Same. No advice but can relate

Typo. Soul mate is 10 not 19!

My 19 year old dog is my soulmate. But from puppy til 3 yo she was hard work. Your life will get easier as others have said, as the dog enters the less active stages. Agree with others that you need to figure out a boarding option. Maybe try finding a friend who has a dog and you can watch each others dog when the other is away.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I feel the same way as you. My husband wanted a dog and does the bulk of the work but dog is worse than a newborn.

We adopted a 1yo dog a few years ago. She definitely has never been as much work as a newborn. Not even close.

My 3 year old dog still wakes me up in the middle of the night.

Our dog wakes up 1-2 times to potty. We don't feed after 6, watch liquids. Far more work. Walk 2-3 times a day. Freaks out being home alone. Has to be in a room with one of us despite small house. It probably depends on the breed and dog. Picky eater.

What about off loading some of the dog tasks on the animal obsessed child OP?

What might help is doing your research to find a couple of reliable kennels or pet sitters. That way, when you get a last-minute invite, you can drop off your dog on the way, because one of them is sure to be available.

I could have written your post. I’m also glad my kids are happy. I know our dog is well loved and even spoiled. I absolutely hate having her. I get everything you’re feeling!

Anonymous wrote:We had sweet old dogs, they died. DW insisted on a new dog. I insisted on low energy. The rescue lied and said this was a low energy dog. We got an anxious, high strung, fusion energy machine. We have a small house. I end up spending hours a day with this beast, walking, managing, keeping it from destroying our place. I am working with a trainer to help get a handle on this little nugget. I feel for you.

This is my worst nightmare. We’ve only had older large dogs that were former working dogs and we helped them live out their golden years while being spoiled. I’m not sure I could have a small high energy puppy.

I felt the same way about my (only) child. Like from 0-three I regretting having a kid at all. Then from 4 to 11 I could see there were some advantages, but on balance I still disliked being a parent.

At least it's a dog OP and not a kid. Society frowns on my situation

Your dog will slow down a it ages. It' still young and energetic and demanding. After about 5 it will settle down in the house but still need exercise (tired = good, as I'm sure you've heard). After 7 or so its exercise needs will start to decline. My 15 year old dog basically sleeps all day, although having a very old dog comes with other challenges and we really can't board her anymore at this age.

Anyway, you are approaching the sweet spot of a mature dog that is fun but not as needy.

Kids are 11 and 15 by the way.

Thank you thank you everyone for the encouragement, empathy, and tips. This is helping.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I feel the same way as you. My husband wanted a dog and does the bulk of the work but dog is worse than a newborn.

We adopted a 1yo dog a few years ago. She definitely has never been as much work as a newborn. Not even close.

My 3 year old dog still wakes me up in the middle of the night.

Anonymous wrote:I feel the same way as you. My husband wanted a dog and does the bulk of the work but dog is worse than a newborn.

We adopted a 1yo dog a few years ago. She definitely has never been as much work as a newborn. Not even close.

How old are your kids? If they are close to leaving the nest, maybe one of the kids can take the dog soon to their own apartment? That'd be great! Sorry, OP.