Help me make this easier for ds's dog

[hiredandsqueak]

Son has had to go on a work trip until Friday and I am looking after the dog here. He and Bella get on great and he regularly comes here but has never stayed so long. He's quite clingy with son and I know he's going to miss him. I know his routine and will stick to it but any other tips to help him through?

Get ds to bring a sweatshirt that has his smell on it for dog to cuddle up with. Tell DS to sweat on it. My DH has to be away some night ATM and his dogs really miss him. I noticed they lie in his chair with his blanket he uses if it gets a bit chilly in the evenings. They seem to take comfort from lying on it so I have not washed it ATM. Sadly a lot of time they spend looking out front window waiting for him to come home.

they will pine, but make sure he has packed his favourite toys, like someone else said, something like a jumper that is familiar. distract with a nice walk with plenty of places to stop and sniff

The dogs I have looked after simply switch to me being their favourite until their owner comes and gets them!
I thought my Mum's dog would be impossible as she was very timid and used to hide from me. But I had to take her for periods of time when my Mum was ill (and later died) and I was surprised at how adaptable the dog was.
Familiarity and routine. Same food. Jumper with scent is a nice idea.
Plus treats of course.

Well it's not going too bad, he's very vocal with ds and whines for all sorts of reasons so unsure whether he is whining for him or something else but "enough!" seems to be working and he's snoozing beside me now. Hopefully the latest band of rain will pass over and I will do the walk son does in his lunch hour. Son walked him before he went to the airport this morning so he's not missing out. Bella's acknowledged his presence and has gone back to bed seeing as it's raining.