Hey, he's only home for 2 weeks from *his* service *in the military.* Let him do what he wants. I'm sure he'll want to spend time with you at some point - although for future reference, you might want to make it clear what elaborate plans you have if you want to make sure someone follows through without involving guilt-tripping.

I would have done that lol??

This was meant to be a reply, but Idk how to delete it. Please disregard.

I tried to explain this to my mom when I was gone. While away I can talk/message her, but not to my dog. So when I get back I enjoy seeing her but, I enjoy my pets even more.

I know when I went home for my 2 weeks during deployment the one thing I wanted was to sit on my ass and relax. realise that he is prolly working 90+ hours a week while he is deployed. so when we get those two weeks it's very important to us to rest up so we can go back physically and more importantly mentally rested and prepared. also if your plan was to take him out to a public setting that doesn't always appeal. ever since deployment I am very uncomfortable with being in crowds. especially if it's a group of strangers and there is a lot of noise and commotion. it's so bad I literally do not enjoy myself when I go out most of the time anymore. so just give him time to unwind

Its not like he prioritizes the dog over you, but he probably feels more detached from the dog because you probably talked to him a lot while he was away, and the dog couldn't say anything, so he feels like he's been away from the dog a lot longer

That sucks OP. Just try to go easy on your brother. The military is really stressful and very fast paced. People miss different things when they're away for a long time in that kind of environment. For some people they want to get out and party. Some people just want down time when they don't have to do anything. Some people don't even want to be anywhere near crowds or places with other people. A lot of people miss their fuzzy companions. Try not to take it as a rejection OP. He could call you, your parents, his SO, but there's no way to connect to a pet while your away really. Military life is very stressful and if he's one of those people who responds to that stress by just wanting down time wanting the company of his dog right away is completely understandable. I don't know if you want suggestions or not, but here's one that may help in the future. Next time try keeping your plans flexible, as in you can do them another day. As the day gets closer for your brother gets back ask him if he'd like to do things or if he just wants some down time immediately upon returning.

OP, you gotta understand the fact that when you're away from a dog, it feels like forever to them. You cannot feel any better love from anything else, plain and simple. A dog's love is the purest of things left on this earth. That being said, don't chastise him for wanting to see his companion, who relies on him for life and comfort and love. Honestly if I were in your brother's position, I'd do the same thing. I have two huskies at home, and I guarantee I'd miss them just as much. So, basically, let him be with his companion. He's not saying he's never coming to hang with you, he just took one night to see his dog. Source: I'm an active duty Marine.

The dog is a mans best friend

did he just get back from deployment? im in the mi loo itary, and regardless if you deploy to a warzone or not it can be very stressful on deployment. earlier in my career i wanted to go home to family asap when i got back but now i just take a couple weeks to myself to give me time to unwind and not deal with the obligations of seeing everyone. he might be the same way.