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Dog seriously ill, due to go to Australia on Sunday

384 replies

77788r · 31/01/2025 20:07

My dog has become seriously ill in just a few days, she's having an operation on Wednesday next week and we've been told there's a 75% chance of success of her surviving the operation. If she doesn't have the operation she would likely have less than a month to live.

I am due to fly to Australia on Sunday for 2 weeks. The holiday cost me thousands. The travel insurance won't cover a cancellation or change in dates for a pet, and the pet insurance will cover £1000 which is better than nothing.

I feel devastated. It is a huge sum of money, I've saved up and done so much planning and preparation and I feel sick at the thought of it just going to waste. It was for a big birthday. The operation is also thousands of pounds, so this whole situation is costing nearly 6 months of salary for me. I also feel sick at leaving my dog, not knowing what the outcome of the surgery is gonna be or knowing if it's the last time I'll see her. I've spoken to family and friends who think I should go, aside from the family member who would be looking after her while I was away - they said it would be wrong for me to go and they would never consider going themselves.

I don't think I'll go but it hurts so much, I'm so upset at the timing of it all

OP posts:
StarDolphins · 31/01/2025 21:49

Pumpkinpie1 · 31/01/2025 21:43

Go on your holiday . I don’t understand the dilemma

You don’t understand the dilemma? Why not have another read but if its still too much for you to understand, a much loved pet that is seriously ill needs their owner but the owner has saved a spent a fortune on a much needed trip.

Hope you understand.

Motherrr · 31/01/2025 21:47

Arrgh you poor thing, what crap timing. I hope your doggie is OK.

Initially I thought you should go, but would you really enjoy the holiday if you're worried sick? Plus if anything happened to your dog you would want to know you were there for them in their time of need

The frustration and annoyance at losing the holiday is raw now but years down the line you probably won't care. But you will be grateful to look back and say you always did the best by your doggie.

Really tough decision xxx

TankFlyBossW4lk · 31/01/2025 21:45

Dear Op, what a terrible situation for you to be in.

I would advise you to go. Honestly, your partner is with your pet and I just think it might be better for your mental health to be on holiday during this difficult period. If your dog passes, then be safe in the knowledge that you left no stone unturned and loved him/her completely.

Inastatus · 31/01/2025 21:43

TheBoysAndTheBallet · 31/01/2025 20:15

I'd still go. It's a pet not a person. As long as someone is looking after it, it doesn't really make any difference whether you're there or not.

@TheBoysAndTheBallet I hope you don’t have any pets!

Pumpkinpie1 · 31/01/2025 21:43

Go on your holiday . I don’t understand the dilemma

Londonrach1 · 31/01/2025 21:43

What awful timing. Sorry I couldn't go. I couldn't enjoy the trip whilst worrying and if the worse happened I'd what to be there telling them I loved them. Sorry that's just me. Can you change the dates, resell the holiday....

Pinkissmart · 31/01/2025 21:42

77788r · 31/01/2025 20:41

It's this Sunday. The relative who would be looking after her is also her owner as well (my partner). I have no idea how you sell a holiday at this short notice but I'll have a look online

I feel so angry. I have lost so much lately - having this trip to look forward to and my dog are the only things keeping me going

Thus is a pretty big drip feed.

StarDolphins · 31/01/2025 21:41

TheBoysAndTheBallet · 31/01/2025 20:15

I'd still go. It's a pet not a person. As long as someone is looking after it, it doesn't really make any difference whether you're there or not.

‘It’🙄 op clearly said ‘she’. Also, to an animal lover or even someone who cares for their pet, it really does make a difference if the dogs owner is there.

Op, I couldn’t leave my dog but it’s a really hard decision and I hope everything works out for you.

Eenameenadeeka · 31/01/2025 21:41

Really odd to refer to your partner as a relative like it's an extended family member helping you out, it's your partners dog too. I think id still go.

