[alaskayorkie]

I started out taking mine with me on all trips because of the whole delicate flower thing, and I didn't trust strangers to watch them. But I found the traveling was difficult on them -- the flights, the car rides, the strange places to sleep, the new homes they're not allowed to pee in. ...

So now I almost always leave them at home with a friend or relative, and I find they are no worse for wear when we return. And while I miss them terribly, vacation becomes more of a vacation without them.

Kuzko should be socialized to the point where he's not so totally reliant on you. You've got till summer to train him, so find someone or a boarding facility you trust implicitly and start doing some trial runs. Have him visit with you at their place. Then have him spend the night, getting used to the new surroundings. If he does good, have him spend a couple nights to test and see if he gets anxious.

Whoever watches him should make his stay fun. Lots of treats. Lots of games. He'll need to be distracted so he doesn't realize you're not around all the time.

And don't worry about losing your little shadow. Kuzko will appreciate you even more when you return. And it's such great peace of mind knowing the dog is not stressed out when he's not around you. You never know when you might have to leave him, so teach him to trust others.