We recently rescued a 2yo dog.
Due to covid etc. We only got to meet him on the day of collection.
We had done a lot of research into breeds etc. And are both come from families who have had rescues our entire lives. We only fully settled on getting a dog as our working from home situation allows us to give the love and attention a dog needs.. particularly a rescue!
When speaking to the shelter they relayed to me how much he loves walking, the outdoors etc. A real happy chappy who is full of love and energy!
The first few days he was exactly as described, loved us and loved getting walked, treats and playing outside.
Now that we have set aside the designated time to kick start his introduction at our home we are both back to work full time.
Since then he genuinely seems unhappy. He refuses to leave the house and runs and hides any time he seems his leash.
He seems so indifferent to us, his food, the outdoors, walks, toys, playing and even treats. Even tho we have only known him a short time we can tell that he is genuinely not himself here. I cant even motivate him to drink water.
He seems bored and depressed. We work from the sofa and he is unhappy unless he is right up on your lap.. which is impractical from a working from home/zoom/laptop point of view.
The only time he is on his own is when we are in bed. I get up in the early hours toncheck on him and he is pacing around the floors. I dont even know if he fully sleeps at night?
Since the laptops opened it has become more and more apparent that we cannot meet his care and attention needs!
We genuinely feel like we he would benefit a lot more with another home - particularly one with kids or another dog.
I've contacted the shelter and haven't received a reply. We both feel super guilty but recognise that he is unhappy in our care.
Can someone please advise?