Expert: Lucy O'Brien - 10/6/2008

Question
Hi, Chester (our 2 and a half year staffi) had to be re-homed as he was fighting too much with our Lab, both being males and grew up together, we did eventually have Chester nuted but to no avail.  It as been quite emotional for me over the past couple of days as we said good-bye to Chester and I was very attached to him, my question to you is: Do dogs have feeling like us, will he adapt in the end and not suffer from anxiety at all?

thanks,
Janine

Answer
Hi Janine

You have my sympathy.  It is very sad but you did absolutely the right thing - it is so hard for dogs to live with conflict.

I can reassure you having worked rehoming dogs for many years that they are incredibly resilient. yes they have feelings and emotions like us but, fortunately for them, they lack the analytical thought process which we torture ourselves with.  He won't be thinking 'why me, what have I done wrong etc', he will just be getting on with his new life.  I'm sure you found a lovely home for him and he will really be much happier in the long term.

Dogs live in the moment - humans tend to think back to their past and also look to the future and worry about what may happen.  Dogs just anticipate the next meal or play time and generally cope very well with change.

Staffis are also not the most sensitive of breeds and usually confident and happy dogs so I don't think you need worry too much.  It is much harder for you than him!

All the very best

Lucy