A little background – I have always struggled with depression. In the past year, it has really improved through running and medication, but I have gone into a worse depressive period recently due to my partner being deployed.
We got a wonderful mini dachshund puppy at 10 weeks old who is now 7 months. I absolutely adore him, feel I’ve trained him well, and have made a safe and loving home for him. However, as my energy and mood have gotten worse recently, I’m worried that I’ve become a worse dog parent due to having less energy for play and going on less adventures together. I still always walk him as much as he needs, but mostly just nearby (occasional trips to the park) and I just don’t have the energy to teach him tricks and play tug of war all evening like I used to.
I’m really scared that my own problems might make him sad, lessen our bond, or make him think that I don’t care about him as much! Sometimes I worry I’m not the right person to take care of him, but I also know how much I love him and can’t imagine my life without him.
Any advice on how to manage these feelings or make sure I give him enough fulfilment would be really helpful.
submitted by /u/busydonatella
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