Separation

[Milopup]

Had to leave my pup yesterday to start another extended separation - I am embarrassed to admit that I cried a few times on the plane. I am so sad that I had to leave but I know it is best to let him stay with my parents and live a healthier/happier lifestyle. My parents love my pup so much, so I know he is well taken care of and well loved.

I just hope I dont cause my pup mental anguish by leaving him for extended periods of time - I would be happy if he misses me just a lil bit then forgets me until he sees me next time. That way he wont miss me - one of us missing the other is enough!

I thought you guys would understand my sadness at being separated from my pup. :(

[abe's dad]

we most definately do!! I am sure he will do just exactly that, and leave the worrying to you. Hope you have a safe trip and quick return to your baby.

valerie

[toomanypaws]

I feel you sadness Milopup, but be glad that you are so fortunate to have your pup w/ your parents, who love him as much as you do. You know he's in the best of care until you return to him. Have a safe trip.

[tena]

He's hanging out with the grandparents waiting for his mom. You are missing him, but he'll be fine. No they don't forget you, he'll just be delighted when you reappear.

[Milopup]

He definitely will remember me, just hope that pups dont have the "i miss mommy" trait. Thanks for the kind words, it is hard to not see him everyday. :(

[TheScotts]

Yup, I left my Westie with Mom a few times and she was fine. I always got nipped on the ear for long trips when I got back!

[bradl]

When either my wife or I travel, we notice the dogs hang out by the door for a night a two - they are creatures of habit and do seem to be waiting for us to reappear. But in only a couple of days, they have a new habit and settle into a fine and happy routine (I feed them later than my wife does, stuff like that) and then, when the 'missing' person returns, there is much joy, just as you'd expect. I swear they are far more adaptable than we are.

[Eliz222]

It must be hard to leave Bosco with your parents, but comforting at the same time that he is being well taken care of while you are gone. How long will you be gone this time? I think dogs adapt very well, especially if they are still living in their own home and with people that they love very much.

We are taking care of my DD's cat because her townhouse does not allow cats (she was fined $200 for having her there!) so she only sees Bach when she comes home on random weekends and during holidays. Bach seems to adjust well to this sitiuation and she seems especially happy when Sarah comes home!

[Milopup]

Thanks everyone for your kind words. And yes my parents love my pup so so much that I am glad he is with them if he cant be with me.

[CarCarDawn]

Hi! We learned a while back that we miss Riley a heck of a lot more than he misses us!!! I always felt so guilty about leaving him - - but he settles in quickly with the family next door that cares for him when we are gone. I have left him with them for more than a week and when I come home he falls all over himself upon seeing us but then it is back to HIS normal routine!! Silly boy!!!!

[kayharley]

As hard as it is for you to leave him, I think it would harder on him to be moved around. He has love, companionship and something wonderful to look forward to....YOU!!

[Cairnmania]

My first Cairn was a show dog. I used to show a German Shepherd and decided to get a dog I could "show myself" .. Zoe (my Cairn) had other ideas and I ended up needing to have either her breeders or a professional handler spin her around in the ring.

Anyway, I had to leave Zoe with her handler so she could take her for a couple of weeks to some distant dog shows. I felt absolutely horrible about it. I drove her to a show to meet the handler. Gave her over to the handler and walked away quickly. I had tears streaming down my eyes and vowed I should not look back - otherwise I just knew I would take Zoe right back home.

I could not help myself, I just had to look back. The handler had put Zoe in an exercise pen with several other dogs. Zoe was wagging her tail and every so lively and happy looking. She did absolutely fantastic in the shows as well, which was great in one respect .. but I have to say I really would have appreciated a little depression on her part.

Zoe was even happy to go to the vets - I've never had a dog since that was simply as thrilled to be alive and with anyone as Zoe (aka Ch. Happicairn Dream on Me - none of her title points earned with me at the other end of the lead!).

Ny husband now will not leave our dogs with anyone else - so one of us is always with them. He refuses even to have a pet sitter stay in the house so we can go on vacation together. I am sure they would not mind on little bit.

Stacey