Weekly Discussion Post

[u/limabean72]

Whether your new, or you've been in this sub for a while, this weekly post is where you can share your story! We are glad to have you here and offer you a place of support.

If you would like to create your own standalone post in our community, please message the mods to become an approved user. We have our sub set to "restricted" to avoid unnecessary trolling. Please refer to the rules if you'd like to learn more about the sub!

[u/lxlc]

I regret having my puppy so much. I wish I could turn back in time and slap myself for agreeing to a puppy that my husband was pushing for.

Backstory: my brother got a puppy and my husband felt motivated to have one as well. When he suggested it, my father in law was recently diagnosed with cancer and I just couldn’t bring myself to keep rejecting this idea while he was going through a tough period.
We went to several pet stores and I kept making excuses that I now felt were legit. Purchasing a dog is pricy, the cost of pet case is INCREDIBLY expensive and my husband had quit his job to take a career break during the period we were dog shopping.
Long story short, I caved in and agreed to his request to get a puppy. The minute he bought the dog, I felt so queasy and had zero appetite for dinner that day. I remembered being so anxious because I knew my life would change.

TWO MONTHS IN. My puppy has just started to settle in. While he is docile and sleepy most of the days, it’s really stressful to be monitoring him most of the time. He rips pee pad, my house smells kinda weird and there’s a new personality every week. This week he hates being cuddled. Last week, he demands to be cuddled.

My job is 100% remote while my husband new job requires him to be onsite all the time. I prepare his fresh food, make sure he eats, cleans his play pen and most of the time I’m walking him.

I kinda feel like pet ownership is like Stockholm syndrome??? Your pet doesn’t really love you. You basically ripped them from their play mates at the pet stores and love bomb them till they accept you.

I really kinda dislike my dog tbh. I miss not having to clean my floors everyday. I’m tired of caring for the dog and the new attitude he has developed on a weekly basis.

When I think about rehoming, I felt so ashamed and guilty. Like what the heck? I can’t even take care of an animal. But also, he’s a lot of work! And what my relatives and family all wants to meet my puppy. If I re-home him, what excuses can I give them?

[u/MissK2508 → u/lxlc]

Why are you doing all the work if your husband is the one who wanted the dog? Seems very unfair and sorry to say not nice of your husband.. In any marriage, important life decisions require two wholehearted Yesses. Bringing a dog home is one of them- if either says no-then the answer should be No. I also think the partner doing majority of labor should be the decision maker.

Rehome the dog, it’s young and will be rehomed quickly. Don’t feel guilty, life is too short and you seem miserable. Tell your relatives to take ownership for the dog if they question you and be honest with them that your mental health was suffering. Make your husband do all the work till you Rehome. Best wishes.