Can’t leave dog to go on holiday

[Connie5858]

Hi we are just back from Dorset where we had a lovely time in a cottage with our pampered 3 year old dog.
Our dog has been with us in holiday about five times now.
I would love to go abroad in a hotel with my husband but I don’t think I can leave my dog.
Our children are in their twenties live at home . All work various days or studying various days. And they would all look after the dog. He would never be on his own.
I can’t leave him though.
Does anyone feel the same.
I feel there is a whole world out there that I want to explore .

Your dog seems to have changed sex between your posts?

Sorry OP- but I am another one who thinks this is an issue. You have an animal that you know would be looked after by other family members and a desire to go abroad. You are currently physically able to by two t because of the dog. Don't blame the animal, it sounds like you're happy putting the (unknown) wants if a dog above yours and your partners- own that instead of pretending otherwise.

My mum used to be like this. She has literally missed her grandkids opening their presents on Christmas morning because she wouldn't come and stay one night because she wouldn't leave the dogs - drove miles and miles here and back on Christmas Day instead. It was crap (we have big family Christmases) and I can't tell you how much it hurt to come very much second after two (badly behaved) dogs. She missed out on a lot of stuff in that period of time, and we missed her, and it was in danger of really damaging our relationship.

Luckily she gave her head a wobble and will now leave them with a neighbour overnight who they love.

You've got to think - what happens if, heaven forbid, you get rushed to hospital or have to go and look after a sick relative, and you've never left your dog? Better to sort out a positive solution now and then you've got a bit more freedom. Go on bloody holiday!

All being well, your dog will live for another 10+ years. Start getting him / her used to spending time with other people, cut the cord (or dog lead) and book yourself on some luxurious dog free holidays!

My parents have a dog, and after being restricted on what they could do when they had dogs previously, are quite happy to pop her into kennels for a day (for trips that aren't dog friendly) or longer when they have breaks in the UK or abroad. No harm has come to either party so far

I am the same OP, if I can’t take my dog somewhere I don’t go...

Remember you are married to dh not ddog!! I leave 1 of mine with adult dc as kennels have banned her unfortunately.
I love all my ddogs immensely but family holidays are vital too!

Your dog seems to have changed sex between your posts?

Exactly. If you really have a dog you love that much would you forget whether it was a male or female?

She is my baby girl
But in order for my post not to be outing I change small details occasionally.
Thanks for all your replies I think I’m going to try leaving her. She is a family pet and all the family do adore her so I know she will be cared for .

I'm sure she'll be fine without you with people she knows. Try a weekend break first to see how she gets on.

But you can get her a pet passport and take her to Europe, although you may have to go by ferry and car and give up on planes - and once you get there some places are very pet friendly including hotels. I'm looking at a nice hotel In Austria which is geared to dog owners atm.

Why don't you start off by leaving her for just a couple of days to start with? You and DH go away to a lovely hotel somewhere and leave your dog with your DC . Of course you will miss her but it's probably good for you both to get used to you not always being with her.

I'm away at the moment just with DH and noticing all the dog friendly places thinking 'ooh appledog would like it here' but equally he's not a good traveller and it's nice to be able to go somewhere different from time to time.

I also don't go abroad for dog reasons. Couldn't bear to leave her, would hate it.

I much prefer nights where she sleeps cuddled into me. So much happier to go to Cornwall or Dorset than anywhere else.

Another one here who can't leave her dog!! In my defence, she's a rescue and she was so utterly unhappy in the rescue kennel that there's no way I can leave her kenneled for any length of time.

My mum has looked after her a couple of times but is getting older so can't really do walks with her (last time she had to get the neighbour to take her out).

I DO intend to try her at a doggy day care because I think she would benefit from other doggy company occasionally, but also if she likes it then I'd be much much happier to get some time without having to constantly consider her needs...

We all adore our dogs Op but we recognise that sometimes they can’t come with us. We took Monty away with us earlier this year and had a lovely time with him, although we were at times restricted as to what we could do, but when we go away in the summer he will go to the kennels as usual.

The way he wags his whole body and bounds in to see the staff without so much as a backward glance makes me realise that he loves his doggy holidays too.

Our dog travels abroad with us. Get him a passport.