Hey everyone! I am just starting here and I really need advice. I've only had one dog before in my life. She recently passed away and I was devastated, and I felt like getting a new dog would help. So, after a lot of research and money spent, I adopted a puppy. The difference this time is that it's not my family's dog, it's MY dog. I have struggled with anxiety and depression for as long as I can remember, but I can't even describe how bad it's gotten since bringing him home two weeks ago. I'm crying constantly and I think about never coming home. He's not that bad of a puppy, he does the normal puppy things but I expected that. I just don't know if I was ready for this.
Hi @Alyssa welcome to our little forum. I hope we can help you here. Having a dog and being solely responsible for it, is a huge step for everyone, doesn't matter if one has anxiety difficulties or not. What I am tell you is, that it will get easier the longer you have him. It's scary at first, because you are the ONE that your doggy is depending on! But also think about what your dog is giving back to you. Your dog will love you and stay with you, he/she will never judge you, he/she will always be there for you. Take your time, don't rush into it and think that everything needs to be perfect now, it will not. Having a dog, means you need to work with him/her, but it will be worth it. You already had a dog and know in a way, the responsibilities you will face.
I've been in this situation @Alyssa so I hope I can help you now. By the way, a very warm welcome to the forum. Congratulations on your new addition to your family. Puppies are like children, only they never grow up. They always need your care and love. They will always be loyal to you and always forgive you. My dog Sasha died a year ago last December 11th. I was absolutely devastated and I still miss her terribly but it is a lot easier now. I had her for 11 years and although I never had children, she had puppies so she was very special to me. She helped me to witness the miracle of birth, I will always remember her for that wonderful experience. So she was more than special to me. I believe the quickest way to get over a dog is to get another one. But you must realise and have it in your mind that the new pup will be different in character than the one you had lost. Even if it is the same breed. Use this puppy to give yourself cuddles when you are feeling low or anxious. Eventually, you will realise that the hugs you are having with this pup are not hugs to get over another one, but they are hugs between the two of you. Believe me, this is how it is, it was like this for me. A dog is the best thing for anxieties. I got my new puppy in the February. I felt like I didn't want him too. But now, a year and a half later, I love him to bits. He and I have developed this relationship together that is lovely. He is my little man. He has his cute little ways and after all this time now, I accept him into the family fold. Keep going with your pup. It is your duty now to keep him. Tell yourself it's tough if you don't want him! You are right to feel guilty to get rid of him. A dog is for life, not just for a few weeks! You already know how to take care of a dog so go ahead and enjoy it. Just don't expect him to be the same as your last dog. So that is the way to get over this guilty feeling. Keep the pup! You will not regret it I promise!
