Dog seriously ill, due to go to Australia on Sunday

[77788r]

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

Dogs pine for their owners, who they have formed strong bonds with, so an ill dog will need them even more.

His owner (co owner) will be there.

Why do I always assume dogs to be male? Is this dog m or f? Not that it matters apart from addressing dog correctly.

And the dog is potentially dying

If you cannot cancel without penalty I would go. Pay whatever it will cost to keep the dog boarding at the vets till you come back. It is already costing a fortune.
Or, harden your heart. Accept that animals die. Save the op costs

I’d do the same, @Frogss Our dog is 11 and if DH were there to look after him, I’d go. As he’s older, we’re at the stage where we feel that he’s had a good life and we can accept what will be, will be, iyswim.

With a 75% chance that your Ddog will pull through, I think she’ll be fine, OP. 💐

even if I went I wouldn’t be able to enjoy myself so I wouldn’t go. And pets to me can be just as important as a person, I know my pets are.

I don't understand why your partner is not encouraging you to go ,and reassuring you, your shared dog will be absolutely fine with him.
Unless ofcourse you don't have a great relationship with him ,and he's a bit of a twat .

Also thinking that your partner is not encouraging you to go ,and reassuring you dog will be ok with him , because he's actually pissed of your going without him.
I find it odd your off on a two week holiday for a major birthday without your partner.
Unless ofcourse your not in a great place together relationship wise,which would explain him not encouraging you to go and not reassuring you he will take the greatest care of your dog

So OP hasnt been back to clarify why her partner was described as a 'relative' and 'family member', nor to explain what the partners issue is with her going on the holiday (despite posters making huge assumptions about the reasoning), nor to describe more details of anything.

For me there would be no question. My dog is my friend, he's always there no matter what. Through everything I can rely on him, I would cancel everything to be with him at his time of need. I know he'd do the same for me.
It just wouldn't be a question. It's only money, this is a living being who is bonded to you.
I wouldn't enjoy this holiday anyway.

Your partner will be with the dog. Go and make the best of your trip.

Some pets are a lot better to have in your life than a person.

Very difficult situation you're in OP. I can’t offer advice as I’d be as unsure as you. All the best for your beloved pet.

That poster has probably never heard of Blackfriars Bobby or Hachiko whose loyalties can bring me to tears.

I'd go to Australia

Can you find a vet that could do the operation quickly?
I’d contact other vets and the vet hospital.
there is no way you could enjoy a holiday leaving your dog.

Maybe be put on a cancellation list if a sooner date becomes available

Oh no that’s absolutely awful 😢 and I don’t think I personally could go in those circumstances.
However , this can be discussed between you , your vet and the person who would look after your dog ( if you were still to take this trip away to Australia) .
This person could be left having to make a very difficult decision when you’re away if your dogs health declines suddenly

While my was loyal and reliable, I also know that he’d be off to whoever had a bit ham once he’d spotted it. But that’s cocker spaniels for you 🤣

Sorry to hear about your dog. I hope they are doing ok. Is it a package deal or did you book things individually? If it's a package, see if you can move it. If you booked things individually, see if you can change the dates or have free cancellation on anything at this stage. It's your choice ultimately and you're in a horrible dilemma.

If your partner would want what is best for you, he would say: "go on your big trip, I got this"

I reckon some stuff going on between you and partner?

(Or maybe not. I also holiday solo as partner wants to be at home, no interest in holidays, but I do)

Your post ended up on my timeline so I joined to make some suggestions.

1. Can the dog's surgery be postponed until your return? (Or could the vet move it up to before the trip?)
2. If the dog's surgery cannot be postponed, does your vet offer boarding?
3. If the vet does not offer boarding, would they or one of their skilled employees (like a tech) be willing to board them privately at their home?
4. If none of the above, does the vet know anyone who house sits or privately boards who would have skilled nursing experience?

Both 2 & 3 would be more likely to notice complications occurring than you would anyway. It's hard to know what to suggest without knowing the emergency and the age/breed/general health of the dog.

Good luck. This is one of those damned if you do, damned if you don't situations.

Absolutely appalling advice

If you don’t go, you’ve lost thousands on the holiday and surgery.

If you go, you’ve only lost money on the surgery.

If I had someone to look after my dogs, I’d go. If I didn’t, I’d obviously stay.

@Tryingtokeepgoing Our Pom mix is the same, he does love us, but will easily attach himself to other people.