u/HeavyShine8431

I’ve had my 8 month old golden retriever x aussie mix since he was 8 weeks old, so for about 6 months. In the first few weeks I was excited about him, then the overwhelm of a baby dog set in for a bit, then I got over that once we were able to go outside on adventures, so now everything is chill, but I still don’t feel bonded to him.

I’ve raised many puppies due to being a foster parent, so I’m experienced with training and the concept of puppy blues, but I’m wondering if at this point this is a compatibility issue. He’s very adaptable, doesn’t cause trouble, he’s not a velociraptor, and I can leave him alone at home and be independent—he is simply easy. There are also other parts of his personality that I very much don’t enjoy, and that I don’t think he’ll grow out of. Part of it seems to be his personality, part of it his breed (like neediness).

There’s also the possibility that I can’t bond with him because my soul dog died 2 years ago and I can’t shake that. I don’t really compare them because I’m reasonable about him being a different dog and a puppy, but just the mere fact that I have to open up my heart to him. I’ve talked about it in therapy for a while and it hasn’t changed.

Nothing here is urgent, but I feel that after 6 months of a well behaved puppy that I would be bonded to him. I also feel terrible admitting this, but I’m not affection with him, such as snuggles or my heart swelling thinking that my baby boy! I take him places, train him, tell him he’s a good boy, etc. but once I get home I more or less want to be alone. I don’t enjoy him looking at me with affection or wanting to be near me. I feel like I should rehome him with someone who thinks he’s the best thing since sliced bread, which he is.

I’ve lived here a year and a half and have never seen this before. My apartment temperature is probably about 78° and my bidet is causing a small leak that I had previously fixed, which explains the location and proliferation. There’s also a major water leak from the fire hydrant pipe, which is out front of my apt and I’m on the first floor, but idk if it’s going under the building. But from what I understand, there has to be a major network of existing mycelium under these tiles or behind the drywall for this to occur, is that correct? Should I ask my apartment to do anything about it? And most importantly are these toxic? The white powder is baby powder so ignore that and also all the cat hair.