Update and my Anxiety!

[Koteburo]

Hi friends! And happy 2016!
Here I am again. Never stopped completely taking a look.
For those who might remember me I was pregnant I finally had my baby boy.
He's adorable. Haha well of course I'm going to think that right?
Anyways let me tell you one of the reasons I've been away besides being so busy and adapting to this huge change is that right after having my boy I developed a huge anxiety problem. He's turning 2 tomorrow btw Thanks God.
It's a health anxiety problem. At the beginning it was all about my baby, always thinking something bad would happen to him, like a horrible disease or something of the sort. It went on for over a year until it got more complicated and I also started to fear for myself. Thinking I had leukemia and/or tumors all the time. It's been a nightmare to the point I didn't want to keep on living. That's when it hit me and got help. So I've been in therapy, medications and I got better. I mean I still get a little crazy but the quality of life has improved a lot.
So now you may be wondering why am I telling you all this and how does this links to our dear pet forums. Well here we go.
I'm in Mexico at the moment and I decided that it was time to do what I've been wanting for so long: Adopt a dog. And what better way to do it than from a dog in need here in Mexico.
He found us in a park. I had the opportunity to test that he was non aggressive to cats, small dogs or children. He's a vigorous 8 / 9 month old pup, a nut job, very enthusiastic. His name is Ragnar. He has a bit of German Shepherd in him and probably everything else imaginable Today we have an appt for his first shot btw.
Anyway here where it comes the link to my anxiety. The previous dog I had was adopted from the streets as well his name was Peanut. After a short time he began to be sick again and again and after 3 months I finally lost him to a mystery immune system illness that never had a clear diagnose. We did so much to keep him going. Probably way too much for his own good. As I write this tears are falling and falling so here's the thing: Having this pup has made me insanely worried about him. I have to check him all the time. What if the same happens again? How is he pooping? Is he happy? Is he shedding too much hair? Why did he get that little rash? Why is he sleeping in the day? Is he tired because he has something bad?
Flashbacks hit me and I literally feel dizzy and filled with fear, close to panic.
I could never get over that episode in the sense that now I always think something terrible is going to happen to my animals. Especially if they're new arrivals.
Plus my heart is broken because Bobandy (the black cat) escaped out the window and got lost in September.
Anyway... How can I get over this? How can my mind understand that these are 2 different dogs and that it doesn't have to be the same way that with Peanut? How do I get rid of this fear that made me have a big relapse?

[Winston]

Koteburo welcome back. Its nice to see you around again. I just wanted to say how wonderful it is that you feel comfortable enough about your issues to talk to us here. That is awesome.
How about applying some of the items you may have been taught to manage the panic and anxiety situations as I am sure it would apply to humans or pets.

It’s always easy for people to say don’t worry. However sometimes things seem to be out of our control so I apply that in my daily life. Some people say that things happen for a reason but sometimes we will never understand why. I do believe this.

I would try to remember Peanut but your priority now is your new pup. I think it is to be expected that when you pick a pup from the street he may have some stuff to deal with but generally dogs are so resilient. I know many dogs that have been adopted with baggage lets say and they have made perfect pets.

What about following a routine with your pup so that you can manage how things go. For example if your following a system for potty training then you know when your pup goes and when he doesn’t. If he doesn’t you deal with it when you cross that bridge if you know what I mean.

Sorry to hear about Bobandy. Just remember the joy he gave you along with all of your other furry friends…

Have you looked into things like meditation or even yoga. I have heard good things about these but haven’t tried them personally.

Last but most important know you have lots of fellow pet lovers here who would always be happy to help you through things with your pets or even just for opinions..

Nice to have you back but we MUST have a picture of your new love 

Good Luck
Cindy

[growler~GateKeeper]

Hey Koteburo nice to see you back Happy Bday to your little guy So Sorry about Bobandy Congrats on the new pup

I've dealt with a little bit of anxiety as well, not to the degree that you have but I do know that the more you think about the situation the more severe the anxiety gets - its a bad cycle.

