My main home is in Mexico, where I have a Sitter set for 3.5 months starting in a few weeks. It’s the same Sitter I used last summer for 3.5 mos. for just my cat and she did an amazing job and I have full trust in her. She’s smart, calm, understanding, excited about me leaving Lucy with her, etc. There’s an issue unfolding at the US Mexico border with the new screw worm and its a very fluid ever-changing sitch with requirements on both sides of the border for a dog to pass. I’ve decided it’s best to leave my 13 yr old dog here at my main Mexico house rather than taking her to our Chicago condo for 3.5 months as I normally do. It’s four days in the car each direction (she’s a good dog in the car), but she is aging and she’s much happier in our Mexico home with a big yard. We will have more travel freedom while away too.
My problem is a) I am so attached and love my dog so much that I will worry about her even though I know she’s in good hands. b) i am a control freak.
I will miss her on a totally selfish level and I know it’s best to leave her here, but here are my two biggest concerns: 1) what if a health issue comes up? I want to be the one to manage it of course. yes I have good vet options so good there.
2) encountering loose dogs is not unusual on walks, she only gets 2- 10 minute walks a day. I know it can happen when I’m with her as well.
Total control freak over here. Please tell me it’s gonna be fine! I know this, but I just don’t know how people leave their dogs for so long. Pic for tax.
While the screw worm situation is alarming, I don’t see that bringing a domestic dog across the border from Mexico is a big deal. There’s an online form you have to submit to the USDA and you need a vet certification within 5 days of the border crossing that your dog is not infected with screw worm. Easy peasy. It seems a lot easier and much less stressful to saddle up for the vet visit than dealing with the stress and anxiety of leaving an elder dog behind for 3+ months.
Based in my experiences driving in Mexico, the border crossing would be the least of my concerns.
Yes, I can fly back if an urgent situation were to arise. I’m still leaning at leaving her with the Sitter for the summer, I’m just struggling with it emotionally. How on earth do people leave their beloved dogs with Sitters for so long?? The longest I’ve ever been away from my dog is about 11 days, which was just two months ago. That was OK, I missed my bed more than my dog. But 3.5 months…
It sounds like you trust your sitter. So, why not have an open dialogue with them about your fears? They are legitimate and if you choose to leave your dog, talk through a few what ifs. That tends to help me feel better about situations that may go sideways.
Or, bring her. I do understand the 4 day journey (been there, done that) but I think if the dog is used to it - she may be more comfortable with you, and you may be more comfortable with her. I’m sure there is a way with vet certification? Even it involves some red tape to find a vet who can do it?
I sat an older dog for 3 months this past winter and I thought the same as you, how can someone leave a dog for so long? What I came to learn was that being at home was the best thing for this dog. She was so happy in her house and yard and with her routine.
You have a sitter you already trust - so that is key. Does the sitter know you are thinking about leaving the dog? I think talking about this with the sitter is the first step and feeling better about this.
Yes we spoke and she immediately agreed to care for her, with great enthusiasm for a dog companion who i explained will be her shadow and early riser. I also told her that I was the one who would have the adjustment issues, not my dog. To your point, i believe my dog will be happiest & most comfy in her home with yard, but being with her people is a super close 2nd on the happiness and comfort scale. And my dog is quite healthy, just a bit slower and senses less acute. Still spunky enough to jump on and off the bed!
To your point, i believe my dog will be happiest & most comfy in her home with yard, but being with her people is a super close 2nd on the happiness and comfort scale. And my dog is quite healthy, just a bit slower and senses less acute. Still spunky enough to jump on and off the bed!