My partner and I have just adopted a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy. Since he arrived, I’ve been feeling really unwell; I have a constant knot in my stomach, I’m being sick, I’m anxious and crying all the time, and most of all, I just can’t sleep. The problem isn’t the puppy himself. He sleeps through the night without any trouble and has very few accidents in the flat. The issue is really me. Last year, I developed Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) which had stabilised, but since Popeye arrived, my health has been getting worse. I’m terrified I won’t be able to balance my final year at uni with the dog. Luckily, my partner is helping out too, but despite that, I still feel just as bad. I’m already so attached to the little guy, but my mental health is taking a massive hit and I don’t know what to do anymore. Has anyone else been through this?
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I understand your distress. Try starting a separate thread if you want more help. But I think it’s puppy blues. Things will settle down in time. And ask yourself the right questions: why are you feeling this way?
I've just started a thread. Thank you.
It's been 3 months already; I’m at the end of my tether, really at rock bottom.
I’ve lost interest in everything; it’s just so hard.
I’m struggling for so many reasons. The responsibility of it all, the restrictions too, and perhaps some unresolved grief. I feel like I’m trapped.
Don’t worry about it. It happens quite a lot. He seems to be very demanding; could your husband take over for a bit sometimes so you can get some “me time”?
Thanks for taking the time to reply. Yes, my husband takes him out with him regularly. But it doesn't seem to help; as soon as he’s back, he’s right under my feet. And it’s making me feel really anxious.
I really feel for you. You might want to start a separate thread if you’re looking for more help. But honestly, it sounds like a classic case of the puppy blues. Things will settle down in time. Just try to ask yourself the right questions: why exactly are you feeling so low?
Today it’s my turn to feel absolutely terrible. I adopted my Spitz three months ago now and I’m really struggling – I mean, really struggling.
Before him, I had a little dog who passed away four years ago. After that, I got a cat, but she disappeared out of the blue last January. I thought to myself, why not get another dog? So that’s what I did, and now I just don't feel right. I’m anxious from morning until night. Obviously, my first thought is to rehome him, but my kids and my partner have really bonded with him, so I’m stuck with no way out. I feel so guilty for getting this dog… and what’s worse is that he’s like my shadow, which really doesn’t help. I need some breathing space, and right now I feel completely smothered; it’s awful.
I’ll probably come across as crazy, or a bad person, but the only solution for me right now would be to rehome him.
Hi there,
Since this post is two years old, I’m not sure if the original poster will get back to you. However, I can share my own experience: I got my dog at the end of December (after waiting three years)... and for the first two or three weeks, I really wasn't in a good way. I had so much anxiety, and my family, seeing how much I was struggling, kept telling me to just give her back to the breeder. But I’d already grown attached to the little ball of fluff.
I’m a very sensitive person and I’ve suffered from anxiety attacks for years (I’m not completely over them, as you never really are, but I’ve got some semblance of a life back). My girl is five months old now. Even though she’s stubborn, doesn’t always listen, and drives us round the bend sometimes (that’s just puppies for you!), I don’t regret keeping her for a second. The love she has for my family and the joy of just being with her and stroking her... it really helps with the anxiety. I’m actually signed off work with burnout at the moment, and I can tell you that having her by my side is a real lifesaver. Just know that what you’re going through is something many of us have experienced.
Hi,
I was just wondering how you’re getting on today? I’m actually in the same boat right now; I’ve adopted a little 8-week-old Shih Tzu and I’ve been so anxious since she arrived. I’m not sleeping at night because I feel so guilty that I’m not happy to have her, even though she’s a lovely little thing... I really thought it through before getting her, too. I lost my previous dog two years ago—she was part of my life for 18 years. When I lost her, I said I didn't want another one, but then I gradually started looking at adverts until I finally decided to get another one.
I’m in two minds about calling the breeder to see if she could take her back and find her a loving home!! I’m just so lost. Could you tell me how things turned out for you? Thanks for your reply.
I’m replying to your post to share my own experience.
When I first adopted my puppy, I spent a whole week regretting it, even though I’d wanted one for 15 years and it was a very well-thought-out decision. We even moved to a different city and a new flat specifically for this, making sure we had a garden.
It’s quite common to have regrets at the start because a dog is a constant presence; if you’re used to being on your own, it can feel very overwhelming at first.
I also found there was a real gap between what I’d imagined and the reality, because every puppy is different and they need a lot of training. You have to accept that they’ll have some difficult behaviours or do things you don’t quite understand yet. You’ll grow to love them more and more as you get to know each other. It isn’t always instant!
As for the being left alone, it broke my heart too because she cries when she’s on her own, so I decided to get a pet sitter. It’s definitely worth looking into :)
Hang in there and don't worry, it will pass :) Before long, you won’t be able to imagine life without him!
Hi there! Just replying to your post to share my experience. When I first adopted my puppy, I spent a whole week regretting it, even though I’d wanted one for 15 years and it was a very carefully considered decision. We even moved towns and changed flats specifically for this, making sure we got a place with a garden. It’s normal to have regrets at the start because a dog is a constant presence; if you’re used to being on your own, it can feel really overwhelming at first. I also found there was a big gap between what I’d imagined and the reality, because every puppy is different and they need training. You have to accept that they’ll have difficult behaviours or do things you just don't understand yet. You’ll grow to love them over time, but you need to get to know each other first. It doesn’t always happen straight away! Regarding being left alone, like you, it broke my heart because she cries when she's by herself, so I decided to get a pet sitter. You should look into that :) Hang in there and don't worry, it’ll pass :) Soon, you won't be able to imagine life without him!
@patou88 Thanks for your reply. I’m seeing an energy healer, doing Chinese medicine and seeing my GP!! I’ve got an appointment with a psychologist in 10 days! Have a good day
You’re doing exactly the right thing and coming here to talk about your worries... you’re on the right track! Hang in there 😉
