Brucey turns 1 next week. I’m exhausted.

It’s been a while since I posted about Brucey, and I wish this was a cute, cheerful update. But honestly? I’m just wiped.

He’s almost one. He was neutered two weeks ago and recovered physically without a hitch—but ever since, it’s been chaos. He sleeps hard all day, then from 6pm to 3am, it’s constant barking, chewing, pacing, whining. Just restless and out of sorts.

We’ve tried everything: structured routines, late-night exercise, calming treats, trazodone (vet-approved), soothing him, ignoring him. Nothing sticks. And I know part of it is probably the hormonal shift post-neuter—plus he hasn’t been to daycare at all in the past two weeks. He normally goes twice a week and gets that energy out. He goes back Thursday, and I’m counting the hours. It’s also been over 100° here in VT, so big outside play is out.

I love this dog. But right now, I feel like I’m failing him—and I am absolutely running on fumes.

If anyone else hit a wall around the 1-year mark or noticed behavioral shifts after neutering, I’d love to hear how it played out. Or just some solidarity. That’d help too.