When I went through a long period of depression, one of my biggest worries was my dogs. On the days I could barely get out of bed, I felt like I was letting them down. Walks became shorter, training stopped altogether, and I often questioned if I was being fair to them. In my darkest moments, I even thought about whether they’d be better off with another family.
But what I slowly learned was that dogs don’t need perfection — they need connection, safety, and love. My dogs didn’t judge me for skipping long hikes; they were just as happy curled up beside me on the sofa. When I had energy, I’d scatter their food in the garden or play a few minutes of tug. When I couldn’t, I leaned on friends to help. And what surprised me most: my dogs gave me a reason to keep going. Their wagging tails, soft nudges, and quiet presence grounded me in ways therapy alone never could.
If you’re living with illness — whether it’s depression, chronic pain, fatigue, or something else — you may also have worried about whether you can keep caring for your dogs. The good news is: with adjustments, support, and kindness toward yourself, you don’t have to give them up. Here’s how to make things work.
Continue reading “Coping With Dog Ownership During Illness – Adjusting, Not Rehoming [free handout]”
