leaving puppy while we go on vacation - YorkieTalk.com Forums

msnyder5 · 07-19-2005, 07:31 PM

I am nervous because we are leaving Bella for the first time when we go on vacation to the beach for a week. I was able to get her in at a our vet clinic because I am related to the administator. They don't normally board. I am worried because I don't want her to be depressed while we are gone. She is six months. She had surgery at the clinic a few weeks ago and I am sure she remembers me leaving her there before. I hope they will give her love and attention. I can't take her along because our condo is no pets. I will miss her dearly. Plus I bet she will relapse on her potty training and she is already not doing as well as I'd like her to be. Ever since we started caging her this summer while we go swim everyday she has been having accidents. Any suggestions?

whispersmom2 · 07-19-2005, 07:40 PM

Is there anyone that you know and trust who could keep her? I am reluctant to board an animal where they will be in such close contact with sick dogs.. Is there any YT member who is close? If you must board her there, I would try to take her there for a 1 night sleepover before the actual time. I know you said she had surgery there so she might have issues but you might find she does fine..It is so hard to leave our children, huh??

kelley · 07-19-2005, 08:10 PM

She has some good ideas. I don't board mine when we leave. If someone cannot watch them, we don't go. My mom or a family member takes mine to their home while we leave. At a vet's office, they are probably going to be in a cage the majority of the time.

PinkMartini · 07-19-2005, 09:55 PM

I've had to leave both of my dogs home when I've gone on vacation, twice so far, but I've had a friend come over to watch them while we were gone. I agree, I don't think I'd board my dogs at the vets, I've seen how small those cages are. Not to mention how dirty that place must be with all of the sick animals... I guess if it's a last resort type of thing, but I'd be hesitant

Marie · 07-19-2005, 10:29 PM

If is the only solution for you to leave her at the vets I think what Whisper'smom suggested will be a good idea. I can only imagine how hard is going to be to leave Bella. Good luck. I hope you have a great vacation and that everything works out for you and Bella.

Yorkie Owned · 07-20-2005, 06:32 AM

I had to board a sheltie one time while we went on vacation- I will NEVER board a pet like that again. Not that they didn't take care of him, but it was not the "home environment" that he was use to. When we picked him up 6 days later it so obvious that he had lost quit a bit of weight, he had like 4 different bald patches on him that we had to have the vet treat- the vet said they were was caused from stress. He didn't act like himself for about 2-3 weeks- he was depressed.... poor baby. After that one time I have always found a home to babysit for them while we are gone if they can't go with us.

yorkiegal719 · 07-20-2005, 06:34 AM

Vacations are a dilemma! I'm not crazy about you leaving them at the vet's either. There are a lot of bad memories associated there. The other thing is if they really are not set up for kenneling, then she probably will be in the cage the majority of the day, even though they may take her out to be up front but then she is exposed to sick dogs coming in. Over here, the same goes, if they can't come with us we just don't go. Have you talked to the condo association and explained, they just might make an exception...

lynette · 07-20-2005, 07:11 AM

What about a doggie daycare? It seems like there are more around everyday.

Benemac · 07-20-2005, 07:27 AM

Hi... I'm new to this site -- in fact, this is my first post -- but in reading posts just to see what this site was all about, I saw yours and wanted to reply. I wish I had words of advice for you, but I'm in the same boat -- I'm leaving my "baby" for the first time next week and I'm a nervous wreck. I've only left her twice before, and both times it was with her "god parents" so she was very comfortable. This time, we're actually going away with them so we had to find some other place to leave her. One of the woman who works for me operates a pet babysitting service and she offered to take her. I really don't know this woman well -- she's new -- and Lexi has never met her at all. I've heard horror stories about how miserable Yorkies are when they are left, and how depressed they become and it's making me so sad, I almost don't want to go (although I know that's crazy.) It would be helpful to hear from those of you who have had success with it.
Anyway, I do hope you have a good vacation and your puppy does OK at the vets.

atm2004sheila · 07-20-2005, 08:06 AM

I've gone out of town twice since I got Alley. He has been boarded both times. He actually loves it. I distiguished a difference between the groomer as "beauty parlor and spa"; the vet as "the doctor who takes care of sick babies" and boarding as "vacation". The vet is where he is boarded, same place, same people. But, I talk up "vacation" to him and make a big deal out of "packing his suitcase" complete with toys, food, phone numbers, blankets etc.

