My 19 year old has saved diligently for the 5 months she has been working in order to buy a puppy to be trained as her assistance dog (she has autism and bipolar disorder). We are going to view a chihuahua puppy on Sunday from a reputable breeder. She is desperate for a chihuahua and has been for years. I am terrified!!
We had a French Bulldog x Pug x Staffordshire Bull Terrier for 8 years-rescued him at 2 1/2 and had him until he died. He was very much my dog and I loved him to the moon. However, I have enjoyed the freedom of not having a dog since he passed-no rushing back to make sure he isn’t lonely, no dragging the little dd (aged 4 at the time) out for walks 3 x a day over the holidays or in the evenings on a school night, no incontinence issues etc.
We are in rented accommodation and I am home full time for the next 3 years as I am studying. The landlord is happy for us to have a dog, and as she is to be trained up as an assistance dog she will be dd’s when she moves out (but due to her diagnosis she will not be moving out any time soon). However, I am a very anxious person and am really struggling with this.
I’m scared of the damage to the carpets during toilet training. I’m scared because we don’t have a garden. I’m scared because dd is 19 so all the actual grunt work will fall to me. I’m scared that we will never find anywhere to live if our current landlord gives us notice to quit because we have a dog. I’m scared that the dog won’t like us. I’m scared that I don’t know how to look after a puppy, and I am scared of what will happen when I do go back to work after my degree. I am absolutely fine with having a dog in the house. I love dogs, but all I feel is fear and trepidation at the moment. Please help!