One key thing is to try to identify the point when a concern/worry tips the scale to a fear & try to redirect your thoughts/feelings back on course before it gets too far.

Medication is not always ideal but can help to slow/stop the body's reactions to what the mind is telling it.

Finding out what helps calm your mind during everyday situations whether it's a cup of chamomile tea or kitty cuddle or a walk... etc, will go a long way to avoiding anxious moments that could turn into full out panic attacks

[Reg]

Hi Koteburo:

Nice to see you back on board.

Have some understanding of your dilemna with stress and anxiety. Currently going through an excessive amount of stress which helps to feed the anxiety.

Glad to hear you have picked up a dog. Sorry to hear about the cat.

Can't shed any light on how to get through these situations. We parted with 2 kitties almost 2 years ago, and we're still not really over them. We still see them running through the house from time to time.

Keep in touch with the forum. The people here are fantastic at keeping your spirits up, and they help you get through every day. At least that's what we find.

[hazelrunpack]

Welcome back, Koteburo! No advice to offer, but now I feel like I've fallen through a rift in the space-time continuum! How can your boy be turning 2 already?

Sorry about Bobandy and Peanut But congratulations on your adoption of Ragnar! And I do hope you find some coping mechanisms for the stress and the anxiety

[Koteburo]

Thank you guys! After a few years around you have come across as a group of good people. Balanced. Haven't seen anything cheap drama, reality show like around here and well like I said, good people and animal lovers! The best part
So it's OK to share this mental health issue that also extends to my fur babies now.
I resisted medications for a long time but nothing seemed to help. Even medications didn't for a while. Had to try diff ones... Anyway I have news!
First the crappy part: Ragnar is bonding a lot with me but for now we're at my parents house with 11 cats (all rescues) .Really nice place, yard, gardens but even with all that there are restrictions and that's understandable. So now when I have to leave Ragnar by himself as soon as I bring him from his room or the garden in the house he goes and pees or poops! Right in the middle of the room!
He holds it well at night though. But it seems the more used to be around he gets the more "accidents" we're having with his evacuations.
Now here comes the nice part! My mom has a friend and her brother not ony trained dogs for 30 years but also he's an environmentalist and has studied animal behavior. He's retired but he's going to help me. We start tomorrow morning and I'll mention those issues besides our training goals.
Ragnar has had treatment for a tick transmitted blood infection caught on time, deworming and yesterday he had his first shot that includes 6 diff things. It all went well.
He has gained 9 pounds since I got him around Dec 20th. I got him in relatively good shape still, no skin problem aside from fleas that now are gone with a medication called Bravecta I think. 1 treat like looking pill. Oh and 2 baths :d
Still more shots to go and training to bring out the great dog already in there and also make him an export grade dog ready for Canada LOL

I'll try to focus on good things when crazy thoughts of doom attack me. If his eye's irritated, a little pimple, some smegma and my mind starts spiraling out of control thinking it could be something lethal and remembering what happened to Peanut. I have to find a way to redirect that. Like growler advised. I've been trying, really. And I will continue to.

Pics will come very soon!
So glad to be back.

[growler~GateKeeper]

One thing I found that helps me is writing a diary/journal - it's like a place to just let it all out - all the frustration / worry / anger / whatever etc. Even if I never go back and read it, that's ok it was an "in the moment" stress release.

[Koteburo]

The trainer is really good. Actually the training sessions have been good for me too. Helping with my anxiety. I also started a journal, more like a daily notes sort of thing. Good and bad feelings.
Now: Here's RAGNAR! AND Quinn haha the kitten. I'm a mama cat but I'll manage to become a pack leader.

[hazelrunpack]

They're both cutie-pies, Koteburo!

So glad you've found a helpful trainer!

[growler~GateKeeper]

Aww they're both adorable

You got this girl