Yes, they think I'm crazy but who cares since I am crazy about my little one?!

KirbyFiFi · 07-20-2005, 08:33 AM

I had to leave Kirby for 6 days before and he's boarded at a doggy day-care center so he's not in kennel all day - he gets to play with other dogs from 7 a.m to 6 p.m. everyday and then sleep in a huge kennel at night. I brought his bed, lots of toys, chew bones and his favorite blankie.
I think he enjoyed it. I can tell he likes playing with other dogs. All the dogs that go to daycare have to go through pre-screening (make sure they have current shots, not sick, not aggresive, can get along with other dogs, etc...).
The daycare center also took pictures everyday and posted on their website so I can check it out anywhere I go (if I can get internet access). I know some daycare centers have web-cams.
I know how hard it is to leave your baby while you 'try' to have fun on a vacation. I hope you can find a place you can trust to take care of your baby.

Tuck'smom · 07-20-2005, 08:43 AM

I just got back after leaving Tuck for about 8 days but he was able to stay at home with my son. Though my son works all day like I do, at least he was there with him to sleep and play with in the evenings. He was fine, needed a bath and some tlc of course, my son is 17 and still needs some work on his own grooming... but other than that, he was just fine. Boy, what a reception I got when I got home - the kisses wouldn't stop coming. Then, I came down with a horrible virus - stomachy thing and was unable to return to work until today so Tuck and I actually had a couple extra days home together even though I was unable to really enjoy them...
I think finding someone you know and trust is always the best option, but we do what we can, I got lots of great support from my thread "I don't want to go on vacation!!!!"
Best of luck!
Dana

atm2004sheila · 07-20-2005, 08:44 AM

I wish we had a doggy day care close to New Orleans. I know there are boarders, but a day care?!!! I would love to "treat" Alley to a play day when I'm at work!

Deegan's mom · 07-20-2005, 08:49 AM

I am feeling the same way about my vacation, even though it's not until November. But now that I have Deegan, I don't even want to go anymore.
I will go, and it will be hard, but I will NOT board my little guy at all. He will stay with my parents because he's used to them and their house.

I would feel horrible having a good time on a tropical island while he is stuck in a tiny cage with stangers all around, and other barking dogs surrounding him. It's just too much stress for him.

And especially since you dropped him off there for a surgery and came to pick him up a couple hours later or maybe the next day, that was probably hard enough on him let alone being left there for an entire week. He'll probaly think that you are never coming back.

I'm sorry, I don't mean to make you feel bad - but I think that if you can have someone watch him while you are gone it would be a little less stressul on him. And you wouldn't worry as much either...

FireFish · 07-20-2005, 09:23 AM

I am watching a friend's Yorkie Baby this week...she goes home today.

She was a little off her game...but mostly she as adjusted well and has loved playing with the Baby Roxy. She has come over for a day hee and there before...so she knows me and the family. She has her toys...her food...and all her personal things. Mommy only forgot her favorite blanket...but she haqs done well.

I think this is ideal...she is kept on a schedual whee she can hang out with people and other pups. She gets to sit on laps and get's talked to and taken walks.

I went on a vacation a few years ago and left my Scottie in a doggie hotel. air conditioned room with a bed, TV and 2 play 20 minute play periods a day. She loved it ....always happy to see her people. (or acted like it anyway) I could have payed for more play time outside...and there was a website with live action cam to watch/check in on her.

I worry about leaving Roxy next summer for a trip...I am figuring that one out as I type. lol

07-19-2005, 07:31 PM	#1
msnyder5 Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: ohio Posts: 36	leaving puppy while we go on vacation I am nervous because we are leaving Bella for the first time when we go on vacation to the beach for a week. I was able to get her in at a our vet clinic because I am related to the administator. They don't normally board. I am worried because I don't want her to be depressed while we are gone. She is six months. She had surgery at the clinic a few weeks ago and I am sure she remembers me leaving her there before. I hope they will give her love and attention. I can't take her along because our condo is no pets. I will miss her dearly. Plus I bet she will relapse on her potty training and she is already not doing as well as I'd like her to be. Ever since we started caging her this summer while we go swim everyday she has been having accidents. Any suggestions?

