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I need a break from my dogs
I really, really need a break. I haven't had a night away from them since November, and only maybe 6 days away from them in over a year. I did not intend to be a single dog owner, and while I love them SO SO much, I am fed up right now. I am tired of having to work my entire schedule around them. I'm tired of cleaning up poop, and keeping them from eating the neighbor dog's poop, and for whatever reason, they are now peeing inside every week or 2 while I'm at work. I came home and one of them had peed on my yoga mat- which I was planning to use for yoga tonight- which also got on my rug. (no, they been seen by the vet, and there is nothing wrong with them).
I'm tired of all the laundry, and the dog hair, the muddy footprints on rainy days, and them wanting to be on top of me all the time. I LOVE my solo Saturday runs, because I'm not constantly directing the girls to leave it, heel, sit, leave the squirrels alone, stopping to smell. I've tripped over them and hurt my calf and now I'm having trouble with my runs and even my walks because of the pain.
I'm tired of being finally strapped because of my stupid divorce and XH and can't afford to send them to daycare, and the daycare that I really liked is 40 miles away by my old house. I'm sad that I don't have anyone that I can leave them with for a night. I'm SO tired of waking up so early every single morning.
This is mostly just a vent. I love my dogs, and I would never, ever do anything to hurt or neglect either of them, but honestly, they make me want to cry right now. Can I send them to one of you for a day or two?
Re: I need a break from my dogs
Everyone needs a break sometimes! Whether it'd dogs, kids, work,or just life!
You're dogs are beautiful - and I believe they can be frustrating (I know ours can!) Keep your chin up! It will all work out in the end - have a nice glass of wine, a bubble bath, chocolate cake, whatever you need and take sometime for YOU. Go get a massage, a pedicure, shopping, but relax! You'll feel better!
Everyone needs to vent sometimes - feel better!
I've started asking around to see if someone will watch them (or split them up and have 2 people watch them), even for just a night. The vast majority of my family lives out of state (or the country). God, they could come stay here. I don't want to be burned out by my dogs! But here I am, in tears, just wanting a break.
And I really, really, really miss my old neighbors that were able to watch them.
((HUGS))
Happy thoughts! It will be ok - you will figure everything out!
I am in so cal. You can send them to me for a night. I have 2 dogs they can play with.
I am sorry you are feeling this. I understand
We'd puppysit in a heartbeat, but we're on the wrong coast.
I'm so sorry that they're exhausting you. Apartments and dogs are so, so, so frustrating. I have no idea how you run with both of them at the same time! Also, your neighbors suck for not cleaning up after their dogs. I wish I had a solution for you, but we struggle with the same apartment/running issues, and we only have one, small dog.
The only thing I can think of is, can they stand the kennel? Re-introducing them to it for a few weeks might solve the peeing in the house while you're gone problem.
I just wanted to say that I understand how you feel. I am married, and I don't know how I would ever take care of our one dog without DH - even with splitting most of the duties, there are days when I just want to sleep in or watch TV in peace. Golden Retrievers tend to have a lot of energy, and it needs to be burned off somehow!
Just remember how much you do love your dogs, and definitely see if you can swing boarding them even just overnight once a month or so to give yourself a break. DH is probably going to have to do that when I go on a trip this summer because of his work schedule, and I don't think you should feel guilty about it.
I can't imagine taking care of my two guys on my own (though I would if it came to that). When DH is OOT, I have to be up at 5 am every morning, so I undersatnd your exhaustion. It's totally understandable to want a break sometimes.
I know day care is very expensive, but could you hire a walker to come during the day so they can get some energy out (and have a potty break)? Some walking companies offer runs as well, which sounds like it might be great for your pups. I also love treat dispensing toys. When the weather is bad or I can't get the dogs out for long enough (or they just seem a bit more hyper than usual), I feed them out of their treat-dispensing toys, and it definitely helps.
For the peeing, can you crate them for a while so they can't pee on stuff and so they are reminded it's not ok to pee inside? We are going through this with our guys - after earning their own room (rather than being crated) 6 months ago, one of them peed on the floor while we were at work twice in the span of 2 weeks. We crated them both (since we didn't know for sure who it was) for a week and then started gradually reintroducing them to their room last weekend (started with 1 hour, then 3 hours, etc.). We also increased their morning walk to make sure they could get everything out before we left for work. GL!
Thanks for letting me vent, ladies. Most of the time I'm very happy that it's just me and the girls, and they have helped me through my divorce and really are good dogs, it's just that sometimes I get so overwhelmed, especially after an extra long day at work. It's like I just want one night to sleep, or go out, or do something without feeling guilty that they are alone, or stuck inside, or need to be fed, etc.
I have considered going back to crates, but the utter lack of space has delayed me thus far. If is keeps happening, I will. I have also considered getting a potty patch or something like that, if they really do need to go during the day. It's so unpredictable when I will find a mess. I am stocking up on more Nature's Miracle today.
I have posted on my running group's board for more options as far as a dog walker/ sitter, since they are all local and many have pets. But laurenpaula- I may take up up on that
:-(
I hope you find some peace! I would totally babysit those beautiful ladies, but alas, I too am on the wrong coast!
A walker might be just the thing you need. Hang in there. They love you and show it the only way they know how.......by smothering you!
Emerald Nuts Midnight Run (4m) 1/1/12
Coogan's Salsa, Blues, and Shamrocks Run (5k) 3/4/12
Colon Cancer Challenge (15k) 4/1/12
Purple Stride NYC (5k) 4/21/12
Run to Combat Autism (5k) 4/29/12
RnR Philadelphia (Half Marathon) 9/16/12