Sky

[Beanwood]

This is very difficult, and what a dilemma you are facing, my heart goes out to you. On the one hand you have a very happy Sky, I am not surprised! All that love, compassion and thoughtful care that has gone into making those twilight as comfortable as possible, is really working well. It seems to me, that as long as she has her home comforts, her people who are fine-tuned into managing her needs both from a physiological and psychological perspective, Sky manages to enjoy a comfy life.

Sky has developed an anxiety around the car, maybe she is unhappy about the uncertainty of destination, and /or the car is a predication that the destination may be a stressful/scary place for her. This is pretty common and recently I have heard it referred to as a "higher conditioning". Counter-conditioning may help, but it does take a while and needs careful environmental planning. It could be the car is predicting the vets or actually the kennels - actually from Sky's point of view it may not even matter. Car = scary place.

So, my thoughts are you might find it very hard to now take her to kennels and leave her. I would look around for a house-sitter, who will keep strictly to your routine. Maybe a friend who knows Sky?

 

[Lab_adore]

Oh @Atemas I feel for you. I think she will be ok with Red and her medication. You need this holiday so go and she will be in good hands

 

[Joy]

I think finding a dog sitter, sympathetic to Sky's needs, to stay in your house while you are away could be the best solution, as Kate has suggested.

 

[HAH]

I’d do as Kate suggests too; if you can find the right person to live in for a week (and I know that’s a task and a half) then they can give you regular updates, photos etc and follow clear instructions depending on how Sky’s doing. It’d be worth the effort and expense for everyone’s comfort, particularly at such a delicate time x

 

[Stacia]

I think @Beanwood @HAH and@Joy have a very splendid idea, Sky will be much happier in her home. My daughter works in dog kennels and deals with nervous dogs, she spends a lot of time with them and usually after a couple of days, they settle well.

 

[SwampDonkey]

To he honest I wouldn't leave her and wouldn't go. I was in the same situation and didnt travel to a huge important family wedding. My husband went I stayed. I did this type of thing 12 months before he Doug died, I just stopped traveling and gave him all my time. Im glad I did this he had a stroke on the day of the huge wedding and had to PTS that day. If we had gone he would have died alone if I'd had taken him he would have been distressed. I gave up the things because I knew his time was short and I wanted him to go easy. Sorry but I've been in this situation and the distress you will feel if anything happens when you're away will be hard. I'm sorry if this isn't what you want to hear but it's my truthful opinion. Much love to you all

 

[Stacia]

@SwampDonkey, my GSP hated being in kennels and wouldn't come out of her kennel at all for the whole week, owner felt desperately sorry for her. When she came home, she looked as if she was saying "thank heaven I am home' and I made decision then never to leave her again and I never did.

However, don't want to make you feel bad @Atemas, it is probably being away is something you have to do, I still think being at home with home sitter would be fine.

 

[Aitch]

Could you delay your trip for a while? I know I am nearing the end with Bear as you are with Sky. Almost identically in fact. I have had to make the kindest decision many times throughout my years and it has always devastated me so when I have felt it might be near I have always canceled or delayed the things that would have me taking time away from them. However if your trip cannot be delayed then someone she knows very well would be much more comforting than a kennel even if she is with Red.
Trust me, I do know how you are feeling. I am feeling the same things with my companion of almost 20 years. Although he has his good days I know it is coming and I don't to be without him in his last moments.
My thoughts are with you so very much.

 

[Jacqui-S]

Hugs to you both

 

[Stacia]

Yes, hugs to you both

 

[Selina27]

Many hugs Alison. I think you have already had some good advice, I agree that if you cannot postpone the trip then a live in dog sitter is a good option. It's so difficult for you

Good to hear though that Sky has had a good week

 

[Charlie]

I feel so very sad for you @Atemas xx

You too @Aitch xx

 

[Aitch]

Please don't show sympathy for me on this thread, @Atemas is going through misery all her own and should be allowed to express her grief in her own right. I thank you all for the hugs but this is hers and Sky's thread. I was only showing that I felt her grief. I will gladly receive all your support when Bear is finally gone as I'm sure I will need it in abundance.
Hugs to all of you.

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

Adding my to the good advice and feedback you've already gotten. Not an easy place to be in for sure, but I'm glad you had a better week with Sky.

 

[Jen]

To he honest I wouldn't leave her and wouldn't go.

I completely agree. When Stanley was poorly last year we cancelled our holiday and just stayed at home.

It was shit. But not as shit as I’d have felt if something had happened and I wasn’t rheee.

Hope you’re ok @Atemas

 

[Lisa]

Oh I feel for you, @Atemas. It’s a tough decision. It sounds like the kennel might be ok, if they are experienced with senior dogs, and she will have Red. But getting her there could be difficult. The medication might help, though, as you say.

I know you’ll do the best you can for Sky. Sending hugs from here, too

 

[Atemas]

Well we have a plan and I feel a weight off my shoulders. I will share it with you but want to keep it to ourselves for the moment. Thank you for your kind words everyone - I may not have found it easy to read some of it but I understand where everyone is coming from and I find it very helpful

 

[edzbird]

I am glad you have some of the weight off your shoulders. Sky & Red are so lucky to be in such a caring home

 

[kateincornwall]

xxx

 

[Charlie]

As long as you are okay with the plan that's all that matters Alison @Atemas xx