Dog seriously ill, due to go to Australia on Sunday

Agreed.

Presumably you’re going to Australia for a couple of weeks? Could you buy a new flight out - I know still an expense but if your pet insurance will pay out £1000, you could get a single leg out a week after the op and just miss the first few days?

I couldn't go, I'd want to be here so I can get them, when they're done and when they're convalescing. I wouldn't be able to enjoy myself.

I missed my old cat dying by 20 minutes as I had gone to work and stayed even though I was told I could go home. I got the call as I got off the train that she didn't make it. It was awful.

Instead of cancelling can you move the dates of the hol? I also think it sounds like the person who would be looking after your dog post-op doesn't want to.

How old is the dog? If it is so ill it would die in a month without expensive and risky operation, you may consider PTS.

(And yes, it is a rather cold option. However, considering it - and potentially refusing - will help you understand how you feel about the other options)

I couldn’t and wouldn’t go, no matter how much money I would be losing, however it’s very much a personal choice.

Could you ask the vets if they will keep your dog there after surgery? That way you know she is in the best possible place? I used to work at vets and they would sometimes do this. (For a cost obviously)

I'm guessing , but is it a splenectomy she is having?

This is such a difficult situation, I really feel
for you. Have you thought through what would happen if the dog doesn't get this operation? And also what the quality of life will be even if it is successful? Is he/she an old age and are you prolonging their life? It's a very different situation if it is a younger dog say who is getting a pretty routine operation? A very hard decision either way but just wondering what the age/stage the dog is at.

To be honest it sounds like the family member who's meant to be pet-sitting doesn't want the responsibility of calling a situation, or rehabbing a sick dog. That's harsh for you of course, but you can't really blame them for that, and I think that means that you can't go, because there's no-one to look after the dog.

I'm really sorry OP. Can you move dates, using the pet insurance?

Best of luck to furry paws 🐾

How old is the dog? What’s the operation?

I know you've probably already thought of this but can you change the dates of your trip? I realise that would obviously cost £££ but worth finding out if it would be less than you'd otherwise lose? Just a thought

I couldn't leave my dog with anyone else to go through this on their own. Cancel the holiday, you won't enjoy it for worrying anyway.

You've just posted everything I was going to say, I couldn't leave mine as she's my shadow.

I just knew as soon as I clicked on this that the animal-haters would be along to say this nonsense

Oh OP what a rubbish situation for you 😩 Is there anyway that you could get a not fit to travel sick note from GP to claim on your insurance?!

Being realistic though here

If you did go, it would be “a wasted trip” anyway

From Sunday through to the day of the OP you won’t be able to relax or enjoy yourself as you’ll be worrying about doggo.

If anything happened you’d feel horrendous.

If doggo is absolutely fine which we all hope will be, you’ll probably still have a crappy holiday as you’ll be wanting to see them and be there for the recovery.

Really awful timing 🥺 sell the holiday at a discount?

What a terrible situation. I'd have to stay personally. How old is your dog? Mine is very senior and I wouldn't put her through an operation at her age and let her suffer through the recovery (if she made it). Is there any possibility that the vet can bring the operation forward? EDIT -sorry, I read as you fly next Sunday, not this. Changing the day obviously makes no difference in that case.

I wouldn't go. Gutting I know. But I wouldn't. The timing isn't great but then that's not the dogs fault. Not only would I not want to leave my dog, I'd never expect another person to take care of them after the op. That's a whole different responsibility that's very difficult and not what was agreed to. I just couldn't put that on someone.

What a load of shit

A holiday can be done again at a later date. Even if you loose the money in a few years time you can save for it again. Your dog needs you it's an absolute no brainer, there is no way you can go.

Australia will always be there.

Gutting as it is, I think you should try to sell the holiday at a discount so you get some money back on it, you'll need the money to put towards the vet bills which will be large. You will also be there for your dog, I'm sure it would be better for the dog to have her owner there during recovery.

Good luck and so sorry. That's rotten timing.

I don't think I could go if it were me. I couldn't live with the guilt if my dog didn't make it plus my dog is attached to my arse 24/7 so I'd feel extra bad leaving her when she's ill

I’m not a dog owner but this comment made me sad.

I would absolutely go. I hope your dog is ok.