Missing my Life Pre Puppy

Hey guys! Just a small venting post.

I miss my life before my puppy. He’s a mini longhaired Dachshund, 8wks on Sunday, and I’ve had him a week tomorrow. I didn’t have anyone other than myself to worry about and it’s been a little difficult adjusting to also looking out for the needs of something else. He’s a sweet boy, loves to nip my fingers and toes, loves snuggles, and has been relatively easy.

I guess I just miss getting up whenever I wanted to in the morning (although he doesn’t whine to be let out of his crate through the night. I legit have to set an alarm for myself to get wake up and let him out to pee on his pee pad). I also miss being able to just hop in my car and be gone all day shopping or doing my self care days (which are super long). I miss the ability to be selfish with my time and energy and it not effect anyone else.

However, I would be heartbroken if something ever happened to him. If I didn’t have him after getting to experience him would crush me. I love our snuggles, his nose boops, his wanting to be in my arms when he’s sleepy, etc.

When do you think I’ll move past this feeling and actually feel okay with having him as a responsibility? How soon can I leave him home in his crate during my self care days? We’re moving in a couple weeks and considered getting him some more space that he ca use to walk in and out of his crate freely and have access to his pee pads, food, toys, etc. What do you guys suggest?