Going on vacation.....

[lindasue]

Going to Disney in a week for April school vacation week and leaving Pegi home w/o any of us for the first time. My 22 year old nephew is staying here with her and the cats, and my dad will stop by to walk her each day while he's in school. However, I'm still a little nervous about this - she'll be out of her usual routine (I work from home so she has company all day); and she'll be in her pen for a good part of the day.

Any suggestions on how to make this easier for her? Have left other dogs home, but they were much older. Pegi is only a baby @ 8 months!

[hheldorfer]

First of all I think it will be much easier on Pegi to stay at home rather than go to a boarding kennel. At least she'll be in familiar surroundings which will be far less stressful. Will your nephew and your dad be able to provide enough potty breaks for her? That would be my main concern, assuming she's not fully house trained yet. If she has to stay in a pen for a prolonged period day after day, you may lose whatever ground you gained on house training.

Other than that, put something in her pen to remind her of you - an old t-shirt or something that you've worn for a day and not washed. It will be comforting to have the scent of her human(s) while you're away. That's the only suggestion I can muster, but there will probably be others that are more helpful.

Have a good vacation!

[bradl]

I think the main thing is to rest assured that while they do indeed seem to miss us for a couple of days (I think it's as much the routine as anything), Cairns are incredibly adaptable and always up for a new adventure. They are always glad to see us again, but they are wise enough to "love the one they're with" too. Have a great vacation and look forward to some extra-excited wagging and kisses when you return.

[lindasue]

My dad and nephew will be able to walk her enough. I'm hoping that Brad is right and she thinks this is a new adventure...she is house broken - no accidents for quite a while now (fingers crossed). We have even started keeping doors open to bathrooms and our bedroom! Still keeping my daughters' doors closed though; she loves those Ugg boots...

[Sue G]

It sounds like you have a good setup. Have a great time on your vacation! I swear my Ozzy couldn't give a rat's behind who he's with as long as he gets attention. I like to think he'd miss me, but as long as there was someone there to walk him, scratch his belly and keep the food bowl full I don't think he'd even notice I was gone. If Pegi's anything like him she will see this as a mini vacation herself, with new people to harrass and try to control.