Issue with the care of our puppy.

meritaten

I think Megan is scared of the responsibility of looking after the dog if anything happens to her while parents are away.
Megan, could you agree to look after the dog, but, have a security blanket in place? What if you agreed with a neighbour that if you were taken ill then the neighbour would take the pup to a kennel for you? you would of course agree with neighbour the petrol cost etc. would that ease your mind? if not then I can only suggest being sneaky and book the pup into kennels after parents leave and retrieving the pup the day before they come back? sounds awful, but, it would be a choice of solutions to your dilemma.

jenhug

I think you are over thinking the situation.
The dog needs feeding, walking, and somewhere warm and dry to sleep.
How about you pay for doggy day care or a dog walker to come in and help with the care if you feel you need some extra support?

Stop giving the dog bones and it won't be sick.

Counting_Pennies_2

Megan,

I am sorry for the stress you are going through.

To be honest, while the subject is the dog, in the long run I am not sure it is the issue here.

I am not sure how old you are but I am not convinced you are living in the best environment. If you are just staying for your dads operation, then I think you might need to look at other care options for him.

Whether you had mental health issues before or after your fathers condition isn't really important. It is a case of moving out of an environment which is causing you the most angst.

Is it just when they go away and leave you? Have you tried going away yourself, how is your anxiety then?

I lived in a situation where I was diagnosed with agrophobia. I also had several other issues. But as soon as I left home and got out of an oppressive environment where without me knowing it I was being controlled by my parents emotions and issues I thrived.

Take care of yourself.

zaksmum

How hard can it be to look after a 5 month old puppy? To me it was the most delightful task I could undertake.

Georgiegirl256

I'm sorry if this sounds harsh, but I like to speak as I find. Give the dog to someone who deserves him, who can give him all the love and attention he deserves. He's not a play thing, that can be passed around or given away in a few years time when you/your Dad gets bored of him.

I've suffered from panic attacks in the past, and I know how debilitating they can be, but I actually found that the company of animals can actually be quite soothing and therapeutic. It would also be company for you when you are on your own, as you say you suffer from separation anxietie too.

How old are you btw?