Stuck in a constant state of panic

[Just_breathe_1]

I’m stuck in this state of panic and ‘what if’.

I visited extended family and it turns out they have a dog I believed was being neglected (not abused). I got home a few days ago and called the anonymous line for reporting this where I’m from, and I got an email from them today letting me know that they visited the place but that they couldn’t give me any other information due to privacy laws.

I know I can’t undo it, and I wouldn’t want to - that poor dog! But I keep thinking what if they link it back to me as the one who reported them? They’re perfectly nice people, but the one who owned the dog just left him there all day. I’ve got a dog who I take on walks/adventures twice a day minimum and he’s on a range of dog meds due to severe allergies. I look at the lovely dog on their property and think why are you doing this to a puppy? Let alone a border collie puppy who is bred to herd sheep, not spend all day chained up. I keep thinking what will my family think of me if they find out about this - everyone was talking about the dog and I did raise calling it in but claimed to have said I had seen the dog in the area… I gave the line their specific address (which is in the middle of nowhere). Nothing bad can come of this, right? I’m trying to do a pros and cons list, but the lists keep growing. Any advise is appreciated.

Sorry for the rant. Just need to get it off my chest - my therapist is taking a few weeks off over Christmas so I’ll have to survive another three weeks before I see her again.

[Ismiki]

Not sure if hitting the right place...but...I APPLAUD your choice to get involved. A word of advice?? If anyone speaks of it...act surprised. I know discovery is a worry. But there is no proof it was you. I don't normally recommend 'lying' but being silent isn't really lying. Again...good job

[hypercat54]

I am another one who is saying well done. The dogs wellbeing is more important than your relatives feelings. I wish more people would do this.

I knew a woman whose family found out their neighbours dog was never taken out and just kept locked in a cage - for 8 years. The man immediately went round and told them to either give him the dog or he would report them.

They gave him the dog and it had a good loving home for the rest of its life. God bless those people.