ayka10

Me again! And again, thanks so much everybody! What a great place this was to come across. You have given me so many great suggestions and so much comfort in knowing that I'm not the only one who feels or has felt this way. I never even thought about the fact that she could be reacting to my anxiety and that is why she looks so sad sometimes. I know I wasn't too specific but I do live in a condo and while it's a decent size, it's not a house by any means. I do try to play fetch and tug of war with her...she has more toys that she knows what to do with! And reading through these messages, I'm starting to feel like it really may be more me than her. Also, I was thinking that maybe the fact that my husband travels a lot and is gone for extended periods of time not only causes me stress, but her as well? Maybe she misses him too! Seriously though, you guys have no idea how much I appreciate all the advice and encouragement. I'm working on posting some pics right now! =)

Hey guys! Looks like I came to the right place...I had a feeling I get some good advice here =) So thanks! I should probably say that I live in the Chicago area, so while I love the idea of the bike or scooter, unfortunately in the winter, it's not 100% doable. I know I'm probably overracting a bit as shedalot said, EVERYONE tells me that =) But I just want what's best for her, ya know? It probably doesn't help that I'm around all day and those eyes...ugh...break my heart. But I actually worry about starting my new job for this exact reason (it's only part-time fortunately)! Anyway, thanks again for the advice and thanks in advance for any advice to come!

Hi everyone! I'm new to this site and went looking for it to hopefully get some help with my current situation. I have a 4 year old (almost 5) female Siberian Husky named Sofia. We have had her since she was 11 weeks old and I have loved her from that moment on...but she has now become the major source of all of my anxieties. I feel like I just can't make her happy and in turn, I'm miserable! I am not working so I am home with her most of the day. We go for long walks twice a day where I let her run around (leashed of course) on the sand, or in an open park...wherever I can find space for her. We can't let her off of her leash because she'll never come back! I tried to teach her to jog with me but she just takes off in full sprint or stops to smell everything! I just feel like it's never enough. She always looks miserable when we are inside...and I know that is because they are outdoor dogs and need a lot of exercise but I can't keep up with her! I've thought about taking her to a dog park but she was the runt and is extremely timid and unpredictable around other dogs. Sometimes she's totally fine and wants to play, other times she cowers behind my legs with her tail between hers. Plus, letting her off of her leash, even in a fenced area, I always worry she'll jump it. I just don't know what to do anymore. I love her more than life itself but I am starting to almost resent her because I feel like I can't have a life even though I know it's not her fault. I feel guilty whenever I'm not with her. I feel guilty when she's not outside. I feel guilty when we are outside because I can't let her run completely free. We don't have a yard for her to play in and while I would give anything to be able to move and provide that for her, it's just not feasible right now. My stomach is constantly in knots, my heart is constantly aching, and I'm losing the joy of having this amazing animal. What can I do for her? What can I do for me? Should I try the dog park? Should I...I hate to even think it, but, give her up? I just want her to be happy more than anything. So much so, it's destroying me! Sorry to be so dramatic. This honestly is coming from a place of desperation. Any help would be greatly appreciated.