Post Puppy Depression:(

[MarleyMyLove]

I just got Marley 2 days ago....he is the perfect puppy. He has had a few accidents, but that’s to be expected. Other than that, he is cool. He cries no more than 2 mins in his pen before he falls asleep or starts playing with a toy, he is calm when needed, plays, and is just a fun loving affectionate little guy. He is just so perfect. But…I feel like giving him back to the breeder

This happened to me before in 2007, I got a yorkie, feltcompletely restricted and overwhelmed, and ended up giving him back the nextday. I regretted it, and always missed that puppy. Even when I found out that he was placed with a sweet older woman, I still felt sad. Now back to Marley....to explain, I feel like my life is no longer my life, I feel like I can’t go out to have a drink anymore (even though I hardly did before marley), I have these thoughts of every moment, every day now, I must consider this little guy.Where he is going to go, how he is going to eat, etc. If a friend says lets go to the beach this weekend. I cant just be spontaneous anymore. I will have to pack him all up to go or make arrangements for him. I don’t know if growing up an only child plays a part, I’ve been on my own for a while now, was alone alot as a kid as well. Him coming into my life felt liberating in the beginning. If felt like finally I was stepping outside of thebox, and doing something I really wanted without worrying about how my life may change. I took a leap of faith. If you see my previous posts, you can see how excited I was. Now…all I can do is cry.

I have thoughts of calling the breeder with some story about how the landlord changed his mind and I can nolonger have pets, something…anything to get my life back. Anyhting to wake up in my apt alone again and feel like my freedom is back. I don't want to lose all that money I paid to get him, but if they told me they would take him back but I wouldnt get any of my money back, the sad part is....I still would consider it Thats how sad and restricted I feel I cried lastnight, I am crying now....

As you may know by my reaction to this, I don’t have kids, I'm 28,I have my own apt, car, good job in a small office (which I planned on taking him tuesday to meet everyone, hoping he can stay some days). This shouldnt be that serious at this point but maybe if I did have kids this would be an easier adjustment?? I spoke to a friend who lives an hour away about her yorkie, she already has 5 kids, she said getting her yorkie was nothing major because he was just like another kid added to the mix. I dont know anything about that.

What is wrong with me? Marley is so perfect in every way. He goes on his pee pads, hardly cries, sleeps all day. If I give him back, I may never get another like him. And what about Marley, its not fair to him to have him meet me, get used to my house, his pen, then give him back. I hate myself for this, I really do.....my inability to deal with change.

To add to injury, my mom....who was there thru the first time I gave my yorkieback 5 years ago....well Marley and I were over her house tonight, she was so in love with him and everything was great. Only…he wouldnt go #2, so she kept taking him to the peepad so he would go, and he wouldn’t, I took him…he wouldn’t….we tried and tried, and he just wouldn’t so I figured maybe he just didn’t have to….as soonas she gave up and walked away, he pooped about 3 ft away from the pee pad onher kitchen tile (not wood, just easy to clean tile). I didn’t think she would be upset, as we both hadbeen trying to work with him, she saw my efforts and how hard I tried. Yet instill she stormed out of the kitchen and said “THAT’S IT!!! IT’S TIME FOR YOUTWO TO GO! HE IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY, I SHOULDN’T HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS!!!!” I was shocked and sad. The thought of it now is making me cry. It turned a ood evening with Marley into pure sadness. I thought surely that she would say something like “Oh Marley.Well we tried.” You know, something understanding like that. It just made me feel even more worse, even more restricted. I cried the whole way home.

I love Marley but I feel even more like my life is not the same. Sure its nice when people come up to us and greet marley, people smile just to see him, and thats nice. At his vet visit, the nurses and vet techs couldnt stop gushing over him, it was cute...but when we come home and its just me and him, I fear my freedom, my carefree life has been turned upside down….I feel so sad. Please help. And please leave all bashing, critisizing, and simply mean comments to yourself. It took alot for me to share this with you. I want people to know they are not alone. And hopefully get some advice.

[kamax60]

Please tell me this is a joke.

The puppy is only 9 WEEKS old, and you're expecting him to poop on command? Who's saying you can't go out for drinks? He'll be fine for a few hours by himself. A weekend away? Yes, you'll have to make arrangements - but only after he's had all of his shots at about 16 weeks.

[gemy]

Oh boy, I hardly know what to say about what you are feeling. It is true your life will never be the same again; but surely that is one of the reasons you brought a puppy into your life.
Pause for a moment and think about all those wonderful reasons why you have Marley.

I can say it gets easier to plan and incorporate a doggy into your life. There are options like doggy day care, personal pet sitting, finding all the neat places you and your pup can go. After all it is summertime, and once your pup finishes his shots, there are outside patios to enjoy a cuppa, hiking trails, swimming ponds etc.

You now have a "child" that is counting on you!. Take a deep breath, hug your pup. Go on out and buy a toy for you and your pup to play with today. If you have a purse carrier you can place him in it, and take a nice walk today.

You are truly in control of what you tell yourself. So dwell, if you must dwell, on all the positive aspects of doggy ownership.
Make plans with a doggy friend today, drop by for a visit.

It took courage to post what you posted; so.... TAKE that COURAGE and tell yourself, I can do this, I want to do this! These other thoughts are just self defeating mosquitoes I insist on worrying myself with.

[MarleyMyLove]

Originally Posted by kamax60

Please tell me this is a joke.

The puppy is only 9 WEEKS old, and you're expecting him to poop on command? .

Who said anything about me expecting him to poop on command. If you READ my post, it says I expect him to have accidents. That doesnt even have anything to do with my reason for posting this!

I can't stand some of you on here. Forget it. So closed minded.

