much. She didn't care what I was playing, she would sit and watch. Or sleep. Or ignore me. Lol. He's gonna take care of you more than you take care of him. You did the right thing. You can not possibly screw this up. You're a caring and compassionate human being. Let him help you.
 
You'll do fine. Your feelings are completely natural because this is a big step, but please know Rufus will never resent you. Before you know it you won't be able to think of what life was like without Rufus, and you'l be the joy of each other's life.
 
Buddy has been calming my anxiety and sharing my joy for almost 8 years. He sends mellow dog mojo to you and Rufus.
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Having a really tough day today guys. I don’t know if this is right for me. Or for him. I feel so heartbroken but I think he might be better off somewhere else
 
smurfco said:
Having a really tough day today guys. I don’t know if this is right for me. Or for him. I feel so heartbroken but I think he might be better off somewhere else
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It's early days yet. Having a young dog is like having a baby, but they grow up quicker. It's only natural that things will take a while to adjust.
 
smurfco said:
Having a really tough day today guys. I don’t know if this is right for me. Or for him. I feel so heartbroken but I think he might be better off somewhere else
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Keep in mind that a dog's sense of smell and hearing are far better than humans and a huge aspect of how they actually see the world around them.

Changing environments the tons of new smells and sounds, especially going from a rural or suburban environment to an urban environment, can take a while for a dog to adjust to all the new stimulus. The humane society suggests to new adoptions to also consider that it may take 3 moths or more for a dog to adapt to a new home.

So you're both adjusting to this new situation and it may take a little while before both of you are acclimated.
 
Well some news... Rufus and I have parted ways. I feel really sad about it but it just wasn’t working for either of us. I am just not ready for what a puppy like this needs. I feel awful but I know it’s the right decision.

The good news is my friend Steve’s brother is going to take him, so he will still be in the family so to speak. He has a house in the boonies with a huge fenced in yard and a 10 year old daughter and the family is super excited to get him. I feel a lot better knowing he’s going to such a good family environment with plenty of room to run around. Although I’m sure he would have acclimated to the city life given time, I really think he will be happier with a big yard to run around in and a little girl to be best friends with.

In a way this feels like a big failure but I am trying to think of it as a lesson learned - I am not ready for a puppy. I am glad I decided quickly before we became too attached. He was very happy to see Steve again, so I know he’s in good hands.

Still super bummed out but I will be ok....
 
Sounds like a good family for Rufus. Sorry it didn't work out. Don't be too bummed about it. You did the right thing and found him a new home. That's what responsible pet owners do. Young animals in general are a huge commitment. They need a lot of play time. That's true for kittens and puppies. And you have to watch them very carefully because they will do stupid stuff that might get them, and maybe you, hurt.
 
I also want to say thanks to everyone who gave me advice and encouragement, both in this thread and via PM. It was very much appreciated. In the future I can see myself getting an older dog from a rescue, or perhaps a cat. Or maybe when (if) I have a house and family of my own it will be a little easier. It just wasn’t right for either of us.
 
Don't beat yourself up about it. I'm sure it would have worked out but it sounds like Rufus is going to love his new digs.
 
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