Post Puppy Depression:(

[MyTrixie143]

I can't really relate to how your feeling as I have always had pets, they are my life. I literally grew up taking care of my golden retriever. When I was 12, I got my first dog that was totally my responsibility and have owned many dogs since. I love having them, they make my life so much richer, I can't imagine life without them. I don't care what I'm missing out on, one look into their eyes and I'm hooked.

I won't lie though, puppies are tough, especially yorkies when it comes to training. It takes a lot of time and patience and unfortunately not everyone has that.

If you are willing to put in the time and effort, the end result will be very rewarding. You just have to make it through the hard times.

Maybe your mistake was getting a puppy. I think if you had gone with an adult that was already trained, you might not feel so overwhelmed. Puppies can be overwhelming with the chewing and accidents and how much they depend on you and just how much responsibility they require. I love young puppies, (12 weeks and under) but once they reach that age I am eager for them to grow up because I know as an adult they will be wonderful.

I believe if you really want to make it work out, you will. Just take one day at a time and remind yourself that it will be tough starting out but the end will be amazing.

[MidnightUnicorn]

Originally Posted by MY OSCAR

i am glad you are feeling better about your situation.
i cant say i know how you feel but i can sort of relate.
10 years ago i lost my home due to forclosure.
i had no where to go with several dogs & cats so i had to
work with a rescue to find homes for them.
losing my home was nothing compared to the heartbreak i had over giving up my babies. I still cant think of them without crying.
the looks on their faces when i walked away from them
still haunts me to this day..

Oh. How saddening.

[Wylie's Mom]

Ya know, I really admire you for speaking up and sharing your feelings - that takes a lot of courage -- and actually, it shows how much you really DO care for Marley, bc you're willing to take the risk of starting a potentially sensitive subject...for the goal and hope of making it better for Marley and you, and understanding whatever the feelings are. That's wonderful .

This thread already contains some staggeringly good advice, so I've really nothing to add in terms of suggestions. My take on what you're going through is that you're very, very overwhelmed - and that's okay, and that's normal. Literally tell yourself that it's OK to feel overwhelmed...often just giving yourself the permission and acknowledgement can be a great relief to some of the anxiety. I can get very overwhelmed by things too - and when I get that way, I can really let my brain get into a spiral of catastrophic thinking, as in "OMG, why did I get this puppy? WHAT was I thinking? It's too much, I can't handle it, I'm a bad dog Mom. I'm horrible for having anxiety about this puppy. I'm a failure at being a puppy Mom after 2 days. OMG, what am I going to do?" -- yup, yup, I'm sure we've alllllll been there, at one time or another.

Keep breathing, have patience not just for that puppy (as you already do) but also for YOU - this is a huge new responsibility and experience. Maybe pat yourself on the back a little bit for taking this so seriously, and having such strong feelings, and identifying your fears -- that's not a bad thing, at all! All of this awareness you're experiencing is what will get you thru to the other side of it.

Take it one day at a time, one hour at a time if needed....and tell yourself you don't have to make any decision right this minute. Create some space around that anxiety so you have a little room to stretch and relax. And cuddle up w/ that puppy for some puppy breath.

[MamaZiggy]

aww, doll don't worry you feel soon feel better. puppies can be challanging, i understand your frustration. Hang in there, we are all here to support you *hugs*

[DBlain]

I don't know you, so I am just basing my comments on a lot of self centered girls I know your age (LOL I was one once myself). You might be nothing like any of those girls, however after seeing one of your first threads where you were wondering if you could still work out in the am and have a puppy and now this thread where in just two days you are worrying if you will ever be able to go out for drink or have a life I can't help but wonder if you are really ready for a puppy. Maybe since you were an only child you grew up having everything revolve around you and are not ready to take a back seat to a puppy's needs, maybe you have seen too many young celebrities like Paris Hilton tote their yorkies around like accessories and now that he is is peeing, pooping, chewing, etc you realize you have to deal with these things. If this rings just a little true, don't be ashamed, lots of single girls your age would not want to be tied down by a puppy. I speak from experience, at 28 I was single, traveling with my job, dating a lot of different guys, working out, and going out all the time, I never would have wanted a puppy. However at 30 I was still single, but something clicked and I wanted a puppy, I choose a yorkie because in reviewing the airline information it was one of the breeds that I could be sure I could take on a plane with me. I got Reggie and he became the love of my life in an instance, at first I had no desire to go anywhere that he could not go or be smuggled in to. I took him to art fairs, outdoor restaurants, shopping, the park, singles volleyball games, single canoe trips, I took him around the country on business trips, he even flew to Aspen on a ski trip with me. Obviously after having him a while things settled down and a I resumed a normal life where I went out without him. But all I know is when I first got him the last thing I though about was leaving him so I could go have a drink, instead my friends came for drinks at my house. IMHO when you first get a puppy, if you really want a puppy, you are so over the moon that all you want to do is be with your puppy and don't immediately start wanting to go out partying. I am 56 now and Reggie started my love affair with the breed and since him the longest I have gone without one is a year. 28 and single is still young for a puppy, so don't be ashamed if you are not ready. Good Luck with whatever you decide.

