givingback

Let me lay this out. I am in a long term residential treatment program.
I have two twin dogs, who spent 8 of their 10 years with me in my addiction to alcohol, oxy, meth, and weed. The puppies and I were inseparable to the point where I would go into another room and close the door and they would sit by the door and whine, smelling under the door to see if I was still in the house. They both had an obsession with licking me (one more than the other) which I never considered to be anything until a few months ago when I got my first visit after not seeing them for 9 months. They were excited to see me but they seemed like they were, not as excited as they used to be when I would leave them at my parents house for a few weeks while I was off on a run or in jail.

My mind instantly searched for a reason for their odd behavior. Are they mad at me for leaving them for so long? Or perhaps they didn't like me as much as I thought and they were just addicted to the meth that was seeping out of my pores. Am I insane or is there any validity to this?

I have been sober for 13 months now. And even after a couple of visits they still don't seem to like me as much as they used to.

Dee74

Hi givingback
I'm sure your dogs love you as much as they ever did - but dogs don't react the same way as humans.

after not seeing you for such a long time it's going to take a little time for them to respond to you the way they used to, and it's going to take a little time of living together again before they stop expecting you to disappear?

D

nez

Just my armchair opinion, not backed up by training nor science, just many many years of dog companionship. I believe that prior to rehab the dogs sensed that you were in trouble and sick and so they wanted to by your side and not let you out of their sight. The licking was part of their attempts at healing you and making you well. Now that you are sober, they are feeling less stress and anxiety and so can relax their watch.

givingback

This is cool. I like this perspective.

FeelingGreat

Long absence, plus you smell different. They'll settle. And congrats on the sobriety.

least

This! Dogs are so sensitive to odors. If you're clean now, you're giving off a different scent. Give them time to get used to the 'new you'. Give them extra attention and snuggles. They'll come around.

daisy1

When I was drinking mine were constantly on top of me and licking me, they would snap at anyone that came near me. Now I'm sober I only have one dog now but she's much better, I put it down to them being very worried about me, sensing I was unwell and trying to comfort and protect me.