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

No way would I be able to go. I could not enjoy a holiday while worrying about my dog and what if, God forbid, she dies while you are away? I would never forgive myself for not being there with her at the end

But I’m not the one being utterly vile about a sick beloved pet. You reap what you sow.

I'm sorry to hear about your pup. My girl had a tumour removed a couple of weeks ago. She has spent most of her recovery time on my knee or sleeping in her basket next to my desk. She's been with my partner for cuddles too, but she's more attached to me as I do the food. If we had your situation and a poorly doggie needing an operation, we wouldn't be getting on that plane.

If your partner is at home, I'd go. It seems like he's laying a guilt trip on you.

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.

👏👏

Obviously there would be more than that 🙄

So your partner is looking after the dog?

Go on the holiday.

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

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

Find someone lovely to look after your dog and go.

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.

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

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 🙏

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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?

@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.

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