[shelimcallister]

Originally Posted by DBlain

I don't know you, so I am just basing my comments on a lot of self centered girls I know your age (LOL I was one once myself). You might be nothing like any of those girls, however after seeing one of your first threads where you were wondering if you could still work out in the am and have a puppy and now this thread where in just two days you are worrying if you will ever be able to go out for drink or have a life I can't help but wonder if you are really ready for a puppy. Maybe since you were an only child you grew up having everything revolve around you and are not ready to take a back seat to a puppy's needs, maybe you have seen too many young celebrities like Paris Hilton tote their yorkies around like accessories and now that he is is peeing, pooping, chewing, etc you realize you have to deal with these things. If this rings just a little true, don't be ashamed, lots of single girls your age would not want to be tied down by a puppy. I speak from experience, at 28 I was single, traveling with my job, dating a lot of different guys, working out, and going out all the time, I never would have wanted a puppy. However at 30 I was still single, but something clicked and I wanted a puppy, I choose a yorkie because in reviewing the airline information it was one of the breeds that I could be sure I could take on a plane with me. I got Reggie and he became the love of my life in an instance, at first I had no desire to go anywhere that he could not go or be smuggled in to. I took him to art fairs, outdoor restaurants, shopping, the park, singles volleyball games, single canoe trips, I took him around the country on business trips, he even flew to Aspen on a ski trip with me. Obviously after having him a while things settled down and a I resumed a normal life where I went out without him. But all I know is when I first got him the last thing I though about was leaving him so I could go have a drink, instead my friends came for drinks at my house. IMHO when you first get a puppy, if you really want a puppy, you are so over the moon that all you want to do is be with your puppy and don't immediately start wanting to go out partying. I am 56 now and Reggie started my love affair with the breed and since him the longest I have gone without one is a year. 28 and single is still young for a puppy, so don't be ashamed if you are not ready. Good Luck with whatever you decide.

[MarleyMyLove]

Thank you

[chestermama]

I was overwhelmed when I got chester but now I cannot imagine life without him it is a adjustment like everything in life, give yourself some time

[MommytoMiles]

Originally Posted by DBlain

I don't know you, so I am just basing my comments on a lot of self centered girls I know your age (LOL I was one once myself). You might be nothing like any of those girls, however after seeing one of your first threads where you were wondering if you could still work out in the am and have a puppy and now this thread where in just two days you are worrying if you will ever be able to go out for drink or have a life I can't help but wonder if you are really ready for a puppy. Maybe since you were an only child you grew up having everything revolve around you and are not ready to take a back seat to a puppy's needs, maybe you have seen too many young celebrities like Paris Hilton tote their yorkies around like accessories and now that he is is peeing, pooping, chewing, etc you realize you have to deal with these things. If this rings just a little true, don't be ashamed, lots of single girls your age would not want to be tied down by a puppy. I speak from experience, at 28 I was single, traveling with my job, dating a lot of different guys, working out, and going out all the time, I never would have wanted a puppy. However at 30 I was still single, but something clicked and I wanted a puppy, I choose a yorkie because in reviewing the airline information it was one of the breeds that I could be sure I could take on a plane with me. I got Reggie and he became the love of my life in an instance, at first I had no desire to go anywhere that he could not go or be smuggled in to. I took him to art fairs, outdoor restaurants, shopping, the park, singles volleyball games, single canoe trips, I took him around the country on business trips, he even flew to Aspen on a ski trip with me. Obviously after having him a while things settled down and a I resumed a normal life where I went out without him. But all I know is when I first got him the last thing I though about was leaving him so I could go have a drink, instead my friends came for drinks at my house. IMHO when you first get a puppy, if you really want a puppy, you are so over the moon that all you want to do is be with your puppy and don't immediately start wanting to go out partying. I am 56 now and Reggie started my love affair with the breed and since him the longest I have gone without one is a year. 28 and single is still young for a puppy, so don't be ashamed if you are not ready. Good Luck with whatever you decide.

