Paula Breeze

Thanks for your reply. My place is so small, it would be difficult to install a pet barrier but I’ll give it some thought. Little Tommy spends most of his time on a futon chair that Gus is not allowed on without permission so T does have a refuge. The advantage of such a small place is that the dogs are almost always within sight and voice command, so Gus can be called to Come and Stay when Tommy feels threatened. Thanks again. Isn’t it wonderful to be part of a community that cares so much about dogs?

Tommy, a 20lb Jack Russell mix, has been with me for 14 years. We were a therapy team until I retired us and he was surely looking forward to a peaceful old age despite a heart condition, diabetes, blindness, and arthritis. Then Gus became part of our household 10 months ago. Gus is a 2yr old Bully. We’ve got to do something about the breed name; it’s so, so wrong. Gus is a 60lb teddy bear. He’s sweet-natured, extremely intelligent, and eager to please. He’s also big and strong and bouncy. He wants desperately to play with poor Tommy but he’s too rough. Tommy, never shy about speaking out, gets angry, barking and snapping, and I worry about his weak heart. Then I’m upset and yell at Gus. He’s crushed and I feel even worse. Nobody wins. How do I teach Gus to be gentle? Thanks in advance for your help, Paula B P.S. When I chose to adopt Gus, I realized that life would become difficult for Tommy. But Gus’s options were dismal. Libby, my daughter’s 3yr old Staffie/Pit mix, stays here 2-3 afternoons a week and, while having some behavioral problems of her own, is inordinately careful of little Tommy. PB