Karbea, I remember your thread when you lost your boy. It was truly heartbreaking. I'm so glad you have decided to open your heart to another. You already know this of course, but, while your new pup will never replace your boy, he will heal your heart and bring cuddles and laughter back into your lives. Good luck with your new puppy. 
Mint, I would never describe myself as a relationship counsellor - I don't really 'do' people. I just know that when dh is stressed and tired from work he gets really grotty if the dogs rush up to greet him. He heads straight upstairs now and while they both still sit behind the living room door waiting for him, by the time he's got changed and come back down he's calmer and their excitement has reduced. He now says a lovely hello to both of them before even acknowledging me and the dcs. 
NCIS, if he's well enough and happy in himself and there's no blood, feed something bland, like boiled chicken (with or without rice depending if he can normally eat rice) for 24 hours and see if clears up. Vets don't recommend starving these days, they just advise a simple bland diet and not overloading, so small frequent meals rather than a couple of bigger ones.
Needa, I wish my house was quiet. Ds1 broke up yesterday and is in crazy Christmas excitement mode and winding his siblings up as a result. Ds2 and dd have another week to go and are really not appreciating their OTT big brother.
Fortunately, dd has just been taken to the cinema by her best friend's mum and I have banished the other two to their bedroom and told them to be quiet for an hour ... ten minutes in and I've already heard ds2 in tears and shouting at ds1 for hurting him. Eurgh!
Think we'll all take the dogs for a good long walk across the fields later. Never mind the dogs, we need to try and burn off some of ds1's excess energy! 