+++++++1

[BabyGirl Rosie]

Originally Posted by DBlain

I don't know you, so I am just basing my comments on a lot of self centered girls I know your age (LOL I was one once myself). You might be nothing like any of those girls, however after seeing one of your first threads where you were wondering if you could still work out in the am and have a puppy and now this thread where in just two days you are worrying if you will ever be able to go out for drink or have a life I can't help but wonder if you are really ready for a puppy. Maybe since you were an only child you grew up having everything revolve around you and are not ready to take a back seat to a puppy's needs, maybe you have seen too many young celebrities like Paris Hilton tote their yorkies around like accessories and now that he is is peeing, pooping, chewing, etc you realize you have to deal with these things. If this rings just a little true, don't be ashamed, lots of single girls your age would not want to be tied down by a puppy. I speak from experience, at 28 I was single, traveling with my job, dating a lot of different guys, working out, and going out all the time, I never would have wanted a puppy. However at 30 I was still single, but something clicked and I wanted a puppy, I choose a yorkie because in reviewing the airline information it was one of the breeds that I could be sure I could take on a plane with me. I got Reggie and he became the love of my life in an instance, at first I had no desire to go anywhere that he could not go or be smuggled in to. I took him to art fairs, outdoor restaurants, shopping, the park, singles volleyball games, single canoe trips, I took him around the country on business trips, he even flew to Aspen on a ski trip with me. Obviously after having him a while things settled down and a I resumed a normal life where I went out without him. But all I know is when I first got him the last thing I though about was leaving him so I could go have a drink, instead my friends came for drinks at my house. IMHO when you first get a puppy, if you really want a puppy, you are so over the moon that all you want to do is be with your puppy and don't immediately start wanting to go out partying. I am 56 now and Reggie started my love affair with the breed and since him the longest I have gone without one is a year. 28 and single is still young for a puppy, so don't be ashamed if you are not ready. Good Luck with whatever you decide.

[celstu1]

HI!
Soooo I was 28, living on my own, freshly single from a 10 year relationship, working full time and eventually I went back to school nights, when I got my 2 puppies at 9 weeks old.
It CAN be a bit overwhelming, but I do think you are OVER thinking the responsibility. My boys were just fine home alone, gated safely into the kitchen area of my house with their bed, toys, pee pads and some water and kibble.
Yes, potty training may become a battle because it's just you and you may be away a bit longer than he can hold it, so just know you need to be patient and that you may never fully get him potty trained. My boys are almost 7 years old now and still have some issues with potty training. Not every day but a few times a week still. Annoying and frustrating, but they are worth it!

You CAN have a life and be single and have a dog. You need to decide what is the MOST IMPORTANT thing to you. Ive had to say no to weekend getaways and stuff sometimes because I had no one to watch the dogs. Oh well... to me, the rare occasions that happens vs the happiness they give me on a day - to - day basis is totally worth it. But to me, they are my companions, my friends, my babies. When I cry, there they are, kissing me, cuddling me, when I laugh, there they are, mostly bc they are the cause of my laughter!

Dogs are work, no doubt. Small dogs I think are easier in some ways bc we can take them a lot more places than bigger dogs with minimal hassle. When you take your dog somewhere, don't think you need to pack like you do for a child. I bring my boys, a crate, their leashes & harnesses are on them and some food and bowls for water (they make a duel canvas food & water bowl that is cheap and easy to grab, collapses and holds both the food & the water. Thats it. Thats all I bring with me. When we are out, they don't eat treats, they don't play with toys, they are more curious about all the new scenery and stuff so I don't weigh myself down with tons of things for them that they do not need or won't use, eat, or look at.

You are going to have many challenges over the next few months with trying to potty train, the chewing phase, grooming, walking on leash, the escape artist he will become, its life with a dog. Now on another note.... did you seriously think it through before getting Marley considering you said you did this about 5 years ago? I think in a way, when you get a pet, you kind of set down roots. You provide a home, a safe place for another living being, which in turn, makes a safe place for you.

Keep your pup and keep your Xpen handy always, it will come in REAL handy when he's teething and chewing everything. (mine ate my kitchen cabinets and chewed holes in the sheet rock of my walls, wish I knew about Xpens back then!). In return you are going to be adored, loved unconditionally and unable to stay upset for long with your furry little goof ball.

Also I have learned that I need to respect others wishes about my dogs when in their territory. I won't bring my boys certain places and other people (like my Dad) won't allow my dogs at their house. I limit my visits to a couple hours and remind him every time that I have to get home to the dogs. I find that I don't enjoy someone's company as much as I used to, when they don't like or welcome my dogs. My Dad told me my dogs were needy, so now I leave them home and only visit him for 2-3 hours at a time max. Oh well, his loss. They truly are my #1 priority.

Good Luck! Stop crying and get up and PLAY or CUDDLE with your little man! He'll be around a long time and you are going to wonder how you ever lived your life without him in it! I just know it!

[Brewfilek]

Originally Posted by Lilymo

I agree I think your mum upset you more with her silly thoughtless comments. If she behaves like this with you it's not surprising you don't have a lot of confidence. Surly she knows puppys haven't read an instruction manual before they arrive. Don't let her put you down. Your little dog will help you enjoy a fuller life than you thought possible.

i was totally thinking this too.

[DBlain]

could also mean her mom knows her better than we do

[Brewfilek]

fair enough. there is a lot of assuming on my part here for sure.

[lynzy420]

Now would be a nice time for OP to post and update us???