Returning a dog to rescue

[areyouhavingagiraffe]

I am fully aware that I may get some abuse posting this. But please realise this is hard. I bought home a greyhound on Saturday. I have grown up around dogs, but never owned one. For as long as I can remember, it has been my dream to buy a house with a large garden, and get a dog.
My hound has been as good as gold, he is a bit of a jumper and puller on the lead, but it calms down after a while. But I am finding this so so difficult. I live alone and thought that having a dog would be incredible for me. But it is making me feel isolated and lonely, and I feel so overwhelmed and I feel like I have lost some of my independence. I was warned that I may feel like this, but I didn't expect to feel like this in a few days. He is following me around, but he was good last night and slept downstairs alone (I slept with him the first night), but he has a little cry when I go upstairs in the daytime. I know this is expected from him and I have turned his life upside down, but he is a star, but I am not cut out for dog ownership, not on my own. I haven't eaten in two days, because I feel like a failure, and I am so worried about what the rescue will think of me. I don't know why I am writing this, maybe for some words of wisdom. My parents popped over today, and I discussed it with them, and I have made the decision to take him back in a few days. He needs someone else, maybe a family. I am feeling so hurt and broken. How can something that I have dreamt of for so long make me feel like this.

I don't know what kinds of dog and dog people you've been exposed to in the past OP, but loads of dogs are pretty chill and don't need to be stuck to you like velcro for their whole lives.

My (beloved, recently deceased) dog was perfectly content on her own. Could be left for hours with so signs of distress. Took herself off to her bed or a sunny spot in the garden and slept all day when I was busy WFH.

MN dog world is often a far cry from the reality of millions of families around the world whose dog(s) happily just fit in with the home life they were given and are content without constant attention and a neighbour having to 'pop in' 4 times a day.

i haven’t read all the posts but it’s worth mentioning that the greyhound owners’ community is generally very supportive and depending on where you live you are likely to find social walks etc. which might help with the feelings of isolation. Greyhound owners are often keen to help out with dog minding for holidays etc.too

I was literally about to post the exact same thing. It's worth adding that many smaller, independent rescues are happy to provide holiday care for their former dogs.

I found it helpful in the early days of my current dog to do 'doggy' things we both enjoyed. I loved our local dog adventure playground. Watching my mad pup whiz around exploring all the equipment always brightened my day. Greyhounds are a little harder as they are more likely to find a cozy spot to sleep at the adventure park than they are to try out the equipment but they'd enjoy social walks, nice strolls on the beach, sitting outside a dog friendly cafe and watching the world go by while you sip a coffee and fly ball. Greyhounds love flyball if you can find a club near you.

This

Fwiw having a dog was the one thing that made me feel much less isolated.

Ddog I took everywhere with me. We would drive out to go for a walk sometimes, meet other dog walkers, have a chat and cold drink in summer or a mug of tea in winter sat outside a pub or local cafe.

It really did open my life up.

He sounds a lovely dog.

I know you say you know you won’t ever feel differently but you are only experiencing what is a normal reaction to the change that having a dog brings.
Could you give it a couple of weeks more. Really get to know him. Look him in the eyes and talk to him and look at what is actually causing your anxiety.
You have only taken him out for 1x30 minute walk and now are feeling guilty sat at your computer.
Knowing a few friends who have grey hounds, don’t feel guilty as he probably thinks you are the best person ever because you don’t force him to go for walks
They are the laziest dogs ever.

For your own peace of mind could you schedule set walk times, food times, times you go and just sit with him when you are taking a break from work, lunch time (taking him some tasty nibbles)
Set up some training lessons.

Actually take responsibility for him and do all the things you do as a dog owner and just give yourself time to relax into your new role.

Greyhound owners are often keen to help out with dog minding for holidays etc.too

Friend used to be part of a group of 5 dogs who were from the same litter.
Who had a similar arrangement. Except for one week friend was the only one not on holiday
5 fully grown fluffy Dulux dogs in a small hatch back diving up the high street (a couple found the sun roof. Had people pointing
An explosion in a cotton wall factory is what my friend described how the car interior looked with them all in there.

So many posters have told you they felt exactly the same but given time they came round to the idea and things improved greatly. You’re not listening at all. Why are you so against trying? Instead of noticing all the posts telling you you’re selfish, why not actually look at the good advice given?

Why add to your stress? Life is hard enough without adding needless chores to it. Dog ownership is a con. You don't have to buy into it.

So many people have told you that your feelings are NORMAL but they pass. You will settle down and if you give him back you are making a massive mistake. That dog will be the best thing In your life. Give it time The feelings will pass

You thought having a dog would be incredible for you (your words)? Did you stop to wonder what you could give to a dog? After only a couple of days, you're ready to send the poor thing back to a shelter. Bloody hell, you haven't even given him a chance to settle in. Please take him back, but please do NOT have another dog. You're certainly not cut out for it. Not eating for 2 days isn't normal.