[Deadbug]

Potty training is tough. Don't be so hard on yourself. It takes time, patience and practice. It's just all part of it and it'll fly by before you know it.

Your life has changed, but not necessary for the worse. I think you're looking at this as though you have a child. It's not the same thing. You have a buddy now. Someone who will love you unconditionally. Don't look at Marley like he's this big, huge responsibility. Look at him as your friend. Someone to keep you company on cold nights, someone to cuddle with. Someone who will wipe your tears away when you cry. When you have to go somewhere, take him with you as often as you can. If you want to go out with friends and catch a movie, Marley will be ok in his pen for a few hours. He'll be glad to see you home when you walk in the door. If you want to go on vacation, have someone you trust that will babysit him. Or board him with your vet. It's really not as hard as you think.

You'll adjust. You just need to give yourself time and credit. This is all new to you but we're always here to help when you need it.

[chachi]

Its not unusual to feel overwhelmed when you have a new pup i think you should give it some time

[MarleyMyLove]

Thank you Gemy....for your encouragement. I love him so much, I've wanted him forever. I am going to get dressed and enjoy this day...with Marley. I'm sure things will get better.

[MarleyMyLove]

Thanks....this is all so new, it feels so different, but it's time I get out of my norm alittle. I will consider the help I do have. And you're right deadbug, I like looking at him as a new buddy, a friend...not a child. When I think of Marley as my child I break down, I feel I can never leave him alone EVER, I feel bound to him and chained to him. I cant feel like that, it wont work that way.

[Deadbug]

It's easy to get through this. Trust me. I'm an only child and probably one of the most selfish people I know, but I'd fight till the death for my dogs and kids. I'm frustrated with our new puppy, Issy right now but instead of reacting, I'm going to try to find a solution (the little brat pee'd on my bed and untrained Gabby - more on that later)

You need to retrain yourself.

Bathtime? It's not a chore. Ever have one of those barbie dress up heads? You know, the ones you can blowdry, style, cut and brush the hair? Yep... you have a live one now.

Mealtimes? No problem. Now you have someone to have dinner with EVERY night.

Bedtime? (wait until after potty trained!), you have someone to cuddle with.

Errands to run? Cool beans. You have someone to talk to while you're driving. Trust me, he'll understand when you explode at the guy who cuts you off.

Companionship? yep yep! I love having someone to talk to that doesn't point out my flaws an argue with me. With my girls, I'm always right, no matter how ridiculous it sounds to humans. LOVE that!

[MarleyMyLove]

Deadbug, you are awesome! I was about to sear for the "delete thread" button, but you know what, whether there is such a button or not, I am keeping this post up because I know I am not the only person who ever felt like their life would never be the same after the honeymoon phase of a new puppy. I feel better already, thank you truly. I am about to take a shower, get Marley up (yes, he has been sleeping since I fed him this morning, he is a lazy little crumb snacha and I love it ) and we are going out to enjoy this holiday weekend.

[MarleyMyLove]

And to the person who feels the same way I do/did but you may have been too afraid to post a thread on it...I hope this helps you.

[GeorgiesMomma]

Originally Posted by Deadbug

It's easy to get through this. Trust me. I'm an only child and probably one of the most selfish people I know, but I'd fight till the death for my dogs and kids. I'm frustrated with our new puppy, Issy right now but instead of reacting, I'm going to try to find a solution (the little brat pee'd on my bed and untrained Gabby - more on that later)

You need to retrain yourself.

Bathtime? It's not a chore. Ever have one of those barbie dress up heads? You know, the ones you can blowdry, style, cut and brush the hair? Yep... you have a live one now.

Mealtimes? No problem. Now you have someone to have dinner with EVERY night.

Bedtime? (wait until after potty trained!), you have someone to cuddle with.

Errands to run? Cool beans. You have someone to talk to while you're driving. Trust me, he'll understand when you explode at the guy who cuts you off.

Companionship? yep yep! I love having someone to talk to that doesn't point out my flaws an argue with me. With my girls, I'm always right, no matter how ridiculous it sounds to humans. LOVE that!

You are awesome Deadbug in name and advice. Marleymylove take Deadbugs advice. It can be very overwhelming at first but soon you will wonder what you did before Marley. I look at Georgie and wonder it all the time

[Joyce Adams]

Very well said everyone, it will get better each day and just remember he is your buddy and not your baby..Enjoy..

[GeorgiesMomma]

Originally Posted by gemy

Oh boy, I hardly know what to say about what you are feeling. It is true your life will never be the same again; but surely that is one of the reasons you brought a puppy into your life.
Pause for a moment and think about all those wonderful reasons why you have Marley.

I can say it gets easier to plan and incorporate a doggy into your life. There are options like doggy day care, personal pet sitting, finding all the neat places you and your pup can go. After all it is summertime, and once your pup finishes his shots, there are outside patios to enjoy a cuppa, hiking trails, swimming ponds etc.

You now have a "child" that is counting on you!. Take a deep breath, hug your pup. Go on out and buy a toy for you and your pup to play with today. If you have a purse carrier you can place him in it, and take a nice walk today.

You are truly in control of what you tell yourself. So dwell, if you must dwell, on all the positive aspects of doggy ownership.
Make plans with a doggy friend today, drop by for a visit.

It took courage to post what you posted; so.... TAKE that COURAGE and tell yourself, I can do this, I want to do this! These other thoughts are just self defeating mosquitoes I insist on worrying myself with.

As always great advice too

[TxVicki]

Originally Posted by MarleyMyLove

I can't stand some of you on here. Forget it. So closed minded.

Just WOW. What happened to "Go Team Marley"???