I am a mess and this is all part of the wider context of the rising cost of living.
For context, I work FT I'm professional services in HE, I deferred my nursing degree in January, partly due to what I witnessed in nursing but primarily due to childcare. I have two sons, 11&7, the youngest of which has some additional needs and behaviour challenges. I'm on my own with them, and our beautiful dog.
I spend a large amount of time stressed, I can feel my heart racing, I feel out of breath, my face is flushed/red, my back amd neck is painful. I earn less now than I did as a student with bursaries, with the addition of paying council tax and and I had all summer off as a student. I have a masters degree in my current field (which I was in before nursing and have gone back to) but can only really secure junior posts.
I already live frugally, never go out socialising other than walking dogs with friends.
My mum came round a couple of days ago...the dog was barking (I've tried training), the boys were bickering and I was overwhelmed. The dog is beautiful, she is affectionate, playful, never been aggressive. But she barks alot, if I laugh, if the kids play, she wants something. She is well cared for, goes with a dog walker for a couple of hours when I'm in the office, and is obviously taken out morning and evening. I stop work to take her out then have to work until late to make up for it. She needs at around 2 hours off lead walking a day.
Anyway, my mum said I should consider rehousing her. She said dog walker may increase costs, and she hates to see me struggling so much, and I haven't stopped thinking about it since. I really don't think I will do this, I would feel incredibly guilty and worry about her. I think the dog may be being used as a scapegoat here.
That said, i guess i feel better if i hear others experiences. Has anyone ever rehomed a dog? She is 3. I wouldn't want to sell her, I wouldn't want money.