Is it common that my dogs are making my anxiety worse?

[Anonymous]

I live with my boyfriend and his parents. We have 3 dogs. Unfortunately, due to everyone being so busy, we don't have time to walk them or we are too tired. I have very bad anxiety and depression.

When I'm alone in the house, my anxiety and stress levels go insane. They bark at everything outside. I can't have any sound on due to the fact that my stress and anxiety are so high if and when the bark.

I don't know where their leashes are. I can't walk them by myself, and no one seems to want to walk them a lot. I hope we aren't abusing them. It's just that everyone is so busy and then tired.

Every time I mention it, there is always an excuse. It's so hard, I wanna help them 😮‍💨

[boggboss]

If u don't walk them at all yes u are in the terrortoy of abusing them as u are not providing for their needs it sounds like u are not in the place to have dogs if u are not capable of looking after them are they yours or you and your partners

[Asker]

They are his parents

[Asker]

And they have had them for years

[boggboss]

Wait what then why are u being made responsible for them sorry

[Asker]

I'm not being made responsible, I just wanna help them

[Asker]

I don't wanna hurt them :(

[boggboss]

How is it you if you are not its owners

[Asker]

I care about them. I've lived here for 4 years now

[boggboss]

U might care for them but u are clearly not capable to do anything about them

[Asker]

I am capable

[boggboss]

How are u capable when u can't walk them

[Asker]

I let them out in the yard. I play with them. I cuddle them. I make sure they have food and water down etc.

[Asker]

I can't find their leashes and can't walk them as they tug too hard and wonder off

[boggboss]

Yes u do some things but walking them is part of having a dogs routine its cruel if thats not provided

[Asker]

I already feel awful, thanks

[Asker]

I don't understand why this is 100% my fault. No they aren't my dogs but I love them. As I said before I need someone else to walk them with me as they tug the leashes and rush off

[Asker]

I'm trying to help them :(

[boggboss]

Where or when did I say its your fault sorry

[Asker]

Here: Yes u do some things but walking them is part of having a dogs routine its cruel if thats not provided

[Asker]

I may of read it wrong. I apologise. I'm just very stressed :(

[boggboss]

Where in that statement I'm I saying g you are at fault when I stated they are not your dogs and u are not their owners

[Asker]

Sorry, I'm just very upset 😔

[boggboss]

U are reading what u want to read because u are blaming yourself I have stated multiple times the dogs are not yours so u are not responsible for them u can try to help thats fine but the owners clearly don't care enough to look after the dogs

[Asker]

Yes you're right and I'm sorry. I'll talk to my boyfriend when he gets back

[spartan55]

Many times the idea of owning a dog is far better than the reality of it.

[Asker]

They have had there dogs for years

[Asker]

I I don't wanna hurt them : (

[spartan55]

They are already miserable. Just take them to the shelter. Making substantial negative adjustments to your lifestyle for a pet is insane to me.

[spartan55]

Whoops, I missed the part that you live at his parents. Bummer. I bet it smells like a barnyard in there. 🥴

[Asker]

I've gotten used to the smell now tbh