07-19-2005, 08:10 PM	#3
kelley Donating YT Addict Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Northeast Indiana Posts: 371	She has some good ideas. I don't board mine when we leave. If someone cannot watch them, we don't go. My mom or a family member takes mine to their home while we leave. At a vet's office, they are probably going to be in a cage the majority of the time. __________________ Kelley, Baxter and Chloe http://www.dogster.com/?142081 http://www.dogster.com/?147322

07-19-2005, 10:29 PM	#5
Marie Mom loves Gucci Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: New York City Posts: 6,427	If is the only solution for you to leave her at the vets I think what Whisper'smom suggested will be a good idea. I can only imagine how hard is going to be to leave Bella. Good luck. I hope you have a great vacation and that everything works out for you and Bella. __________________ Huggies, Gucci and Marie http://www.dogster.com/?132187 "I have been egged"

07-20-2005, 06:34 AM	#7
yorkiegal719 YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 603	Vacations are a dilemma! I'm not crazy about you leaving them at the vet's either. There are a lot of bad memories associated there. The other thing is if they really are not set up for kenneling, then she probably will be in the cage the majority of the day, even though they may take her out to be up front but then she is exposed to sick dogs coming in. Over here, the same goes, if they can't come with us we just don't go. Have you talked to the condo association and explained, they just might make an exception... __________________ Theresa & The Boys +1 The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue

07-20-2005, 08:06 AM	#10
atm2004sheila Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Louisiana Posts: 96	Boarding I've gone out of town twice since I got Alley. He has been boarded both times. He actually loves it. I distiguished a difference between the groomer as "beauty parlor and spa"; the vet as "the doctor who takes care of sick babies" and boarding as "vacation". The vet is where he is boarded, same place, same people. But, I talk up "vacation" to him and make a big deal out of "packing his suitcase" complete with toys, food, phone numbers, blankets etc. Yes, they think I'm crazy but who cares since I am crazy about my little one?! __________________ Alley's Mom, Sheila

07-19-2005, 07:40 PM	#2
whispersmom2 Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: MD Posts: 2,985	Is there anyone that you know and trust who could keep her? I am reluctant to board an animal where they will be in such close contact with sick dogs.. Is there any YT member who is close? If you must board her there, I would try to take her there for a 1 night sleepover before the actual time. I know you said she had surgery there so she might have issues but you might find she does fine..It is so hard to leave our children, huh??

07-19-2005, 09:55 PM	#4
PinkMartini BANNED! Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: California Posts: 1,043	I've had to leave both of my dogs home when I've gone on vacation, twice so far, but I've had a friend come over to watch them while we were gone. I agree, I don't think I'd board my dogs at the vets, I've seen how small those cages are. Not to mention how dirty that place must be with all of the sick animals... I guess if it's a last resort type of thing, but I'd be hesitant

07-20-2005, 06:32 AM	#6
Yorkie Owned YT Addict Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 277	I had to board a sheltie one time while we went on vacation- I will NEVER board a pet like that again. Not that they didn't take care of him, but it was not the "home environment" that he was use to. When we picked him up 6 days later it so obvious that he had lost quit a bit of weight, he had like 4 different bald patches on him that we had to have the vet treat- the vet said they were was caused from stress. He didn't act like himself for about 2-3 weeks- he was depressed.... poor baby. After that one time I have always found a home to babysit for them while we are gone if they can't go with us.

07-20-2005, 07:11 AM	#8
lynette Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 104	What about a doggie daycare? It seems like there are more around everyday.

07-20-2005, 07:27 AM	#9
Benemac YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 5	Hi... I'm new to this site -- in fact, this is my first post -- but in reading posts just to see what this site was all about, I saw yours and wanted to reply. I wish I had words of advice for you, but I'm in the same boat -- I'm leaving my "baby" for the first time next week and I'm a nervous wreck. I've only left her twice before, and both times it was with her "god parents" so she was very comfortable. This time, we're actually going away with them so we had to find some other place to leave her. One of the woman who works for me operates a pet babysitting service and she offered to take her. I really don't know this woman well -- she's new -- and Lexi has never met her at all. I've heard horror stories about how miserable Yorkies are when they are left, and how depressed they become and it's making me so sad, I almost don't want to go (although I know that's crazy.) It would be helpful to hear from those of you who have had success with it. Anyway, I do hope you have a good vacation and your puppy does OK at the vets.

