Has raising a Puppy made your mental health worse? 🐶🐕

@Drifterbynature

Hi Drifter!😃 It’s completely understandable to feel uncertain about bringing a puppy into your life, especially considering your current situation.

While I haven’t raised dogs, I’ve had budgies and cats as pets before. I found that each animal brought its own unique joy and challenges. Pets can provide companionship and emotional support, but they also require time, attention, and some utter most responsibilities to be taken care of.

It might be helpful to hear from others who have experience with dogs, as they can offer insights into how a puppy might fit into different lifestyles. Each person’s journey is unique, and your well-being should always come first. Thanks for making this post, now I am wondering how it would be to have pets again hehehe😁 Hope you are having awesome pawsome day😊

Perhaps it would be worth considering a rescue dog instead. I personally have one that didn't require as much training to do such as she doesn't have accidents inside the home, she's good with children, and she really loves a good cuddle.

@Drifterbynature

Check your apartment's lease and handbook on their pet policy and pet deposit and some add pet rent on top of your regular rent.

As for the pet itself. A rescue animal is best in my opinion. They come vaccinated, fixed, microchipped and deworm. I've had both dogs and cats. With animals consider your local weather too. In the middle of winter are you able to take a dog outside in the cold?

Both animals have love to give and their own person. I myself get attached to animals more then people. I talk to them like I'm talking to a person. Personally I think pets are good for our mental health.

Hey! I am not a huge dog person, as i don't think I could handle the day to day life of taking care of one. But something else you could look into possibly, is fostering puppies/kittens! I did foster care for cats and kittens before and it was such a great experience!

Through fostering , it could maybe give you some insight on if you feel like raising a puppy / dog full time would be the right fit for you!

Hope this is helpful! Best of luck 🤍

@Drifterbynature Hi there, I have had dogs all my life, puppies, rescues and even a few that were dumped by the roadside.

You have been very open about your situation which helps a lot.to try and give you the best answer. First of all puppies are wonderful but they are expensive. They cost a lot to vaccinate and to neuter, de-flea, de-worm and de-tick etc, as well as special puppy food and bed, toys, lead, collar, blankets, brushes etc and then insurance. Then there is the extra cost or any accident or illness, disease, or operation that may be needed.

Also with a puppy you get sleepless nights, they can cry a lot. Then there is all the clearing up of mess whilst they learn to be house-trained, and also time needed for frequent walks and training sessions. 

Every dog has it's own unique personality, you may not actually like them or get on with them so the choice of actual breed and individual dog is paramount to a successful partnership.

With rescues, there is a reason that they were dis-owned, it may be simple because their owner could no longer afford them or became allergic, and so not the dog's fault. But also it may be something more sinister, so it is important to have good knowledge.

@Drifterbynature

Hi Drifter! This is a great question! Honestly there is no way to say definitively because depending on breed, access or lack thereof to training, and the just the difference from dog to dog its hard to say. I have 3 dogs and all are soooo different. I can however speak to the love and companionship I receive from them is worth the struggles of the puppy stage (for me).

At the end of the day they are ALOT of work for the rest of their life. We are talking possibly more than a decade of extra work for you.

@Drifterbynature

Hi, Drifter,

Honestly, brutally honestly, puppies are SO much work.

I’m semi-retired and also have husband to help me, and it’s a Lot of training, patience, much like having a small child.

However, there are all those wiggles and pure unconditional love at all times of day.

I would say it’s definitely something to consider carefully, as the expense (another poster covered this thoroughly) would be enough for some people to say “not for me."

Also, I wil share that we have had rescues (our last dog, perfectly trained, a dear), and one found on the side of the road who was also an amazing gem, and they were already milder mannered, having already passed the “puppy” stage of all teeth and neediness. 

I wish you much luck in your decision.

Love and Courage,

Patience

Glad all of.you mentioned all.of that. I've never had a puppy but I've seen how much work it takes caring for them.

That's partly why I suggested fostering!

I know near me atleast, you can sign up online to become a foster for animals.

They provide the cages, the beds (if needed) , all the food and everything they need for you to care for them for a short time!

So @Drifterbynature , you could definitely look into this option! You get the time to.cuddle and care for an animal.

While also helping give it a cozy space before its ready to be adopted by somebody 🤍

Hi, I just wanted to thank you all for your responses and taking the time to do so. Definitely some food for thought 😊. Cheers, Drift

@KindleMissie , @tothestarsthatlistened , @compassionateMoon4024 , @EasyBreezyPeace , @MistyMagic , @VioletteB82 , @PatienceImpatiens

@Drifterbynature I have ADHD, OCD and RSD. I understand your feelings. Having 3 dogs, I love em!!!! I have 120lb two year old, a mid sized 16 year old doggo and a lil beagle at 8 years…they have helped greatly with everything and everyone in the household. 🤙🏽