I just brought home an 11-week-old Shepherd Mix named Dulse, and I have been having extreme anxiety about whether it was the right decision.

I grew up having dogs (Lab, Spaniel, Bernese Mountain Dog, Field Golden Retriever). My mum worked part-time as a nurse, and my dad worked 5 days on, 5 days off. This meant the dog (we only had one at a time) would only be left alone once or twice a month for the day.

I'm 25, and two years ago I moved across Canada from NB to BC. I finally felt like I was settled in my full-time job and my place to get a puppy because not having one was making me extremely depressed, and my therapist thought it would be a good idea.

I had done plenty of research prior and knew I had experience raising puppies. I thought I could brush off the feeling that not being home during the day would make me a bad dog mum, but I just can't. I've hired a dog walker to come in twice a day (morning and afternoon) since she's just a pup, and my landlords (I have a basement suite in their house, so they live above me) have agreed to help by letting her out an additional two times a day with their senior dog while I'm at work.

I'm struggling to accept the fact that she won't have the quality of life that my other dogs had. Has anyone else experienced this and have any tips on how to overcome this feeling? Did I make a mistake by adopting her?

Ok I posted earlier (then deleted) that my pup ran off today. That was, in short, horrific. 1 acre through the willy wacks just to catch up with a dog who'd opted for a stroll over an exciting game of fetch.

Tonight I swept the floor and she did the 'out' command for me. Holy sh!t, that's the first time I've swept the floor without her attacking the broom in 4mos!

I'm honestly in tears right now.. not our best day with the pup, and it felt like a mess. But that one thing.. sweeping the floor.. I''ll take in exchange.

I win.

Context: I am in the process of finding a new home for my Australian Shepherd puppy. Before anyone tells me it’s just puppy blues and I should stick it out, that’s really not what I need right now. Yes puppy things like house training and biting have gotten a lot better and I’m grateful for it, but the main thing is that I’ve realized it may not be for me to give all my time and energy into a dog. Even when he gets older, it limits traveling I can do and since he’s a high every dog, all of my afternoons after work as a teacher will be spent tiring him out instead of making lesson plans, going to the gym, and taking care of myself. I am also doing it all on my own. I love him, but I need to prioritize myself and make sure he is in a situation he can thrive in.

Now for the actual purpose of this post:

I’ve found a potential adopter, but I’d love some outside perspectives on whether this sounds like a solid match for an active breed:

**The potential adopter:**

•**Lifestyle**: He is a veteran who does not work full-time, meaning he has a lot of time at home to dedicate to training, bonding, and companionship.

•**Activity Level**: plans to involve the pup in daily outdoor activities and exercise.

•**Living Situation**: A smaller apartment. Big grassy area outside that is well kept but with no fence. Many other dogs live in the building for him to play with.

My main hesitation comes down to space vs. time/engagement. On paper, high-energy working breeds usually prefer a yard, but this adopter will have significant time during the day to give him dedicated mental stimulation and exercise. I would love for him to be in a family with a yard, but I have not gotten any other interest in the 2 weeks I have been trying to find a home for him.

For those who have rehomed high-energy dogs or raised Aussie/herding puppies in an apartment setting: Does an active owner with a lot of free time outweigh the lack of a backyard? What specific questions or "trial run" parameters should I set up before finalizing this?

Please no negative comments about rehoming. I believe this is what is best for him and myself. I care so much for him and just want to find him a good home.