Meg is 11 months and has just been on her first doggy holiday. We were away for 2 weeks over Xmas. I have had 4 other dogs and have always left them with no bother at our great kennels. I somehow didn't think Meg would do well In kennels so a friend offered to have her. A lovely home with an outdoorsy family, an older wise dog and older kids. Perfect I thought. It sounds like she has been quite a handful. At home she lives with an older dog, kids and chaos and is the easiest dog I have ever had. However I think I under estimated some separation anxiety as she has been very needy and crying a lot. I think they also fussed her a lot and so probably got into a bit of a vicious circle. Sounds like she reverted to real puppy behaviour and was getting them up at 430 and would not be left. I have been worried about her all holiday and how she would settle at home. I got her back last night and she is totally back to normal except she slept in till 10am when I woke her which is unheard of. A bit of a lesson for us all as it just shows how reactive and adaptable they are . I am so glad to have her home. I shall shower the family with pressies as they have been so kind but I think very worn out. Just off to collect my old Mally now then them family will be complete again. Emma
Re: She's home Ah Emma,hope you had a nice Xmas and NY holiday....sorry Meg was unsettled,it sounds like you had an inkling about it .it was the first time you'd left her properly though and she is still only a youngster....is she ok,when you leave her in your home alone? Her Host family probably were a bit worn out with 4.30 am starts but if they have a dog of their own they won't be strangers to a bit of disruption...I know you probably feel a bit down about it all. I'm glad she's happy home with you now and you'll all be together from today x
Re: She's home Goodness me - poor things all round! Glad she is back to her usual self though, and hope the family bounce back as quickly!
Re: She's home Hi, thanks for your kind words. I think the family had forgotten what its like having a pup. Although big now, she is very much a pup. She is totally fine when I leave her at home normally. She is very easy all round. She is her usual self today. Her big buddy Jasper is home now and they are both asleep in front of the fire. She has not been at all demanding to me. I guess a combination of missing us, a new environment and a family not quite geared up to puppy world unsettled her. Hopefully if we go away again she can go and stay with her Mum and brother which was the original plan, it just didn't work out this time. Crikey these Labs don't half emotionally wear us out
Re: She's home Sorry to hear Meg had a bit of a trying time of it. Makes it harder when the next time rolls around :-\ However she will be older next time so that should help too!
Re: She's home You did the right thing not leaving her in a kennel situation. She might not have done well in a kennel at all. Sounds like you have a good plan for next time you have to go away.
