Last night, I slept downstairs, next to the pen, on an inflatable mattress. Not the comfiest night ever, but Blue had a fantastic night! He woke sometime in the small hours, checked I was there and went straight back to sleep. Then as dawn broke, he woke up and played quietly with his toys whilst I continued to doze. He seems really content this morning, and we've just been out for our first proper walk too!
I'll continue sleeping downstairs for as long as necessary, and I feel loads better for having had some sleep.
I should explain a bit about my husband's attitude. He was bitten when he was a child, and it put him off dogs for life. He's never associated with anyone who had a dog, and has avoided them all his adult life. He wasn't keen to have one at all, and I've been begging for one for years. I've now retired and have the time to devote to a pup, so he finally agreed. In terms of him and the dog, it's actually gone much better than I ever thought. What began as reluctant 'tolerance' has given way to amusement and affection. He has quietly formed a relationship with Blue, and Blue adores him. And he's seen how happy having Blue has made me, so I feel sure things will continue to improve slowly. (Who could resist the charms of a Cocker?)
Rehoming or returning Blue was never a consideration, a dog is for life, warts and all.