07-20-2005, 08:33 AM	#11
KirbyFiFi Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Coralville, IA Posts: 11	Boarding at Doggy Day Care center I had to leave Kirby for 6 days before and he's boarded at a doggy day-care center so he's not in kennel all day - he gets to play with other dogs from 7 a.m to 6 p.m. everyday and then sleep in a huge kennel at night. I brought his bed, lots of toys, chew bones and his favorite blankie. I think he enjoyed it. I can tell he likes playing with other dogs. All the dogs that go to daycare have to go through pre-screening (make sure they have current shots, not sick, not aggresive, can get along with other dogs, etc...). The daycare center also took pictures everyday and posted on their website so I can check it out anywhere I go (if I can get internet access). I know some daycare centers have web-cams. I know how hard it is to leave your baby while you 'try' to have fun on a vacation. I hope you can find a place you can trust to take care of your baby. __________________ Yenny Kirby FiFi

07-20-2005, 08:43 AM	#12
Tuck'smom Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: DeBary, FL Posts: 140	I just got back after leaving Tuck for about 8 days but he was able to stay at home with my son. Though my son works all day like I do, at least he was there with him to sleep and play with in the evenings. He was fine, needed a bath and some tlc of course, my son is 17 and still needs some work on his own grooming... but other than that, he was just fine. Boy, what a reception I got when I got home - the kisses wouldn't stop coming. Then, I came down with a horrible virus - stomachy thing and was unable to return to work until today so Tuck and I actually had a couple extra days home together even though I was unable to really enjoy them... I think finding someone you know and trust is always the best option, but we do what we can, I got lots of great support from my thread "I don't want to go on vacation!!!!" Best of luck! Dana

07-20-2005, 08:44 AM	#13
atm2004sheila Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Louisiana Posts: 96	Doggy Daycare I wish we had a doggy day care close to New Orleans. I know there are boarders, but a day care?!!! I would love to "treat" Alley to a play day when I'm at work! __________________ Alley's Mom, Sheila

07-20-2005, 08:49 AM	#14
Deegan's mom YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Windsor, ON Posts: 1,271	I am feeling the same way about my vacation, even though it's not until November. But now that I have Deegan, I don't even want to go anymore. I will go, and it will be hard, but I will NOT board my little guy at all. He will stay with my parents because he's used to them and their house. I would feel horrible having a good time on a tropical island while he is stuck in a tiny cage with stangers all around, and other barking dogs surrounding him. It's just too much stress for him. And especially since you dropped him off there for a surgery and came to pick him up a couple hours later or maybe the next day, that was probably hard enough on him let alone being left there for an entire week. He'll probaly think that you are never coming back. I'm sorry, I don't mean to make you feel bad - but I think that if you can have someone watch him while you are gone it would be a little less stressul on him. And you wouldn't worry as much either... __________________ Jayde, Deegan & Trooper ~Be the change you wish to see in the world - Adopt a rescue pet~

07-20-2005, 09:23 AM	#15
FireFish Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 425	I am watching a friend's Yorkie Baby this week...she goes home today. She was a little off her game...but mostly she as adjusted well and has loved playing with the Baby Roxy. She has come over for a day hee and there before...so she knows me and the family. She has her toys...her food...and all her personal things. Mommy only forgot her favorite blanket...but she haqs done well. I think this is ideal...she is kept on a schedual whee she can hang out with people and other pups. She gets to sit on laps and get's talked to and taken walks. I went on a vacation a few years ago and left my Scottie in a doggie hotel. air conditioned room with a bed, TV and 2 play 20 minute play periods a day. She loved it ....always happy to see her people. (or acted like it anyway) I could have payed for more play time outside...and there was a website with live action cam to watch/check in on her. I worry about leaving Roxy next summer for a trip...I am figuring that one out as I type. lol