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AIBU?

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Original poster

To ignore this greyhound?

37 replies

sheepandbear · 12/10/2025 08:08

SOS dog people! My friend dropped off her 8 year old greyhound about an hour ago. She’s a rescue (been with my friend for 5 years now) and very nervy but know me well, comes to my house often and has stayed before but never without her “mum.”
I have a similar aged, excitable kind of terrier cross with whom she gets on well.
Problem is, she hasn’t stopped weeping since my friend left. She is looking me right in the eye with her beautiful doe eyes and whining sadly. I’ve been making a big fuss of her but maybe this is making things worse and encouraging her.
Should I just ignore her and hope she settles down?

**poll won’t work but basically aibu to ignore her and hope she settles herself?

OP posts:
bigwhitedog · 12/10/2025 08:21

I'd distract her too, show her you can be fun. Snuffle mat is a good suggestion, you don't have a snuffle mat you can fashion one out of an old towel or blanket by laying it out, dropping treats on it and twist it up. If you take her on a walk now make it a sniffy one. Can you teach her a new game or trick?

StillweriseLH · 12/10/2025 08:20

I’ve had long dogs my whole life, and I often have visiting ones….

take her for a walk now, and then when she gets back if she’s still
whining I would cuddle her. If she’s allowed on your sofa, let her up, or sit next to her in the floor.

I find a bit of gentle pressure, like them sitting up against your legs, or a blanket over their back, can help settle them.

Original poster
sheepandbear · 12/10/2025 08:18

Yes, she’s got her huge mattress, blanket and toys but has curled herself up into my dog’s bed (-still whining but full blown sobbing every time I speak to her!)

OP posts:
RainbowBagels · 12/10/2025 08:17

Lol my greyhound always looks like that! Once I came round the back of the house and he didnt hear me. He was lolling around on the sofa snoring but as soon as he saw me he started crying as if to say hed been crying since Id left They are such prima Dona's! But agree. Take her for a walk. Has your friend left her bed?

Original poster
sheepandbear · 12/10/2025 08:16

Oh yes, forgot to say, she’s here for a week.
I was planning a nice long walk this afternoon but maybe a little walk now would cheer her up. My little monster is out in the garden but Miss Greyhound was only out for 30 seconds and galloped back in to stare at me weeping!

OP posts:
DaffodilValley · 12/10/2025 08:15

If a dog is distressed you must reassure them, it’s outdated nonsense to say that giving care and affection to a frightened or upset dog will encourage their fear, being ignored will just make it worse.

Going out for a walk is an excellent idea, or perhaps doing a puzzle game or snuffle mat if you have one.

DueToAnUnfortunateWerewolfIncident · 12/10/2025 08:13

No don’t ignore her. She needs comforting and distraction.

MidnightPatrol · 12/10/2025 08:12

Dogs are like toddlers, you need to distract her.

PrizedPickledPopcorn · 12/10/2025 08:11

How long is she staying? I’d probably take her for a little walk, then get on with my day while she tags along telling you how sad she is!

TeaRoseTallulah · 12/10/2025 08:10

Yes,I agree,take her out for a walk.

EsmeWeatherwaxHatpin · 12/10/2025 08:09

Honestly. I’d take her out for a walk. Get her moving. It’s what I do when I’m sad and what I do when our friends dog visits and does the same. Breaks the funk quickly.

Original poster
sheepandbear · 12/10/2025 08:09

Photos of the sad girl imploring me to call her mum back!

To ignore this greyhound?
To ignore this greyhound?
OP posts: