How can I stop worrying

[Dozycuntlaters]

about my dog getting old and passing away. She's only 2 and I absolutely adore her, she is my world but I'm also in a way wishing I had never got her because I know I am going to be beyond devastated when she dies. It sounds awful and I hate myself for saying this but it will hit me harder than the death of my parents.

Does anyone else feel like this? I mean I don't feel like it all the time, most of the time I'm pretty chilled but then these thoughts creep in and it makes me feel so sad. I wish I was older so we could go at the same time, does that sound bonkers? I wish I could just enjoy her and never worry about such things, just wondering if I am not the only one that feels like this. She's a hardy breed so theoretically will go on for years yet so I know I'm being absolutely ridiculous.

That does sounds a little ott tbh, do you suffer with anxiety generally?

Catastrophising and obsessing about the death of a dog which could well not be for another decade doesn't sound normal to me and I say that as someone who loves her dog as much as her daughter!!

This does sound like a very extreme reaction.

Dont waste today worrying about tomorrow! Dogs dont.

I would get some help with your general anxiety and enjoy your dog. Its not fair on them to be living with this degree of stress.

I have lost pets I adored, so I get it. But it’s no way to think or you’ll be miserable when you should be enjoying your wonderful dog! Try to put it out of your mind and live in the moment with her

I understand how you feel, I knew I would love my dog when I got one but I never expected how much I would love her and the thought of losing her in unbearable, sadly I am facing that in the coming months as she is 14 and not well, I know I will be beyond devastated and heartbroken. I’ve thought sometimes if I never had her I wouldn’t be facing so much pain, but honestly getting her was the best decision of my life and the love and joy she has brought to me over the past 14 years is something I would not have wanted to miss out on, unfortunately with love there is also loss, it’s the price we all have to pay. Try not to think of the future just enjoy every day with your young healthy dog I’m sure you have many years together ahead.

Losing a dog who's been by your side for the whole of their life is devastating, no point in sugar coating it. However it normally comes at a time when the dog is ready to go, due to pain or because their quality of life is no longer what you'd want for them, so it is the most caring last gift we can give them.

You have a choice. Spend the next decade or so with your life on hold in dread of that day, or spend it building amazing memories of unsullied love, adventures and every small moment of being with your beloved dog.

I can relate. I have been really surprised by how much I worry about our dog whenever she is unwell. As if she were one of my children. I love her so much. I find myself having a similar thoughts.. I couldnt be without her now but I do think to myself 'wow, I brought this other life into my life and made it a whole lot more complicated' but it is also a whole lot more joyful.