Caregiver Burnout, Guilt and Mental Load

I don’t really know how to say this without feeling dramatic. My dog is still here, still doing her little happy dance when I grab the leash, still stealing socks like it’s her job. But I feel like I’m already grieving her.

She’s 12 and has congestive heart failure. We’re doing the meds and she’s stable right now, but every time she coughs or seems tired, my brain goes straight to the end. Then I feel guilty because she’s literally right in front of me, asking for a treat.

Do you feel like you’re already grieving even though your dog is still here? And how do you stay present on the good days without being overwhelmed by fear of the future?

I feel like the worst person for even typing this.

My baby, Luna (12, CHF + kidney stuff), has meds at 6am/2pm/10pm and she needs to go out like a million times because of the diuretics. I’ve been doing it for months and I love her so much, but I also feel resentful. Like I’ll be standing in the kitchen counting pills and I just feel angry at my life. Then I look at her little face and feel like a monster because she didn’t ask for any of this.

Resentment and love at the same time - has anyone else felt this? I keep thinking “good owners don’t feel this way” and then I spiral.

Compassion · Validation · Relief

Caring for a sick dog can drain you in ways you never expected.

If you feel exhausted, resentful, guilty, or scared that you’re not being a “good enough” owner – you’re not alone, and you’re not broken. Loving your dog and feeling overwhelmed can exist at the same time.

This group is here for the feelings that are hard to say out loud. You can share moments of burnout, guilt, anger, numbness, or emotional overload – without having to justify them or clean them up.

If you’ve been carrying a lot quietly, this is a place where you don’t have to. 🩵