two month's ago adopted a rescue dog after not having a dog since living at home with parents so that is 50 years! Also had agoraphobia for 50 years starting with panic attacks after birth of first child. For the last thirty years have been well able to cope on a daily basis and only had/have problems with non routine things like hospital/doctor/dentist appointments, holidays and have only taken medication as 'one offs' for such events.
since getting the dog (which I have wanted for ages and took a whole year to research and read up on pet care, and think about whether I really wanted to do this) I have found to my horror that I seem to be regressing. I wake every morning with heart in my mouth and butterflies in my stomach at the thought of the dog in my kitchen. I have increased anxiety about going out generally and even more so before taking her out for a walk such that my husband often steps in and comes with me. I am getting scared about her getting loose from her lead but she’s wears a collar and harness which are connected so unlikely. I am putting this down to the 'enormity' of taking on another life who is totally dependent on me. My sister says I should give up the dog rather than risk regressing when I have been leading a relatively normal life as described above for so many years. Others say, stick with it and this phase will pass. Has anyone else had this problem on taking on a dog? I had expected one to help me feel even more confident about being out and about. Certainly not the opposite.
Susan, it would be a shame to send you dog back to Dogs Trust. We are on our second rescue dog this one is called Pax, Pax came from Ireland and was left on the boat by a trader in dogs at five weeks old, He was taken down to Dogs Trust and that is where He lived until He was put up for adoption at ten weeks. We wanted a terrier and was selected to take a Collie a totally different type of animal. He now lives with us on the Scottish/English Border.
You need to consider the adoption process where many people have to have a reference from a vet before the new family member is released into our care. You need to understand if you take the dog back, yo may not be offered another one. Your adoption papers are for the life of the dog, you may not be allowed to have another dog again because the dog sent back may not be able to get a new home and its life could be put at risk.
You are responsible for this little tyke, and you will be offered unconditional love in return, your Dog has very few needs, food, water, Health Treatments and possible daily walks. Hopefully the dog will bring out a confidence and love from you. I know in my case Pax helps me a great deal and that pushes me to look after His needs.
Be strong and be aware of your dogs needs, When we got our first dog He was unwanted and was taken down to the pound, I took him home and the stress and upset the dog suffered was horrific in our eyes we found out next day He had been in a family and He was fretting. We looked after the dog and eventually He paid back big time He became a Mental Health Pat Dog
What you need to do is be there for this little thing that needs you She will pay back your love a hundred times
BOB
Thank you for taking the trouble to reply. My question was to ask if anybody else has experienced an increase in their own anxiety state after acquiring a dog. IF, and I emphasise, IF I was considering giving up the dog I have to return it to the adoption charity I acquired it from. If it came to that, I would not take on another dog. It is not this particular dog I have taken on, she is lovely, but I suspect any dog would produce the same distressing increase in levels of anxiety that I am experiencing since getting a dog. The problem is mine, not the dog's.
Susan
I remember when we got our first dog Pip, He was only six weeks old and really small. We opened the toilet door and we knocked Him sideways, I really started to panic as the little tyke was screeching leaning against the wall, we did not know what to do, it became a real learning curve. We were lucky He was ok, when we phoned the vet
He checked him out and turned around and said stop worrying they are as tuff as old boots
A new companion in the house will be hard work as you get used to her, Find somewhere in the room where she can go to get some peace and quiet and feel secure, I suppose she will be lonely at the moment.
When we picked up our dogs we asked if the dog had a favourite toy or blanket, it seems like if you do this the dog will feel more at home because of the scent.
Enjoy your dog
Bob and Pax