When we purchased our van we expected to take our dogs away with us on domestic holidays more often than not. However, we've found taking the dogs with us really quite stressful and not at all conducive to a relaxing time away. Staggering out of bed at 7am on a windy freezing morning to allow the dogs to answer their calls of nature is most definitely not something I enjoy!
In addition, every decision of where to go, where to park, how long to park etc. seems to be dictated by our pet's needs, not ours.
Of course this is what kennels were invented for but there's a limit to how much heart-break per year I can cope with on this score! I find the separation and reunions very painful emotionally and I can't bring myself to put the dogs into kennels too often.
This leads me to my dilemma. Should I give up my dogs for re-homing rather than subject them (and me) to repeated separations/reunions or just harden my heart about the whole kennel business and enjoy them when we're at home? Am I selfish for wanting to keep a dog and also wanting to go away frequently without them? Would it be kinder to make a clean break and find them a better home with owners who don't travel as much?
Has anyone else given up their dogs to enable them to travel more freely?
Tim
In addition, every decision of where to go, where to park, how long to park etc. seems to be dictated by our pet's needs, not ours.
Of course this is what kennels were invented for but there's a limit to how much heart-break per year I can cope with on this score! I find the separation and reunions very painful emotionally and I can't bring myself to put the dogs into kennels too often.
This leads me to my dilemma. Should I give up my dogs for re-homing rather than subject them (and me) to repeated separations/reunions or just harden my heart about the whole kennel business and enjoy them when we're at home? Am I selfish for wanting to keep a dog and also wanting to go away frequently without them? Would it be kinder to make a clean break and find them a better home with owners who don't travel as much?
Has anyone else given up their dogs to enable them to travel more freely?
Tim