Paranoia

Baxter has been home for a week now and I notice that I am becoming increasingly paranoid and worried as he continues to settle in with us. I know this is an overreaction because of what I went through with Taylor.

I've been weighing him every morning since he came home. His weight has been up and down by a few grams each day. His weight was up yesterday, but today was his biggest drop, 8 grams/3%.

I've been offering him his baby formula and he really isn't interested. He's being getting mushy/warmed up birdie bread, pellets, fresh veggies and fruits, sprouts, chop blending with sweet potato baby food. He's getting pine nuts when we do training. I can't say he is eating with "gusto", but he is eating.

I know that I shouldn't really worry until his weight falls at least 5%. And, it is probably normal for his weight to go up and down based on his eating habits and activity level. All of his tests from the vet came back good - baseline bloodwork all normal, negative for chlamydia and bornavirus.

I know what happened with Taylor wasn't my fault and completely out of my control. I also know that I can't control everything with Baxter. This is my logical side talking.

My irrational side continues to be paranoid!

As with most things, time will probably help me with this irrational fear. In the meantime, I'm trying not to let my worries affect Baxter or how I interact with him!

Please don't drive yourself bonkers, Shawna. I know you have Taylor in the back of your mind, but this is not Taylor - it's Baxter. If you find the scale if giving you indigestion, skip a day between weighing him, and 'only' weigh him every other day.

As long as he's eating, pooping and playing, looking alert and having fun - you should have nothing to worry about.

You even explained it yourself. Depending on activity, the weight will change. Additionally, even with modern technology, who's to say the scale isn't off by a gram or two.

Breathe...breathe....and enjoy each other.

Don't worry so much, I know easier said than done but Wendy is right. I can tell you I was so happy when I met Baxter to see such a delightful, alert and happy healthy looking baby.

Thanks, Laura and Wendy!

Gave myself a good "talking to" while I was out running errands - going to relax and enjoy my Baxter!