Hi all! I’ve got a 2.5 year old beagle, and have been bringing her to daycare since she was around 10 months old. She enjoys her time there, is always excited to go, but the whole reason I began bringing her was because she was so full on as a pup, I wasn’t able to provide the activity she needed at all times. She was an absolute nutcase, and needed that stimulation of other dogs. I’m pretty sure she was allergic to sleep for the first year.
But now that she’s older, she’s calmed down so much! She now actually enjoys cuddles and naps, and is content with a quick walk or play around the garden. I’ve begun cutting down her days in daycare, and have been since April, but I’m now considering cutting it out all together. I just feel like she doesn’t NEED it anymore, not like she used to.
For context, I WFH so she’s never alone, and I have other dogs nearby she can play with (parents, siblings, neighbors all have dogs). I have time to walk her and snuggle her during the day as my work is largely on a laptop, and I plan on using the extra money I save (almost €100 a week) on extra toys, treats and interactive games. She enjoys being with me, and I honestly miss her when she’s at daycare. I don’t feel relieved for the break anymore, but sad that I’m not with her.
But I feel so guilty taking away something she enjoys. What if she misses it and is sad? I’m one of those people who lives for their dogs, and I want her to have the best life possible.