Am I just overthinking?
I'm supposed to be going to meet and likely getting a dog this weekend. The reality of this decision is kicking in and my anxiety is through the roof. But maybe I'm just overthinking it all.
I keep thinking maybe it's a mistake, maybe I shouldn't be doing this. I decided to get a dog based on the fact that I have no routine outside of work. I also have poor health mentally and physically. So a dog would force me to get up and active whether I want to or not. It's all for the betterment of my health and setting boundaries for myself.
But I'm scared. It's been years since I've had a dog. And I'm getting a German shepherd which is my dream dog. Is this anxiety normal or should I not go through with this?
@CandiedChaos
You speak of the reasons to get a dog for you...what is in it for the dog
Maybe your anxiety is that you have not fully considered what a dog really takes and sure you have responsibility and motivation to get up and take care of...... but you also need to be home to let them out feed and walk etc....no spur of moment things like weekend away without the Dog or having someone else take care of.
For all the enjoyment my partner has with a dog we got even having had the discussion of no more pets.......... it has us leashed to our house. .........sure we travel but pet friendly places are not always great accommodations. have to check every place if dogs are allowed makes it a chore for me not a getaway or relaxing.
A dog is an individual......... and should not be judged just by breed........It is not a guarantee of a temperament or behavior. friend recently got a dog was trained etc but dogs too have anxiety sometimes when they feel it in you.... maybe you need to take a moment and really thing of ALL things involved.... meeting the dog while advisable does not mean you cannot say" i do not think it is right time."
It was just a panic attack. I've already considered what the dog needs. I live with my mom so while I'm not home for the few hours I'm at work, she'll take her out. Then I get home to go out, run, play, and exercise her. This is the first dog I've had in years and the reality of it just set in hard. I'm fine now. I'm excited to get this girl. Shes going to be my best companion as I'm going to work hard for her.
Had another panic attack after I got the dog. Turns out while I was ready in theory, reality kicked me in the *** and showed me how not ready I am. I'm in a constant state of anxiety now. So I'm sending the pup back. Sometimes you don't realize that you're not ready for something until you have that something in your hands and it's real. In theory you can be perfectly ready for it but the reality can crush that theory and show you the truth. And I'm not ashamed to admit it. I'll take this as a hard lesson learned and accept the mistake. I can be responsible for that at least.
One thing I’ve learned is that the scariest decisions turn out to be the best decisions: getting a dog will only make your life better. You can learn how to forgive and love though a dog’s behavior. Sometimes it’s best to ask a simple question when it comes to big decisions: do I want to or don’t I want to. You sound like you do! Good Luck!
