To leave them alone or not .......

[Stinky The Clown]

Sparky is departing for a month in Europe for some studies. During that time, I'm supposed to be gone for a week, but now I'm rethinking that. We have a Border Collie, a German Shepherd Dog and a cat. We have neighbors who would let the dogs out in the morning and feed the cat. We have a brother and sister up the street who are fantastic - and very responsible - pet caregivers who could care for them several times in the afternoon and evening. Then they'd be alone at night. For a night, maybe two, this wouldn't trouble me. But this will be six nights if I decide to go for the whole time.

The event is my professional association's annual conference. I've committed to give a presentation on the first day and I am supposed to participate in an honorary induction of a fellow member on the closing night.

My instincts now are to go the night before my presentation, do that, and then get back home.

Wat do you think? Would you leave your two dogs and a cat alone for seven days and six nights?

[roody]

1. I would and I have---with people

looking in on them, they should be fine.

[surrealAmerican]

2. You know your dogs better than anyone else does.

Trust your instincts. Just because most dogs would be fine in the situation you mention, doesn't mean your dogs will be.

[david13]

3. I would and I have also. With a responsible close caretaker for

them who also has cats.
I know it hurts my cat a lot tho'. He does not like to be alone, he is old, and he feels like, well, he is going to be alone for a long time, and he is not ready yet.
dc

[BrklynLiberal]

4. If you cannot go with a clear head..and relaxed attitude..don't do it.

If the folks you are entrusting with the care of your furbabies can be relied upon and you trust them completely,then you can go.

I have been in that position, and could not go when I did have someone I felt 100% confidence in.

If you will not be enjoying yourself, it is not worth going.

[mopinko]

5. what's the worst that could happen?

if the answer to that question is not an extended groan, followed by a clenching of the stomach, the sphincter and the wallet, go.

[REACTIVATED IN CT]

6. Can you get someone to stay with them at night ?

Or can you take the dogs with you ?

I think a cat would be OK with someone coming in to provide food once/twice a day, but I don't think that dogs would be.

[elleng]

7. No. But that's me, and ignorant of them and their personalities.

(and lonely for a pet my own.)

Particularly, what would the collie have to say/do about that? I really don't want to make trouble for you, Stinky, but but but . . . .

[Zoigal]

8. No, i wouldn't. Did it once and came home to

a traumatized dog that wouldn't let me out of his sight for a minute, and even stuck his nose in my face
every hour or so during the night to make sure i was there. This lasted for over two weeks. Have always had a dog sitter stay overnight
since then. Maybe you could use your neighbors or siblings to care for them during the day and have
someone stay over night. Good luck....z

[spooky3]

9. I would go with your instincts - cut the conference short.

As others said, you know your pets better than anyone other than Sparkly.

If you are close to the fellow member to be inducted, I am sure you can find a way to explain why you couldn't be away from home long at that particular time.

I have left healthy cats in the care of a very good pet sitter for a week, but it was as hard on me as it was on them. I think dogs might not cope as well.

[Stinky The Clown]

10. Okay. I decided. I'm cutting it short.

The cat would be fine.

The Border Collie would probably be okay.

The German Shepherd Dog would be miserable. We're her fourth home and she's only five years old. She's already clingy and mopey cuz Sparkly's gone (she's really attached to Sparkly). If I'm gone an hour, she literally cries when I get back.

Nope. I just can't do it.

[elleng]

11. OK, Stinky!

Let me know if I can be of help!

[BrklynLiberal]

12. I believe you made the right decision.....

You will be sleeping a lot better now.

[mrs_p]

13. cat would be OK

dogs, especially a BC, not so much. can you board them at a doggie daycare/boarding facility while you are gone?