It's all too much, Dog & money problems

[Artybel]

I'm thinking I might have to give up my rescued greyhound after he just had a bad run in with my housemate, he growled and barked at him.

After breaking up with my ex earlier this year I was desperate to find somewhere ASAP that would allow for pets. I found this one thankfully but right from the beginning my rescued greyhound had trouble settling in. He would bark at the smallest sound and run up and jump on the housemates he liked. He broke one my housemates pots the other week which upset the housemate. I've been trying to control my dog but it has been really hard. I'm thinking of giving him up for adoption as it's just too stressful but I really don't want to. I can't afford professional training and I have no energy to learn via YouTube. My dog has been good company for me and having to walk him everyday has helped me to keep exercising, all of which has helped with my depression. It is one of the hardest things to consider, giving up my dog. I have asked my ex if he can take him but he can't until Sunday and that would only be temporary. Top this all off with being in lockdown and only having $40 left after buying groceries and putting money aside for rent. I'm an illustrator and just haven't been up to doing much work (I only get paid when I finish the work). When I heard the government was going to give Melbournians financial support I was relieved, only to here him say that those already getting jobseeker won't get any extra assistance. I take medication and I see a counselor but this is all too much to deal with. I'm really struggling. So now I'm back in bed at 5pm watching YouTube.

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Artybel,

Welcome to the forums and thanks for joining us. I was a bit hesitant about replying because I don't feel like I have great advice but your post has gone unanswered so I'm popping into say hello anyway.

As someone with money problems too, I can't bear it. I also have a dog, but I don't have housemates so I guess I'm lucky in that way. I can imagine how hard this must be because the idea of giving up my dog would be agony and I imagine it's the same for you- especially hearing how much he's helped you with your depression.

You did mention your ex- is there others that might be able to take him for a little- friends/family? I would look for low-cost dog trainers but ultimately if you don't have the energy for YouTube I'm not sure if it would make a difference; as either way both will cost you energy. Unfortunately that is a big key in dog training, and it was the same with mine too - a lot of energy, time and persistence.

I'm sorry I don't have more answers for you; Kong toys might be useful in the short term, but I wish I could help more.

rt

[jtjt_4862]

Hi Artybel,

Welcome to the forums, glad that you were able to post here.

I'm really sorry to hear that you're struggling at the moment, it sounds really tough to only be paid when you finish the work. I'm also guessing, you may have encountered times where your clients refused to pay you even after your work has been completed as well? Either way, both is really hurtful to an illustrator's survivability, and I really feel for you Artybel... May I suggest, perhaps it may be worth speaking to your client about your current financial troubles, and check with them to see if they are alright with sending you half the payment first in advance. After the work is completed, they can then send you another half? Also, curious to know, what kind of illustrations do you do?

Dogs can have tremendous benefits to a person's physical and mental wellbeing. Their unconditional love towards their owners also has amazing healing effects. Although they do come at a price (money wise and responsibilities), but they make really great companions in the long run. The thing about rescue dogs are that, they themselves have gone through some hardships and abandonment in their lives, so it might be slightly challenging to keep them at bay. And given your current situation, it certainly sounds like it's going to be challenging for you as well. You may need to struggle through this a little, as what romantic_thi3f said, either option is going to require energy. But your invested energy on your dog will definitely yield rewards.

Happy to listen to you if there's anything else you'd like to share. Please keep us posted on how you go.

Jt