When you went back to school as a kid, the teacher always asked what you did in the summer. Guess what I got to do? I got to stay alone at my house for the very first time. Okay, not really alone, alone…but without Mom and Dad there. The poor things didn’t want to go on vacation because they were afraid of leaving me.
Don’t they know I’m a big boy? I can take care of myself. Heck, they could have left the whole bag of food out and I’d have had plenty, they could have filled buckets with water and I’d have had lots to drink, they could have sprinkled treats around the house and I could have eaten them a little here and there, a few at a time.
But you can guess why they didn’t do that. First, they knew I’d eat all my food and then be without, second, I might slurp up too much water and the bowl would go bone dry, and third, I don’t know how to ration treats.
But MOST IMPORTANT, they would never, ever leave me alone for days and days because of the one most important thing: I’m a social being, just like they are. They know I need companionship and loving. So you know what they did? They hired this really neat young lady (she’s really cute and perky and fun) to come to the house. She fed me, made sure I drank water, took me outside, and she played with me, snuggled with me, and put me to bed at night in my room with scattered treats and my favorite stuffed kitty toy. When she came back in the morning, I wiggled and wagged and greeted her with enthusiasm.
I had a couple of other people, Mom and Dad Peeps’ grown kids, come by too and that was really fun to play with them. Especially the daughter, she held me close like Dad Peep does and whispered to me softly. I think I fell asleep in her arms one night. Bliss.
Mom and Dad could have kenneled me at the vet’s office. They have people there that would have taken care of me. That was an option. But they have used this cute chicky Emily in the past for big dog Rex and the cats, so it was natural for them to ask her again. And, don’t tell them, but I really liked it this way. I got to sleep in my own bed, run around my own house, watch the backyard for possums on the wall, and play with my own toys. Even though I said I was a big boy and could take care of myself, I’m really happy they chose Emily to come over and be with me. Thanks Mom and Dad!
P.S. Mom wants you to know about this great article that might help you titled: “The Pros and Cons of Kenneling (Boarding) vs. Getting a Pet Sitter for Your Dog” http://bit.ly/pRhPXm And she said she’s going to share some tips on finding a good pet sitter in an upcoming post.
Woofs & Wiggles to you,
Charlie Bear
That so cool to have tour own sitter! Sadie prefers to stay at home to, because who knows who would get her food if she’s not there to guard it? And Shadow – well she’s never sure if she’ll get enouigh food even tho’ she has a self feeder that holds 20 pounds and it never gets emptied out.
Marianne,
Sounds like you have Sadie’s and Shadow’s needs met! Peeps have to figure out what’s best for their individual pets. Some of them need extra attention, like the cat Red that Mom and Dad used to have. He needed two insulin shots a day! So I saw whatever works!
Woofs and Wiggles to you,
Charlie Bear
I used a pet sitter for the first time several years ago and it really worked out well. They kept me aware of what was going on when I checked in (I had an elderly dog so I needed to talk to them every day about her). Once, when I was at work too far away, I also asked them to take her to the vet for me once when I was afraid I wouldn’t be home in time to get her and take her there. She was delivered, the vet checked her, and I then picked her up. Worked for all of us — the vet didn’t have to stay late. Sometimes the sitters had good suggestions for a behavior problem and so on, so it was a very good investment.
Barbara,
Sounds like it worked out great for everybody — and that’s the bestest thing in the whole wide world. I had a wonderful time with Emily and I only missed my Mom and Dad a little bit, like at night when we’d watch TV together. But they left a radio on for me for white noise (whatever that is) and that was comforting.
Mom said to tell you that she called Emily a couple times to be sure everything was ok with me even though she knew Emily would call if she needed to. It’s something about the “mother” thing kicking in she says.
Woofs and wiggles to you,
Charlie Bear
I don’t like it when my Mom leaves for a few days, but it could be worse. She has her grown son come and stay with the cats and me while she is gone.
He stays here the whole time! Well, he may leave for a little while now and then, but often when he does, he takes me with him! He’s really nice.
He knew Piper from when he lived with Mom so she thinks she’s special because he babies her and pampers her, but she doesn’t get to go on those rides, now does she?
Having him here with us makes it much better than a kennel and the way he plays with us and loves us makes the time go by really fast.
I know Mom loves us because if she can’t be here with us, she does the next best thing!
Your pal,
Jake
Jake,
Your mom really does love you too! Aren’t they the best? So happy you have a fun time while she is gone, and even car rides! I don’t get those (yet), but maybe in the future.
Woofs and wiggles to you,
Charlie Bear
You are one lucky Charlie Boy!
Foster Mommy! I know — I’m sooooo lucky! Thanks for being my Angel and loving me to adoptability!
Woofs and wiggles to you,
Your Charlie Bear Boy