We have been using THS for close to a year. Until this last sit, our longest was 3 weeks. Each time, our (nearly 18 year old) dog greeted us enthusiastically when we returned. This time, we were gone 2 months - our longest time away ever. The sitter responded to my texts throughout, but wasn’t overly communicative. She always said everything was fine. She had to leave a few hours before we returned. Our dog’s personality has completely changed. She barely greeted us, has not asked for a treat since we’ve been back (she ALWAYS threw her kong at us throughout the day), she doesn’t stay in the same area of the house as us, she always had her special sleeping spots, but she’s not going to any of them. She just seems to have lost some of her zest. Maybe I’m projecting, but she seems a little depressed.
Has anyone experienced this kind of thing before? Sorry this is so long, but it has us very upset. I’m not assuming the sitter did anything wrong, but it’s very strange. Would love to hear from other HO if you’ve experienced this.
Thanks!
Could you please share how long since you returned home from your 2 month trip? I think answers to your query could vary according to how long since you got back.
I only see an 11 day, 4 day and a 2 week trip on your profile.
We just got back on Friday - so 2 days ago- from a 2 month trip. Not sure why that isn’t showing up in my profile. I know it hasn’t been very long - and that 2 months is a long time in the life of an old dog- it’s just a little shocking to us, and a lot disheartening!
Any chance your dog got attached to your sitter and is depressed because she left?
Is she not interested in her kong when you offer it to her? Does she not react positively to your cuddles and attention?
I think that even if she has changed some of her usual habits she would still be herself unless she’s not feeling well. I would ask a vet if she doesn’t go back to normal.
That was my thought, too…that there may be something physically that’s changed regarding the pet’s health. Definitely bears watching to see if things improve, but otherwise could warrant a trip to the veterinarian.
I’m no vet, but maybe she did get attached to the sitter, seeing her as the source of companionship and comfort, and now it’s taking her a while to be comfortable with you again.
Plus, she’s very old, she might have less zest for life and perhaps change is harder on her. A bit like an older person now set in their ways. 
@JudyY that is so sad. I don’t believe dogs have a sense of time (maybe I’m wrong) but maybe your old doggie just thought it’s too long, he’s probably never going to see you again, and gave up hope. And now he’s struggling to trust you again, because you might leave soon. Honestly, I don’t know, but 18 is very, very old for a dog and 2 months is a long time.
After a vet visit, just give it time and lots of patience and cuddles. I’m sure he’ll be back to his old self in time.
Ty for this post full of reflection.
Animals definitely have a different sense of time and a pet could absolutely feel broken hearted from missing their owner.
We had a cat whose health got dramatically worse while in the vet hospital because he didn’t see us (they didn’t allow visits over the weekend.)
Your post reminded me of him. 
At 18 years old I hate to say it but there’s a chance that your dog may be seriously ill. My seniors have sometimes changed overnight and that’s when I am there, Not because of any emotional issue. The first thing I would do is go to the vet and get bloodwork and have them checked out.
I’ve had a few pet parents reach out to me after the fact to let me know that their animals seemed sad as if they were looking for us. We get attached to the animals and they seemed to get attached to us. I send nightly videos, photos, and written update so that the pet parents can see how happy they are while we are watching their pets. Maybe the same thing happened to your pet. If it were me, I would take the pet to the vet first and if everything is clear, then give your pet some time to readjust back to you.
@JudyY i don’t think it is necessary to take them to the vet unless they are not eating or drinking and pooping or peeing unusually. You didn’t mention any of that so it sounds like it’s more depressive behaviours.
2 months is a long time and it could be that they are pining for your sitter. When we sit we truly adore and spoil the pets and I’ve cried buckets after some sits.
It will always take some time to readjust, animals are very sensitive creatures.
That was my first thought in reading this post!
You are all confirming my thoughts. I’m wondering if she just isn’t feeling well. I’ll give it a day or so, then call the vet.
I would actually be happy if the sitter was so wonderful to her that she was missing her, but somehow, I don’t think that’s it.
Thanks, everyone.
Yes. I’m afraid that it might be that as well. Trying not to feel too guilty, but it’s hard not to!
Thank you, everyone. I think maybe I’m experiencing unchartered territory of the reality of an aging, beloved pet. I will make an appointment at the vet and see what happens. Trying to give her space and lots of love at the same time.
Two months is a long time to be away. Maybe the length of the absence itself affected her. Not saying you shouldn’t have gone as different animals react differently to owners absences.
Maybe it isn’t about you being away at all, but more about her being 18 years old. Maybe old-age finally kicked in and that’s why her zest has changed, maybe this is just the way she is now. When old age kicks in, it sometimes happens quickly.
Also, with her being 18, maybe there is actually something medically wrong as body parts stop working as they should, which naturally affects a dogs mood and is draining. So perhaps take her to the vets just to get her fully checked out may help to rule things out.
Even younger dogs can be affected by a change of routine and missing their owners.
My cousin has a cockapoo who is now around 4 years old, and she’s come to stay with me a few times. The first time, she was very clingy and followed me from room to room, but after a couple of days relaxed, settled in, and started to enjoy herself. Most recently, she came to visit just for an afternoon, and was completely disintereseted in engaging with me at all. She sat looking out of the back door the whole time, waiting for her humans to return. My parents cared for her recently as well, and I visited, and again noticed that she just didn’t quite seem herself - somewhat distracted. When we have family get togethers and her owners are there as well, she’s a different dog - you can just see how happy she is.
She has started to not want to go in the car, presumably because she’s never sure where she’s going, and has started to associate it with being left ‘somewhere else’ whilst her humans are away. She always stays with family, or close friends, and she’s a lovely dog so I’m sure that all of us give her the care and affection that she needs - but we’re quite simply not a good enough substitute for her owners any more.
For an older dog, who is possibly losing their sight and hearing, it must be even more unsettling to suddenly find themselves without their owners. But it’s definitely worth a vet check to ensure that there is nothing medically wrong, as seeming withdrawn/disengaged could be a sign that there is.
Your story reminded me of the time when our dog was a puppy and we invited the family next door, whose house was a second home, to stay at our house one weekend while their roof was being replaced. We went away for two days and left our pup in their care. He and the youngest daughter adored one another already and this was apparently like a dream come true for him. His bestie and her family had come to live with him! We arrived back 20 minutes after they left for the city and he happily greeted us. But he immediately sat down on the terrace and refused to come in the house. He stayed there waiting for them to return until night fell and we had to drag him inside. He was depressed the next day but had snapped out of it by the evening.