First few days/weeks with a new dog

[Allelbowsandtoes]

Hi all
My partner and I had been planning to get a dog for some time and on Monday bought home a 3 year old whippet whose owners couldn't keep her. While she's obviously been a little unsettled and anxious she's improving every day.
I really like her already but there's a part of me that's thinking omgggg what have we done? I've never had a dog as an adult so it's all super new. I'm terrified we've done the wrong thing, or she won't be happy, and it's such a big commitment! For the last 3 days all my partner and I have talked about is the dog - what she needs, training approaches, vet registration, insurance, etc. I'm scared she's going to take over our life 😅

Before anyone piles on, we had considered this very carefully and can offer her a good home. It all just seems a bit more overwhelming than I thought it might.

Someone please tell me this is normal?

It's very normal, don't worry! But they soon become part of the furniture (as it were) and you won't be able to imagine life without them.

Can we see a photo?

It's completely normal. She sounds lovely and I'm sure as you get to know each other, things will settle down. I'd be more worried if she didn't take over your life at least for a little while. Enjoy

For the last 3 days all my partner and I have talked about is the dog - what she needs, training approaches, vet registration, insurance, etc. I'm scared she's going to take over our life

That's literally ALL I talk about (and my youngest dog is 15 months...). This will not change 😃

Yup! My dog died two years ago and we have just brought home another puppy.

We reserved her/went to meet her 5 weeks ago and it’s all we talked about since. She came home on Monday and I don’t think any of us have had a conversation that didn’t revolve around her yet.

Same here. All about the dog. Then it's when did he poo, how much, where? We dog owners know how to live! And yes, they take over your life and keep you sane.

Same here, it’s very daunting when it finally sinks in. The responsibility, wondering if the dog likes you, if you are doing enough. My dog is 5 years old and he’s mainly all we talk about. My 2 adult sons miss him terribly when they are at work. We desperately need a photo of your dog.

DH and me adopted a 18 month old rescue and have had her now for 3 years. It took us over a year to find her and so much thought went into it. I thought we were fully prepared but for the first month I would happily have returned her if DH wasn't so besotted. Second month was little better although I was often in tears. I found it completely overwhelming - the responsibility for the next 10+ years (have adult kids so used to responsibility!). I'd say it took me a good 3 months to feel ok about her. She was lovely and really no trouble, it really was me. Now I absolutely love her and can't imagine life without her but those first three months were hard.

I don't think that you could have discussed it more than my DH and I before we got our dog. I've had dogs all my life and it was still a big change. It sounds like you go have a lovely dog but it will take a little time to settle in. What you are experiencing is perfectly normal. You'll soon wonder how you managed without her.

Thanks so much everyone, super reassured by these responses especially that from @Reasonistreason . Funny enough I was the one 100% sure about getting her and DP was keen but anxious....he's finding it easier than I am and she's better bonded with him ffs 🤣
Have added a photo of her, she loves duvets and blankets