Can't get excited about trip for thinking about the dogs.

[Donna P.]

For months now, we have had reservations to go to Jamaica to celebrate my birthday. We are leaving on Monday for a week, but I just can't get excited about going because I am putting the two dogs in a kennel. I have never been seperated from Bayley for more that 6 hours in the 5 months that we have had her. I've taken them over to the kennel a couple of times and left them for a few hours during the day and I'm told that they do fine. I'm going to put them into the same large run. I just hate it. I don't want to leave them. Talk about separation anxiety.

[Robin]

I know just how you feel. We take our doodles when we take the RV out for trips. A few times a year we have to board them for other trips and I have a hard time leaving them. I always miss them and wish they could be with us. Your doodles will be fine and so happy to see you when you come home.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I know just how you feel, but we've left our guys a few times in the kennel and they did just fine.  I think it's great that you're leaving them for a few hours to get them used to it and to know that you always return for them.  Have fun!

[Lori, Rooney & Zuzu]

I think the anticipation is the worst part.  Once you are away you will be able to relax and enjoy yourself.  Can you check in with the kennel for reassurance now and then?  When we went to Hawaii, I did a lot of texting with the pet nanny we left Rooney with and it made me feel so much better.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The dogs will be fine, and they have each other. Have a wonderful time on your trip.

[Becka]

I have terrible separation anxiety when I have to leave Sadie--even if she's staying here at home and my mom comes and puppysits. Sadie, however, is just fine.

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

I felt terrible the first time we boarded Cubbie, but the place we use is a freaking doggie resort and he just loves going there because he gets to play play play all day long and is in his room at night.  Now when we go there, he starts to whine as soon as we get off the expressway because he knows where he is going.  By the time we pull into the parking lot he is pawing at the door and jumping up and down.  So I think it is harder on us that it is on them.  I'm sure you did your research before choosing a place, so just relax and enjoy your trip because your pups will be fine.

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

We just picked up Rooney & Stuart from the pet sitter's after 9 nights of being apart!  Here is the cool thing - they can't tell time or count days.  So even though I hated being apart from them for that long - THEY can't tell if it was 1 day or 20.  The crazy greeting is the same one I get if I've been gone for 2 hours.  So relax and enjoy your vacation.  I think for me it comes down to knowing that the boys LOVE the pet sitter and couldn't be in better hands.  Trusting the care giver is so important.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I just had a funny thought of a dog with a wrist watch or a calendar/appointment book. How easy would life be if we all didn't need either of those for our busy lives! Lol

[Bonnie and Kona]

Love the photo of your sweet dogs. You are doing the very best you can in taking the two to the kennel beforehand to get them acclimatized and boarding them in the same enclosure. I hope you have a wonderful vacation. I know that I have worried myself crazy before a trip but have relaxed on the vacation... I hope that happens for you.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Think of it as a vacation for them too. It's always nice to get away from the same old routine so I think they will have a great time as well. A nice change of scenery for you and smells, noises and new friends for them. Enjoy!

[Colleen, Jake & Baxter]

Hi Donna

I live about an hour from you in Manassas and I am a foster mom for the DRC.  I understand how hard it is to leave pets behind while on vacation.....not that I've had many lately with kids in college but now that the last one is almost out!