Well, I have to say I'm a worrier by nature. It drives my hubby crazy. He is just the opposite. I can't say that I worry about Lily more than I worried about my Lhasa, except for the fear of SM. My Old English Sheepdog I got when I was 17, and I had her until I was 31. She was a great dog and she got me through a bad divorce and the death of my Dad when I was 24. I loved her dearly, but never really had to worry about her because she was hardly ever sick. My Lhasa I got 13 years ago, and I worried about her constantly from about 6 mos old when she had her first major illness and almost died. She was my constant companion up until 4 years ago when I had to move and couldn't take her, which broke my heart. My Mom kept her, and then she and my Mom bonded so much that I couldn't take her away from my Mom when I moved back. As much as I loved her, she was a difficult doggy and only wanted to be loved on her terms. When I got Lily, I was looking for an affectionate and sweet natured dog. She is all that and more. I have said this before, she is unlike any dog I have ever known. She has turned my hubby, who was not even a dog lover into mush. He said that these dogs are really more like human babies and I agree. Sorry, I have gotten off topic here. So my bottom line answer is except for fear of SM. I don't think in my case, she has been more stressful than my Lhasa. Hopefully, that won't change.