Am really shocked and sad

[888sally888]

A friend of mine has an old dog which she has left at home for 2 weeks. She went away on Saturday and asked me the Thursday before if I could let her out for a wee and a walk on the Saturday & Sunday and then a neighbour would do the same for the other 12 days.

Poor thing - left alone so much - I was horrified. So I picked her up yesterday and am having her till next saturday because I go away on the sunday.

The neighbour wont have her in his house so she will be alone all of next week.

She is having a lovely time with me and Pickles - 2 walks a day and lots of love. She is so sweet and lovely and I feel so sad for her.

I know my friend loves her but there is no way I could have left her like this.

Am I being a big softy or do you agree with me?

[lilacben]

I do hope you find somewhere for her to go next week. How can anyone do that. I would never leave my two home alone for 1 day and night. They would be at the kennels. Although I feel so guilty when they are put into the kennels but rather that than anything else. Keep trying for her. xx

[garner]

I could never leave any of my pals, not even for the day.I have a very good relative who comes and stays for the day and when it comes to hols, dogs go with us and the cats and g/pigs are with my relative in our house.She adores animals and because she lost her beloved dog three years ago could not go through it all again, so she likes this idea.I did try to tempt her to get another dog but it was no use she was just too upset.She spoils the cats rotten,all the treat tins are empty when we come back,but I would rather have it that way.

[888sally888]

Am so upset - cant get anyone to have her next week. Am in tears now and so sad.

[shaneystar2]

I would willingly have her for you sally if you are near me in Norfolk ! Since I lost my old boy I would willingly look after anyones dog for them .We never went anywhere unless we knew Shaney was looked after properly .I think you are very kind.Don't upset yourself or you will start me off xx

[888sally888]

Unfortunately I am in Hertfordshire but thank you so much for the kind offer.

My husband has suggested we leave her here next week as the decorator (a dog lover) will be here most of the week and I have a good friend who would walk her and pop in to visit.

[lilacben]

If there is anyone who reads this comes from your area prehaps they will let you know. there must be someone out there.?? if not that is a good idea your husband had, that at least is better than nothing.. But fingers crossed someone will come forward. Please!!!!!!!!!!

[888sally888]

Thank you all for your help and support x

[ethanryan]

hi sally i really hope you find someone. it isnt nice for them to be left alone. i dont have dogs but i have a parrot and my sons rabbit. even when we go away for the weekend, the bird n rabbit go to my moms cause they are used to people being around and the rabbit is used to cuddles in the morning, and my toddler chasing her round the place.
good luck x

[LoftyLottie]

Do you know the neighbours who will be looking after her next week. If so, can you express your concerns and have a chat with them. Perhaps they could take her in like you have done if you explain how happy and content the poor dog has been. Or perhaps they know of another neighbour who would be willing?

If it can't be resolved then at least you know the dog is being fed, walked and let out for a wee. She might be lonely, but it won't be for too long.

I would be upset as well. Knowing me I probably would put off going away myself! (I am not suggesting you do that).

You have done your very best Sally.

xxxx

[andrea81]

I have to say that we have a dog and we always go on a caravan holiday with the purpous of taking him with us. But on a number of occasions we have had to take him to a vet on holidays as he always beomes ill, our vet thinks its a nervous condition and that he is ill through being unsettled!

So we took him to a kenel for us to go away for a week and we ended up coming home early as he became ill and refused food! (The kennel owner even tried chicken!)

The only think we can do now is go on our hols for no more than a week and have my parents and neighbour pop in 3 times a day for walk, wee and feeding. And he's a happy chappy!

This does seem odd I know, but it work for him!

[LoftyLottie]

Reading Andrea's reply, I would agree that the dog will at least be in its own home surroundings and probably less stressed than being in a kennel (especially as she is old and may not be used to ever being in kennels).

I would stear clear of trying to find somebody else to look after the dog in their own home though. It could cause a lot of problems if her owners were not aware of the situation and if anything happened to the dog you could find yourself in a very sticky situation!

Try not to worry too much. You know at least that the dog is safe and it's only short term. Have a good holiday.

xx

[888sally888]

Thank you lottie & andrea for your very helpful and honest replies.

You are so right and have helped me get things in prospective.

Emma is very old so I think as you say, she would be better in her own home. When I take her home on Saturday, I will arrange to meet the neighbour and discuss how worried I have been and ask if he could pop in a lot or ask another nice neighbour to help.

I just have to think that she has had a good week with me and thats all I can do.

Thank you so much once again x