That would be a good idea but am thinking providing the vertigo stays away (touching wood) would like to go to Portugal as it is one country I haven't been to.
Do you not have any friends that could take your dog for a while or even a good neighbour that would pop round a few times a day to feed and take for short walks.
Maybe you should try just going for a long weekend first and see how you get on. You're not likely to enjoy a full week abroad if you're feeling guilty and worried.
Based on what you've said, I think you'd be better having a U.K. holiday with mr Harv. There must be loads of places in Britain you've never been to - how about the north of Scotland?
When I left him with the pet-sitter - I got a post-mortem about him - how he run away (in an enclosed area) - wouldn't come back this and the other. I thought she was trained for that.
You've lost me a bit with the whole braking / stopping his legs thing...
You didn't mention going with friends up to now. You can either find a good kennel and struggle with your guilt, take the dog and risk annoying your friends or accept that a holiday isn't really practical for you at the moment.