Pets?

[206Raider]

I have a dog that I love to death and take him everywhere with me (he's in my avy) but sometimes I get so depressed becuase my dog is miserable without me from what I hear and just mopes but I feel like a really bad owner becuase I don't take him for a lot walks or anything and he seems depressed with me sometimes becuase he's so bored. People tells me they never seen a dog so attached to his owner but I feel I'm terrible owner and the dog doesn't deserve to live the same depressing worthless life that I have.

 

[anomicdeer]

AAW. Well you really need to try to take him out for walks. I know it would be hard, but just try not to worry about anyone around you, just pay attention to your dog and try to pretend that no one is watching you,or not there at all. I'm sure it would be great for you and your dog. And if you live near any parks. You can probably find a good hour to go out there when there are little or no people.

 

[klytus]

Depending on where you live, you could just take the shortest path to a nearby forest. It's unlikely you will meet anyone there, especially if you go off-road.

 

[Sinar_Matahari]

Pets are great. Especially dogs. Maybe your love for your dog and his love for you can be enough incentive for you to start getting better.

 

[PennyLane]

I reckon with ipod, sunglasses (just to make you more comfortable) and dog at your side it would be great if you could get out for a short walk a couple of times a week...would probably make you feel so good doing something for yourself and him

I love my dogs too...so I know how you feel.

 

[AlleyCat]

I have found some nice areas where I live to take my dog where it's usually less active and not as many people around. But even when walking him around the neighborhood, I find it less hard going out when I have him with me. He really does help calm my nerves and makes me feel less anxious than when I am on my own. Also, if someone does talk to me, they mostly comment on my dog, and I can talk about him much easier than I can about myself.

 

[206Raider]

thanks, I really want to, and I have. My problem is I think I try to force myself to do it everyday from the get-go. I know some paths around here so I'm gonna try and start doing that everyday but maybe start a couple days a week so I don't get overwhelmed

 

[Noca]

I got a kitty cat whos really cute.

 

[evil feline space cadet]

I'd love a dog. Something to love that wont hurt you - how awesome would that be!

Well......unless it attacks you....

 

[Shift]

I have two dogs. I love them dearly. I used to walk them every day for an hour, but lately I haven't and I feel really bad about that.

 

[mismeek]

If you dont want to take him on walks. try a doggie daycare. Then you dog gets socialized, exercise and has fun! I work at one and most dogs take to it very well after being there a couple of times.

 

[BrokenSailor]

I just adopted a litttle chihuahua/jack russell puppy last month and she is truly the best thing that has ever happened to me...if it weren't for her I probably would NEVER leave my flat. I love coming home after been gone for awhile and she greets me with her tail waggs and licks. Pets are the best. They don't judge you, hurt you, backstab you or think ill of you. I look like a trainwreck but my puppy never complains..she still licks my face )

 

[BrokenSailor]

oh and they don't really care how poor or rich you are, what kind of car you drive or how much toys they have compared to other dogs. They're happy to just be taken care of...god I'd die for my puppy if it came to it..wish I could say the same for my family/friends :/ that's cold I kno..

 

[Groundling]

Pets seem to love us regardless of any self flaws we may see, they don't see them. Maybe try walks up and down your street where you are comfortable and then around the block once you get used to the idea?

 

[dooby-duck]

Pets are great things to have. Dogs give you a reason to be out walking around. They make you look less suspicious and threatening to anyone around. My old dog died last Christmas day and we didn't have a dog for a few months. Life really was worse without one, it didn't feel right for some reason. I'm lucky though that I don't have to take him to the vets or anything like that, I don't think I could do that.

 

[sullyS1985]

I have a similar experience raider. My dog is pretty big and likes to pull so i have really been avoiding walks because it is embarassing when he pulls around people i dont know and he is big so i feel like a lot of the people im walking by are afraid of him. i always think he is miserable and it contributes to my social anxiety for sure. when i have walked him, i have walked where there arent many people so i dont have to experience him pulling toward them. Unfortunately i have not done this in a very long time which is really too bad. i try and take him to my parents house as much as possible as well because they have three dogs and lots of land so he LOVES it over there. Just remember that it is just a dog though. Dont get me wrong Earl is my best friend but some days he has to deal with a boring day.

 

[Emily_G]

I'd love a dog. Something to love that wont hurt you - how awesome would that be!

Well......unless it attacks you....

Or are playing in the yard and run full-speed into the back of your leg and dislocate your knee

IMO, it's irresponsible to get a dog if you cannot provide for it's basic needs (exercise being on of them). Now that being said...you could try taking the dog out on a walk either really early in the morning or really late in the evening. People will talk to you when you're walking your dog...they will say it's cute, ask it's name, ask its breed, ask if they can pet it, tell you about their dog, blah blah blah. So walking it when there are less people out would be a good idea. You could also try to locate a dog park and do the same thing...take the dog either really early or late at night when no one else is there. The problem with that is a lot of people already do that who have aggressive dogs...so idk if that would work.

 

[illuminationSP]

I have a dog... recently, I have taken her on far less walks due to my mood. She shouldn't have to suffer.

 

[206Raider]

Thanks for the advice people but this thread is old, I take my dog for a walk usually everyday now, unless it's really raining.

 

[agoraphobickatie]

aw that's so good you've been taking your dog for walks!
i have a cocker spaniel that i seriously care for like she's my own child, i love her to death! she keeps a smile on my face she goes a lot of places with me, too.. it's good motivation 'cause i just want to take her places so she can see people, she loves people! haha

and i really love your 'signature' quote!