Leaving my Maltese
by Sunny
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
I need some advice and comfort. We are leaving for Europe in three weeks and can't take Maggie. She is 15 months old, and we have never been apart for more than a few hours. This may sound silly to some people, but I can barely stand the thought of it. I have been waking up at 4:00 AM every morning thinking about this. She is very attached to me too. We are probably too attached. She goes to work with me everyday, so we are always together. When I leave the office to run an errand, she cries and then lies down and won't have anything to do with anyone until I get back. They try to comfort her, but it just doesn't seem to help. She knows where I am at all times. She has flown all over the US with us and is just a great little travaler. But she can't go on this trip. I am very concerned about her welfare. My son is going to keep her for me. I am sure he will take excellant care of her. It's just her emotional state I am concerned about. I will be worried to death. Has anyone ever heard of a dog grieving themselves to death while their owners are away? What can I do to make this easier on her? Someone told me it may do her good to be away from me for awhile. Any advice or comfort will be greatly appreciated. I have been miserable over this. Sunny
DISCUSSION:
Since your trip is 3 weeks away, could you start now to have your son, or someone else, do more for her and you do a little less? She is sure to miss you, but if she gets used to being entertained and fed by someone else that would make the change easier. Unless she is already in fragile health, I bet hunger will win out. I had to board my dogs at the vet's for several weeks last spring when I had eye surgery. Spunky was only about 20 months old, and I was worried even though I knew the people there were capable and caring. At home Spunky sometimes was a finicky eater, and there were only a few other people he really liked. But he did just fine at the vets for 3 weeks. He didn't lose any weight and seemed better socialized to other people. I sometimes think the shorter absences are harder. Even though my dogs stay home while I work, Spunky cries when I go to the laundry room without him! I suspect that most dogs really do adjust when they have to.
Margy S
Hi Sunny,I can imagine your anxiety over leaving your little one. Just thought I would let you know that I was away from my Frosti for a month. My husband was with him two out of the four weeks and for the other two weeks good friends with two teenage girls kept him for us. I was so afraid he would be totally confused because of being with all these new people and my not being around at all. Well, he got along just fine and still loves me. I'm sure he did better with the changes than I did. I missed him terribly and stayed worried about him although I knew he was being well taken care of. One of the nicest things was that the people who kept him for me had a digital camera and they sent me pictures via e-mail. I think that would take a lot of pressure off of you if you could arrange it. Have a good trip and try not to worry too much. Anne G.
Anne G
Sunny, since you have a couple of weeks why not start getting a few things with your scent on it for your baby. I have two puppies - Baxter is 15 months and Bichon and Bella is 9 months Maltese. Baxter is daddy's boy and when daddy is away on business as he frequently is for up to three weeks at a time Baxter really misses him. I noticed when I was about to do laundry during one of these 3 week trips and took his bathrobe off the back of bedroom door and laid it on the bed - when I turned around Baxter had jumped up on the bed and was peacefully sleeping on the bathrobe - he looked so cute. Bella gets excited when we go to the airport to pick daddy up but nothing like Baxter - he travels in the van in one of those airline approved kennels she in her Sherpa bag. As soon as daddy opens the van door Baxter starts jumping around so violently in his excitement he has upended his crate a couple of times and it ends up on a angle between the seats. We usually load up the luggage and then let Baxter out but I cant pull away from the curb until Baxter settles down which usually is 5 minutes of face, ear, eyes and anything else he can reach licking - this usually gets Bella going and then I have to let her out of her bag so she can get some of the action too. I am sure your welcome home will be just as frantic from your baby.
Shirley
Hi Sunny--I can understand your concern. We left our oldest boy at the kennel while we took our week long vacation to Bermuda. He did not eat and cried all of the time. I am sure that your son is going to give him more love and attention than Cotton received. He will also be in a home environment as opposed to a cage. I am sure that he will be fine, but your son needs to verify that he is eating and drinking enough. You can pull up on the skin on her neck to check for dehydration. If the skin tents up and does not goes down fast, the little one is probably dehydrated. The vet can help in that situation. Your son needs to keep track of how much food he puts out and how much is left by the end of the day. I am sure that she will miss you, but having someone new playing all new games with her will take her mind off of missing mommy. You may want to sleep in the same tshirt for several days so that your smell rubs off on it. This is sure to comfort him. Cotton personally liked socks--maybe because they are extra stinky! Have fun in Europe--I am sooo jealous:-)
Georgiann and Cotton
Sunny, Im sure Maggie won't starve herself but I do understand your dilema. I know of a Malt who actually gets ill when his mommy leaves him even for a couple of days. He has all the symptoms of kennel cough, which the vet treats as such, & the day his mommy comes home, he is fine! I agree with the others, start leaving Maggie with your son now for short periods and, for sure, leave some personal articles of clothing. Enjoy your trip, Maggie & your son will probably have a wonderful time together :)
BeeGee
Sunny,as said ealier, it's a great idea to get your scent on some blankets and stuff. I have heard about a rabbit who almost greived itself to death---owner mailed some clothes of thiers to the puppy-sitter and the rabbit was fine. I'm so happy to hear that she will be with your son. I've heard many horror stories of dogs who picked up mange, diseses, and awful fleas from large-scale boarding kennels. In the future if your son is not available, I suggest getting a neighbor to care for her. That works out great, and you can usually work out a deal w/them so that you can care for thier dog when they're away and then you don't have to pay board and the dog gets GREAT care. Good luck!!! :)
Amanda
bring some of your dog's toys and the bed or anything that is familiar to him/her with to your son's house. When I got my puppy, I asked the breeder for some toys she was familiar with to ease the transition. They are still her favorite toys. Have your son visit you house and give the dog attention with you there. Then, leave for increasing periods of time with your son at your house with the dog. Then you go to your son's house and have him give the dog attention while you are there. Then go to your son's house and leave the dog with him for increasing periods of time. Try to leave the dog with your son overnight close to when you are going away. If the dog does well, it will ease your mind while you are away. If there are problems, you can work them out ahead of time. Good luck!
sue
Thanks to all for the good advice and words of comfort. My son came to visit Maggie for a day this weekend and took her to the park. He said she did not make a sound until she saw me again. She just doesn't act like a dog at all. They say I have spoiled her terribly. I know I have, but I just couldn't help it. I didn't know I would feel like this about a little dog. Thanks again for your help. I really do appreciate it. Sunny
Sunny
Aren't we lucky that we can feel this way about our dogs! Don't you pity people who won't let themselves love their dogs that way? Dogs are survivors, and yours will do fine. I am being paged to go play now.
sue
| Please bear in mind when reading topics pertaining to health issues, that most of these questions were answered by helpful Maltese owners with no formal education in veterinary medicine. When in doubt seek a professionals advice. |
|
1996-1999© Maltese Only Discussion Created by Jay Bianco All rights reserved |
