It would, of course, be a very difficult process, and it was probably best to pop an ad in Gumtree because there would be a better home for her out there. Possibly with a retired farmer, where she could just chase after a tractor all day long. Seems the cancel culture also extends to dogs with mental health issues.
I held back tears as I struggled to get Rosie back in the car, finally picking her up and collapsing into the boot with her. After living with depression and anxiety for the greater part of my adult life, I felt a real kinship with Rosie. I’m hypersensitive to loud noises and assume disaster is imminent. I overthink everything.
Though exhausting at times, I’m certainly not defined by anxiety, and I didn't want Rosie held hostage by a label either. She has a loving, playful instinct that is always on show. My partner is convinced that she dumped his wallet in the loo, but I strongly refute this claim given his chronic mismanagement of personal belongings.
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We recently employed a dog behaviourist, someone who was willing to provide us with hope, rather than the long sleep goodbye. Mental health issues don’t disappear with love, but the intensity of experience can shift given the right circumstances. We are all in training now for the foreseeable future and I’m fully embracing the fundamentals of change: time, patience and gin. I reckon Rosie is worth the investment.