Just read through this thread, I think you're amazing in your honesty about how you've been feeling, and I think the COLers who've responded with so much advice and support are amazing too! I have Lovely who is around 10 months old, I already had a 7 yr old Border Terrier who was a piece of cake in comparison to Lovely, he never messed in his crate etc etc. I have been lucky in the respect of having had mad springers in the past so kind of knew what to expect but I didn't have the added stress of grieving for a beloved dog at the same time as dealing with a crazed pup. I'm not sure if you're able to take your littlun out for walks yet, but I'd say that once you are able to do that, things begin to get a little easier as it helps tire them out, gives mental stimulation and also is enjoyable for you. Lovely is now the most cuddly, loving dog, and she was a right little nipper as a youngster. The droopy ears do have a habit of collecting random bits of food, greenery, mud etc but they are also very soft and squidgy and sooo nice to stroke once your pup will sit still long enough! You sound like such a caring person, I really hope things continue to improve, I have loved every dog that has come into my life in a different way, just like special people I guess, so your feelings will be different, you just can't compare 2 individual dogs, you will grow to love her little foibles x
