To shut my dog in the garden for the day?

I would be worried about a heatwave, no shady spot is going to help your dog if theres a heatwave x

I would be booking another sitter, its just one day. Or puppy pads for toileting and buy a food dispenser.

You really need to organise the dog’s vaccine boosters, especially as you live rurally.

Personally, I’d use the available dog sitter, regardless of cost. It’s all part and parcel of owning a dog. Could they visit once during the day then your brother come over after work?

I didn’t realise it was Scotland, sorry. For most of the UK we have very high temperatures planned.

Agreed. There was also less cars on the road. We and our dogs in the 70’s would be out all day. Doesn’t mean I’d do the same now with either my DCs or dogs! My DCs are in their 20’s but you get the gist.

In 18 degrees in Scotland? Don’t be silly.

This is not normal. Just because your dog has separation anxiety doesn’t mean OP’s does. Mine is very happy to snooze quietly on his own for three or four hours.

Options before leaving him in the garden are

1. finding someone to help on Facebook.
2. paying for the expensive dog sitter.

more for your own peace of mind.

@BennyBee When I was a kid, everyone in our entire neighbourhood who had a dog (about half) would let them out onto the street in the morning and they didn't come back until tea time. Our lovely little mutt would paw at the back gate about 6pm and come in for dinner and a cuddle on the couch after. People are bonkers about dogs now and treat them as if they are children.

In fairness, you could say the same for how children used to be treated versus now. We've learned more about safety and risk and emotional care. Has it gone too far? Perhaps. But it is what it is, and harking back to the past is rarely the right thing to do.

@WordsFailMeYetAgain
@poppy10101

OP has now found someone to dog sit for her.

Glad you found a solution OP. All the best for your tests.

This would worry me, my dog would sunbathe (even with access to plenty of shade) and end up with heat stroke or worse.

Well said, OP. Some people must just be trolling for outrage.

When I was a kid, everyone in our entire neighbourhood who had a dog (about half) would let them out onto the street in the morning and they didn't come back until tea time. Our lovely little mutt would paw at the back gate about 6pm and come in for dinner and a cuddle on the couch after. People are bonkers about dogs now and treat them as if they are children.

A dog on its own in the garden with food, water and shade is living the life of Reilly!

OP on the other hand has a serious medical emergency that some idiotic people can't seem to find any empathy for. Tsk.

There is always someone home. If we need to go out for longer my PIL live over the road and will take her.

@WordsFailMeYetAgain

how do you go to work? Have a night out? Do a supermarket shop even??

My dog would be frantic even after 1 hour alone. Maybe yours will be different but I think you need to look at the more expensive dog care. Is there a local Facebook group that can help or borrow my doggy?

it sounds like you have thought of everything and have your dog’s best interest at heart. However, for your own peace of mind, pay for the expensive dog walker. Chalk it up as another expense as a result of your procedure. Then relax on the day, knowing your dog is in good hands. And good luck.

Hope it goes well on Thursday OP, and that you get some good news. 🤞💐

OP can post anonymously in most local groups and just give a rough idea of the area. Then if she finds someone, she can just pm them with her address.

Pets are creatures of habit. If the op stuck the dog outside every day from 8am tip 8pm yes it would also be cruel but it'd what the dog was used to.

When they are used to at least some human interaction they become distressed when things change. They become distressed and confused.

Yes good that the <allergic to dogs> sil is stepping in.

‘The dog will have food, water, shade, room for toileting, and a garden it enjoys spending time in.’
Well, quite. Honestly I’m so surprised so many people on here seem to think this plan is something akin to cruelty 😅 I see you’ve now got a solution by way of your sister in law but I couldn’t see much of an issue with a one off as your original plan, with no other options and given the reason why you were to be out.
best of luck with everything op.

Ignore those saying pay the expensive sitter. In real life I bet there’s no way they would fork out £250. Also there are some really privileged people on here too with more money than sense!

@CarmellaSopranosKitchen

the dog has shade it’ll be fine

Phone the Cinnamon Trust, they have people all over the country that will help people with their pets in circumstances like above.
personally I’d never leave my dog outside under any circumstance, the weather is about to change to another heatwave etc. you’re dog needs to be left inside and if possible get someone to pop in. I’ve also got a little camera in my lounge so that I can keep an eye on my dog for my own peace of mind.

OP you have my sympathies and I'm sorry your plan fell through with the original sitter. Glad to hear family have come to the rescue but totally understandable you were conflicted about what to do.

I also live alone with a dog and absolutely rely on the local daycare being in business and my mum in order to go to work and other things where dogs aren't permitted.

I am even considering using another local walker in addition to daycare for no reason. just to keep another option warm if you know what I mean, so that in a pinch I have a third option.

In your shoes I still would have had reservations about getting a random stranger from an internet site to look after your dog alone. I just think the worst - this is how sick animal abusers would gain access to animals unsupervised. I wouldn't do it with a child (if I had one) and I reeealllllyyy wouldn't want do it with my dog. It is really tough when you lead a solitary life sometimes and I sympathise.

Best wishes for Thursday 💐

OP, he sounds like he enjoys his garden normally, so don't be worrying. It's one day of him hanging out in his favourite place, with snacks and water. I'd love a day like that lol. He'll snooze, and as it's summer, it'll still be bright when you get back.

He'll be totally fine, and if he does feel it's a bit long, then he'll be even happier to see you when you get home, and you'll get loads of slobbery kisses.
Look after yourself, and don't stress about him.