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I’m heart broken as I sit here staring at my computer, lacking the energy to process vacation pics when all I can think of is my poor sweet pup who died while we were away.
The downside of travel is definitely those we leave behind. Being too far away to get home in time when tragedy or illness strike, no matter how hard you might try. Of getting caught up in the excitement of planning and preparing for a long journey instead of spending extra quality time with those you love before you go. Which includes our furry family members—our pets.
Who knew that our healthy, spunky 6 year-old Zoey would suddenly develop fatal kidney failure practically overnight? She had nothing but love to give, and was a constant companion at home, always eager to snuggle up in our laps or play. It will forever haunt me that she was lying in a lonely cage in an animal hospital hooked up to IV’s while we were traveling our final leg of our Scotland journey and not there to hold her in our arms to whisper our goodbyes. She sadly died the night before we flew home.
As pet owners we strive to find the best private sitters or boarding kennels to care for our cats and dogs. We have to trust that our sitters and vets know how to identify and treat sudden illness or emergencies. But they don’t know your pet like you do, and it’s hard not to be raked with guilt, wondering “what if?”
Zoey was a beautiful Ocherese–a small dog breed combining Toy Poodle, Maltese and Pekinese. She never had anxiety when we left the house, but always ran to the upstairs window to watch us, quietly resting her head on the sill. I miss seeing her snuggled up in her little blanketed bed by my feet and feeling her paw my leg when she wanted to be held. And laughing at her funny antics when she kicked her hind legs and barked in a spirited voice, enticing us to play. Or watching her perplexed hunting skills as she struggled to ‘find the cheese’ hidden around the house. She loved to imitate dancing by jumping up on her hind legs in a playful way, sleep at the foot of our daughter’s bed and curl up beside anyone reading or watching tv.
She was a special companion who touched our hearts. And she is sorely missed.
It is never easy losing a pet. Especially when it happens suddenly, out of the blue. If you’re preparing for a long trip away from your pet, what can you do?
For peace of mind, be bold with your sitter about all your concerns (like foods/cleaners to avoid) and establish open communication to be notified immediately about any changes in behavior. Ask your vet to send in current blood work to analyze your pet’s chemistry to look for any indication of illness, as many diseases or infections do not cause any visible symptoms or signs until it is too late.
And give your pet some extra love before you go. You just never, never know…