Since the day I got married, every cat/dog/horse/goat/chicken has attached themselves to Mrs. Doctor Doolittle, my wife.
30 plus years of being Dash Two in the formation. Annoying
When she is gone for the day the herd basks in their emptiness...when she gets back it is like a Second Line Parade in New Orleans.
Until Dottie.
I am still the Wingman, but she lets me pretend to be in charge.
My point to the above is, Patrick, you did your best, dog sense it but they generally bond with one...don't wait too long.