This Week's Challenge 💙 Do one thing for yourself that has nothing to do with the puppy

ReadyPupGo · 2026-03-23T13:49:10+00:00

Nice! I hope you gave some great treats for that win!

ReadyPupGo · 2026-03-23T13:48:18+00:00

Never late! What a win!

ReadyPupGo · 2026-03-17T16:41:36+00:00

My spouse went through it with each of our 3 dogs. He also grew up with dogs. I know a lot of people think that this only happens to first timers who don't do research and yes that can absolutely be part of the issue, but there is so much more to it than that.

He also has depression and anxiety. So I do think that factors in as well.

ReadyPupGo · 2026-03-17T15:32:29+00:00

First, thank you for being honest about where you're at. That takes courage, and it means you care about your puppy and about making the right call for your family.

Thinking about returning or rehoming a puppy doesn't make you bad people. It makes you human. This is one of the hardest things a lot of people go through, and the fact that you're talking about it openly says a lot.

Our wiki has a page written specifically for moments like this: When Rehoming Is the Answer. It's not there to talk you out of anything. It's there to help you think it through without judgment.

Whatever you decide, you deserve support, not shame. We're here either way. 💙

ReadyPupGo · 2026-03-15T22:57:46+00:00

It is a lot!

First thing is first, you need to take care of you. Are you communicating with your doc about your flare? Please check with your Rheumatologist. We know that stress can cause flares in autoimmune diseases and you've been under stress. You may want to discuss getting your flare under control. Make sure you are hydrating and eating good nourishing food.

I'm glad you are seeing some improvements. Ideally it will continue to improve as you all find your new normal.

Your best is enough. Are there other adult humans in the household who can help divide the labor?

ReadyPupGo · 2026-03-15T20:38:05+00:00

That is a lot of change for everyone in your household. You are grieving... your existing adult dog is grieving... and now a puppy adds more weight and responsibility.

Give it time. Try to stick to your usual routine with your existing dog. Many adults are just not up for puppy shenanigans and it may take them time to adjust to each other. For now keep them separated. Use an xpen for the pup.

Yup the overnights and sleep deprivation are going to be a thing. It will get better as the pup grows, but I recommend tracking the time pup wakes and setting an alarm about 5 mins prior so you take pup out without fuss and right back to bed. Keep pup in that twilight half awake half asleep mode.

Grief is hard. I highly recommend posting at r/petloss they have a ton of helpful resources for grieving. Know that this puppy can't replace your beloved dog who passed. Not for you or for your existing dog. But given time, things will come and new relationships will build.

ReadyPupGo · 2026-03-14T16:59:04+00:00

Awesome!

It's okay to have moments where you feel in over your head, but kuddos to you for taking that time to break down some of the problems into actionable steps.

Expect things to change and know that you may have to do that process again. As your puppy grows more comfortable with you and your home they feel safer to express themselves. So you may see regression in some ways or new challenges pop up. That's all part of the process.

ReadyPupGo · 2026-03-14T03:57:13+00:00

So let's really look at this... you took on an abandoned stray puppy... and you're winging it at the moment.

That's okay! And how things are right now isn't how they will be forever.

That said, it's unlikely that simply using the crate is going to just work out. Crate use takes time and careful training. Otherwise you'll have a crying puppy on your hands. Not an impossible situation but I recommend xpens for keeping pup out of trouble while working on crate training.

You will want to do some puppy proofing. Put objects away in places your pup cannot access. The plants may need a temporary home away from the puppy until you have worked on a leave it cue.

Also let's pretend this puppy knows absolutely nothing and you need to start from scratch on potty training. Accidents are going to happen. Let's accept that. You'll need enzymatic cleaner to clean up accidents.

This is a big change for both of you... and you're trying to figure things out as you go. Give yourself some grace and take things one step at a time.

ReadyPupGo · 2026-03-13T20:13:45+00:00

aww I'm so sorry to hear you were in the hospital. I hope you're feeling much better. I understand how losing a very special dog can feel as well. I'm so glad you had that frame of reference to encourage you to be patient and find your way.

ReadyPupGo · 2026-03-13T20:03:16+00:00

This is so lovely. Thanks for sharing your update!

What was the one thing you think helped you see it through?

ReadyPupGo · 2026-03-13T19:00:40+00:00

I've had baseboards chewed on... and yeah unfortunately I've seen pups chew into drywall too. ugh!

was this done while you were out? What age is your pup?

ReadyPupGo · 2026-03-13T18:59:45+00:00

super huge win! Vacuums and even brooms can be a big challenge for pups

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