Help me dog people! Dog psychologist needed!

Probably

ice cream eating GIF
I used to like needy men. Thank God I got over that! Needy cats (& dogs, & chickens) are so much easier! 🤣
 
A new member of the family. This boy found his way to us last week. He is a heavy weight. He looks just like our girl Boo (Bootiful) but with a wider face and body. I think he is a younger cat, even though he is much heavier than my girls.
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He has an appointment for neutering and vaccines in two weeks.
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Omgoodnes he's such a cutie! You're becoming quite the cat lady :p I'm not complaining. Love the updates!!
 
A new dog joined our family..
Our older boxer, Dexter died 2 weeks ago. Our younger one, Ruby has been grieving. She barely eats and doesn't play much. Ruby is 8. We lost Truman, our 21yr old doxie, two yrs ago, so Ruby is/was an only dog.
All of our dogs have always been spayed or neutered.
My husband loves boxers and yesterday, he bought a 4 yr. old male boxer that is intact. We will be having him fixed asap.
Ruby has always been very sweet and loves other dogs. She hates this one. She has growled none stop and tried to nip him through the fence when introduced. We had to introduce them here at home, because we drove an hour and 1/2 to get him.

The new boy, Bruce seems very laid back. He wants to play with Ruby. He has shown no aggression, even when she growls.
He had never met a cat but he was only mildly curious about Boo.
He hasn't met the chickens yet.

I'm feeling overwhelmed! We have kids and grandchildren visiting this weekend and I'm concerned about the doggy integration.
This is Bruce
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Ruby (& Boo)
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Any help is appreciated!
Ruby sees Bruce as an interloper into her territory.
It also wasn't a good idea to introduce on Ruby's turf. Can you keep them separated for a bit and start walking them together each day? You walk one and your husband the other. That way they will see each other outside Ruby's territory. When Bruce is nearby, on a leash with the other person, give Ruby tasty treats. Also make sure to give Ruby the most attention as you don't want her to think she is being usurped and Bruce isn't used to your attention yet. In a happy voice you can also refer to Bruce as Ruby's new best friend. (Dogs often take their cues from us. If you are relaxed and happy that will help.)
Hopefully, if you take small steps they will get used to each other, but it may not happen overnight.
I have three dogs now and have had up to five at a time so obviously dogs have had to get used to each other and the cats and chickens when they came here. And I always assume they're going to get along.
 

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