poor thing

i've had this reoccurring element in my dreams where i pick up a small bird and when i put it down, its legs become extremely spindly and barely.

it reminds me of my pets. when they have anything that is or might be health issues, i get so scared and stressed that if it doesn't get resolved i just reject my pet altogether and want to give it away or let it die. what mental illness is at work at those times i must wonder