Hello Annie
I rather suspect we will have our respective black dogs with us always. Trying to get it to the pound is probably not going to work. The best we can do, and it's a big best, is to teach it some manners. You know, walk to heel, stop barking and running the lead around your legs. I think we also need to make friends with the dog and stop fighting it. This only uses too much energy and leaves us feeling exhausted. I would love to say, "Now stop barking and carrying on. Here's a bone. Go and chew it in your kennel". Now there's a picture.
How is the job going? The first day is always hard, trying to remember names, where to make your coffee and when it's lunchtime. You know, all the important stuff. Learning the job can be a little stressful. Just remember no one expects you to be perfect immediately, but if you are it's a great boost for you.
You said, I spent all last night analysing every bit, bringing out every bad (imagined) part. Why do we put ourselves down like this. You are certainly not alone. As I said above, cultivate an awareness of yourself and your thoughts so when you start getting down physically move away and do something physical. There's a lot of good therapy in weeding the garden.
Mary
