Please Don't Let Him Think He's Being Abandoned Again!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

On Monday morning, I'll be taking Jackdoodle to the Veterinary Specialty Clinic, where he will finally undergo the intradermal skin testing that I've been putting off for 14 months now. It has to be done; the autoimmune disease that causes his problems only gets worse, and it can become life-threatening without treatment. There is no cure, but hopefully we can manage it and give him a decent life. The best way to do that is to first find out exactly what is causing his flare-ups. And it has to be done in the "off-season." Since the procedure involves general anesthetic, he will have to stay all day, in an indoor "run". I have never left Jack anywhere besides the groomers for 2 hours, and even there, he really doesn't want to go in back without me. How am I going to leave him? He will have his blanket, and the pillow I sleep on, and whatever garment I sleep in the night before. I hope that will be enough to comfort him. But I am so afraid he is going to think he's being abandoned again.
It was almost exactly three years ago that he was abandoned, left in a place that will seem very similar to him, I'm afraid, and even at the same time of year. The people who had purchased him from the pet store, with whom he spent the first year of his life, dumped him in a non-kill shelter, in an indoor run, and walked away forever. He was then taken to a clinic, where he was anesthetized & neutered. And then back to lie in his cage afterwards. At first, he must have thought they were coming back for him...but they never did. I am so afraid that this is going to seem horribly familiar to him. I am so afraid that he's going to be in terror that he's lost his home and family again.
It will only be the one day, and then he'll be back here again. But it's going to be the longest, hardest day of his life. Will it be enough that he has his blanket, and things with my scent on them? Does he know that I love him too much to ever ever leave him? I hope so, but I don't know, and I am crying as I write this, thinking of how frightened he'll be, how lost & alone again. I have been crying over this image for 14 months...I couldn't even make the appointment without breaking down on the phone. Now that the day is almost here, I am terrified for him. And I need to get a grip on this before I bring him in Monday, or I'm going to stress him out even worse.
So I am asking Whoever Watches Over Big Shaggy Goofball Doodles to please, please, let Jackdoodle not be afraid, and please let him know that I am coming back for him at the end of the day, that I love him with all my heart and would never leave him, no matter what. And if anyone reading this happens to have a free moment on Monday to think of Jackdoodle and send him a little strength, it will be much appreciated. By both of us.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

We're home, he's groggy & cling-y but he's OKAY!!!!!
And he is allergic to nine million things, including my cat. Mold & dust mites, I can fight, but maple trees?
Will update later. Thank you all a million times, YOU DID IT !!!! YOU GOT US THROUGH THIS!
DK CAN DO ANYTHING!

[Cam & Oski]

Oski & I are sending you cyberhugs & wet slurpy kisses today! Jackdoodle will be snoozling happily dreaming of chasing squirrels & romping in the snow, his toes twitching in dreamworld. Go Jack go!! :)

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

SENDING RELAXING, SOOTHING CALM THOUGHTS WEST TO ILLINOIS. WARM ATLANTIC OCEAN BREEZES BATHE YOU BOTH IN SEA AND SALT. CALM WAVES BREAK ON THE SAND OVER AND OVER. BREATHE IN, BREATHE OUT. LET THE LOVE OF YOUR FRIENDS WASH OVER YOU. RELAX...RELAX. HUG A LARGE, GOOFY DOODLE, WHISPER YOU LOVE HIM, FEEL THE "SIGH" AND BE CALM. DOODLEHUGS AND DOODLEKISSES COMING TO YOU BOTH FROM THE UNIVERSE AND ME!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

He's having some trouble right now understanding why he isn't getting any food or water...or his usual treat for going out in the yard. Thanks again for all your support, and please keep that positive energy coming!

[Adina P]

Will be thinking of Jackdoodle today! I'm positive you have increased his confidence and trust that he will do great!

[Belinda Stevens]

I for sure will say a little pray for Jackdoodle tomorrow.... and one for you too.

[Minders]

Hope you and Jack both feel the positive thoughts being sent from Cananda.

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

Karen - My Friend, I love you and JACKDOODLE KNOWS YOU LOVE HIM! Period. You are doing right by him and he KNOWS that. He also KNOWS you WILL BE BACK FOR HIM. I am here for you, as are all your FRIENDS here on DK. I will be sending everything I have out into the Universe for sanity and peace for you. Jack will be fine. The blanket and pillow will reassure him and we are here to reassure you. I am home all day tomorrow, here for you! My friend!

[Teresa]

Nicole - I love your reference to the wet kisses with restorative powers! You are so right!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

You are all so wonderful, with your kind words and support, not making me feel like a silly idiot for worrying so much! thank you so much. I am going to keep reading these uplifting comments over & over again, they really help reassure me. Thank you!