Please could I ask for some advice/guidance/reassurance?
We brought our golden retriever puppy home last week after planning extensively, finding good breeder, waiting for the pups, getting all the equipment, reading the recommended books. I guess I'm trying to make it clear that we didn't go into this lightly!
He's very cute, typical puppy behaviour (biting, occasional accidents although clean at night straight away).
The problem is that my thoroughly treated and managed depression has reared it's head for the first time in years since he arrived. I have been medication free for a long time but am eyeing my anxiety/depression tablets in the hope of getting through the next few months.
I suffered terribly with PND, was hospitalised for months. I was worried that the responsibility of having a puppy would be so similar to a baby that I even discussed it with a therapist, the breeder and my GP in passing. All reassured me that pet ownership has only positive affects on depression. I really wonder whether PND should be looked at differently - I feel zero bond to him, would gladly give him back if it weren't for the judgement I'll get from friend/family.
This is our first dog but I grew up taking care of a menagerie of animals and we've dog-sat for friends. I guess it's different when it's your own and never-ending.
DH says we have 3 options - I start taking my meds again, we give him back to breeder or we just struggle through as we are.
I really don't know what to do. Sorry for the length of this post but can anyone offer words of wisdom?
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The doghouse
Dogs and depression - struggling with new puppy
33 replies
TheWildRumpyPumpus · 28/07/2016 07:49
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