Is it normal to regret getting a rescue dog?
Yes—regretting a rescue dog at first is common, especially while you’re both adjusting to new routines. It doesn’t mean you’re a bad person or that you’ll always feel this way.
A new dog can bring stress, disrupted sleep, extra costs, and a lot of responsibility all at once. With a rescue, you may also be learning each other’s needs and helping the dog settle in. People sometimes call that “adoption regret” or the “puppy blues,” and it can happen even when you care about the dog.
Give yourselves time and make the days manageable: build a simple routine, ask the rescue for guidance, and get help from a qualified trainer if a specific behavior is overwhelming. If you still feel unable to care for the dog after a fair adjustment period, talk honestly with the rescue about responsible options. That’s kinder than keeping everyone stuck in a situation that isn’t working.