Got a pup & he has turned my life around far more than I had ever imagined.
He was a thought out & planned for addition to the family. coincidentally I was pretty much in the pit of despair with my depression. No getting out of bed, no showers, no proper meals, no job, no leaving the house etc etc
Then pup arrived & I suddenly had a reason to get out of bed. Initially just to feed him & have a cuddle. Then toilet training. Then finally I decided he needed exercise so the walking started.
Fast forward to today & looking back all these things have become routine since getting the dog:
I get out of bed at a set time
I shower
i brush hair & teeth
i dress
i walk dog
we stop at cafe & I get a coffee (not a usual activity on my own but I feel more confident with the dog)
I started interacting with people as they would ask about the dog
suddenly I recognise certain dogs when I see them & I greet the owners
i discovered a park where people tend to let their dogs off leash for a run. I have taken my dog a couple of times. While the pups play I am kind of forced to interact it’s other people. I’m uncomfortable but it’s good practise for managing my anxiety
i plan different walk routes so the dog can experience new sights/sounds/smells
having a morning walk & coffee means when I get home I am motivated to do a small amount of cleaning eg do the dishes & pre prepare dinner
i am now cooking dinner as I have done all the prep earlier in the day
It might not seem like much, but it’s a huge turnaround for me. Both my psychiatrist & psychologist were surprised & happy by these changes the dog has brought about.
I can’t help it, I love the dog & want the best for him. Last week I went to obedience class with him & my partner. Sometimes my partner brings the dog to watch my soccer games. On weekends we go out to lunch to local cafes for the simple reason that I like to take the dog along & get him out of the house. In turn I get myself out of the house & interacting socially.
Today I even felt content. I have lacked feeling any emotions for so long, it just feels good to feel something.
This dog will never know it, but he has totally changed my world. My favourite moments are when he climbs up onto my lap in the lounge & we have cuddles. I should point out, this is a giant breed so he is a very BIG boy even at just 6mths old 🤣
i actually look forward to our morning walks every day now.
Thank you doggo for bringing some sunshine to my life
