Gave puppy back

[eatsideofthebay]

We got a Frenchie puppy over a month ago. The kids absolutely adored him and so did DH. I liked him and he was super sweet. He was a pretty easy going puppy. He never cried, loved his crate and slept from 9.30pm to 6am, which for a 14 week old puppy is amazing.

But he triggered terrible anxiety and panic attacks for me. I upped my anti depressant from 5mg to 30mg and had to take meds for panic attacks. I started to spiral in a depression where I wished I wasn't here.

So we prioritized my health and returned him yesterday. It's been a hard day today. I'm having to pack up and return his stuff we couldn't give back to the breeder. He's with his mum and brother. But it's really shit. I feel like such a terrible mum

I think you’ve done the right thing you’ve prioritised your health which means you are a good mum.

I can sympathise with the anxiety feelings. I’m also feeling somewhat like this with our new puppy, but for me it is easing.

Your children will be sad, but they will get over it, and it’s far more important to have a healthy mum.
Be kind to yourself (and don’t get another puppy!). X

This was brave of you to do and well done. I have had a horrendous time since we got a puppy and mental health very low. I haven’t felt able to return as my family wouldn’t support the decision.

It’s very hard for a mum with all the other responsibilities to take on the role of dog owner/trainer too. I don’t know how so many do it

I know someone who did exactly this. Same breed too.
If it was making you ill then you did the right thing.

We did this 4 years ago, the puppy triggered the worst anxiety I've ever had in my life. We returned him after 3 days as I couldn't get out of the fight or flight mode he'd put me into. We did so much research into getting a pup and are experienced dog owners but never had a puppy before. It was an awful experience. Thankfully the DC understood and whilst they were upset it's certainly done no lasting damage. Pup went back to the lovely breeder.

We've actually now got a rescue dog who is wonderful. It wasn't dog ownership that triggered it, it was the puppy ownership.

You've don't the right thing. You can have your life back now. Well done for being brave enough, it's a heart wrenching decision.

I think that was brave and sensible - no judgement here.

I hope you start to feel better soon. The kids will soon forget.

Op I was in the same situation as you 17 weeks ago with my golden retriever. Everything you said I went through . It was as if I had pnd again . I never in a million years thought I would ever get to where I am now . I am still anxious but no where near as bad as I was x