Cloudysky81 · 31/01/2025 21:39

I’d definitely go.
75% is pretty good odds really.
You staying wont affect its survival chances.

allthemiddlechildrenoftheworld · 31/01/2025 21:39

@77788r I think I would just say bugger it and cancel the holiday. doesnt matter if you dont get your money back. the dog is a member of your family and will be looking for you when they wake up after surgery.

Shessweetbutapsycho · 31/01/2025 21:36

77788r · 31/01/2025 20:41

It's this Sunday. The relative who would be looking after her is also her owner as well (my partner). I have no idea how you sell a holiday at this short notice but I'll have a look online

I feel so angry. I have lost so much lately - having this trip to look forward to and my dog are the only things keeping me going

I’d go. It’s sad timing but the dog will be with someone who cares about them and the odds of recovery are pretty good?

JoyousGreyOrca · 31/01/2025 21:35

Six months salary is a lot of money. And there are is no guarantee that you will be able to do this holiday again. I would go.

harriethoyle · 31/01/2025 21:33

@77788r i really hope DDog pulls through regardless of your decision. All paws here crossed.

AlertBrickBear · 31/01/2025 21:33

My dog has recently had a sarcoma removed from a front leg. If it helps to have some idea of what the process and recovery might be like, feel free to PM me or I can answer questions here.

What I would say is that making sure the wound recovery goes well (which is the first important part) for up to two weeks can be quite a job and involve somebody making sure that they’re being watched all the time, or that they’re wearing a cone / inflatable / clothing.

I’m sorry you’re going through this, whatever you decide I think is reasonable, but I do understand the feelings.

Whotenanny · 31/01/2025 21:32

If your dog is being looked after by its other owner and there's a 75% chance of success? Of course I'd be going on that holiday. Give your dog a big hug before you go, and in all likelihood you'll be giving it a big hug hello upon your return.

Edited to add: I hope the operation goes well!

justthatreallyagain · 31/01/2025 21:32

Have you checked with the airlines and hotels separately to see if they can rearrange? Even if you booked through travel agent the airline might permit a change / I recently changed Australian flights for £300. Hotels usually permit 24hr cancellation.

Nimle77 · 31/01/2025 21:32

Sorry your dog is unwell , is the operation something that could be put back a few weeks until you return? Providing the Dog isn't in pain of course. Wishing your dog a speedy recovery 🙏

ToKittyornottoKitty · 31/01/2025 21:31

harriethoyle · 31/01/2025 21:30

For you, perhaps. I think you’ve imbibed too much. Time to put the glass down.

You are actually bonkers, I love it but there is zero point to your comments. Enjoy the wine!

harriethoyle · 31/01/2025 21:30

ToKittyornottoKitty · 31/01/2025 21:29

Well of course 😅 but you said ‘but I’m not the one’ like I was talking to you, and like I’d said something horrible about the dog. Neither of which are true, so what’s your comment even about? Friday night vino?

For you, perhaps. I think you’ve imbibed too much. Time to put the glass down.

PixieLaLar · 31/01/2025 21:30

This reply has been deleted

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ToKittyornottoKitty · 31/01/2025 21:29

harriethoyle · 31/01/2025 21:28

Why would you know who i am? This is a public discussion forum!! 🤣🙈

Well of course 😅 but you said ‘but I’m not the one’ like I was talking to you, and like I’d said something horrible about the dog. Neither of which are true, so what’s your comment even about? Friday night vino?

Sharptonguedwoman · 31/01/2025 21:29

Find someone lovely to look after your dog and go.

BurgundyZero · 31/01/2025 21:28

You'll feel terrible either way but I couldn't personally go. Your baby needs you.

harriethoyle · 31/01/2025 21:28

ToKittyornottoKitty · 31/01/2025 21:27

Not sure who you are or where you fit into this. I’ve not been even a tiny bit vile about OPs pet… such a random comment.

Why would you know who i am? This is a public discussion forum!! 🤣🙈