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Default May 21, 2019 at 12:13 AM
  #1
There's loads of stuff out there about how pets can relieve depression and how getting one has improved so many lives.

But after going out of town for work, and watching my dog happily greet a stranger a few times a day. Seeing him this way provided relief, but also I began to think about if I was giving him his best life. When I first got him I worked a 6hr overnight shift. Although the area I lived in kept me from wanting to go on long walks I did venture out with him quite a bit.
In the past year, my isolation has hit an all-time low, and I've been trying to get on full-time hours for my job.
I've basically spent the past year working and when I'm not working I just want to be left alone to sleep. I remember to feed, bathe, and take him out even when I wasn't willing to do the same for myself.
I only just moved out on my own again, but what if it changes nothing? I feel like for the past year he was only surviving me and deserves an owner that would spoil him with their time. It feels selfish, I feel even worse when I think of him when I spend an entire off day in bed.
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bunnyhabit
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Default May 21, 2019 at 12:42 AM
  #2
you overreact it is just a beast that can care self. you are master it is slave for your enjoying life. you miss servitude already as proof of my point
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Default May 21, 2019 at 03:12 AM
  #3
I'd hate to see you give up your dog unless you really felt it necessary. As you said you're doing the basics for him even when you don't do the basics for yourself. Do you feel a bond with your dog? Does his company make you feel better? You didn't say what breed he is - big or small. And you said you recently moved out - maybe you'll feel better in your new living situation. Maybe when you don't have much energy you could just spend time sitting on the couch with him and petting him. I have 2 cats so I don't need to take them out for walks but much of our time together is with them sitting on my couch with me and I let them sleep in bed with me which I find comforting. Dogs are usually so eager to please their guardians - just do the best you can and if you're bonded with him I hope you're able to keep him.

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Default May 21, 2019 at 03:45 AM
  #4
My cat loves just sleeping with me. I guess it might depend on how much energy your dog has and whether he likes long walks or not. But it sounds like the dog is beneficial to you, so I hope you can keep him too.
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Default May 23, 2019 at 06:13 PM
  #5
dogs (and cats) give us unconditional love. all they ask for in return are food, being able to relieve themselves , vet care, and attention.

they give us..a reason to live. you have to get up to do this...which is a good thing. walking your dog gives you exercise..fresh air, some conversation maybe, and it boosts the good chemicals in your body. serotonin! go hiking. get outside, enjoy yourself..go to a dog park.

having a dog keep me alive. who will care for him if i don't?

my dog doesn't need top notch a-1 best of everything stuff. it would be nice but i give him the best i can. and he appreciates it. he gives me back the best of everything he can. top notch. always. i'm sad, he is there. happy? the same.

my dog is a partner in life. not a slave. nowhere even close. that is a terrible thing to think about in the relationship.

i can't see anyone too depressed to keep a pet...i imagine a pet would help with keeping depression at bay.
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Default May 23, 2019 at 07:57 PM
  #6
I’m am caring for my daughter’s dog while she is away at college. Sometimes I feel too unwell to care for him and that I’m not giving him his best life so I’ve been pondering finding him a better home. This is what my daughter wants. The replies on this thread have given me something to think about.

If he comforts you and you are attached to him, I vote for keeping him. Only if it is negatively impacting your mental health to care for both yourself and your dog would I say consider rehoming the pet. Just my own opinion.
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