Leaving on a jet plane

[Bella and Gabe]

We are leaving on a jet plane for jolly 'ole England for ten days. One of my sons is getting married this weekend to a lovely English woman and this is a huge and exciting week for us. I may never get across the "big pond" again (who knows?) so this is not only a big week for my family but also a big vacation/adventure/trip for us.

So what am I doing this morning? Wiping tears because I'll be leaving Gabe, Paige and Willow at the kennel. In my head I know that is nuts of me! The kennel where my pups are staying is WONDERFUL. The "run/kennel" will house all three of them and is the size of my kitchen and even has a window! The owner is aware of Willow's special needs and he will give her special attention. I've found the ideal kennel. I keep worrying that Willow will think she's been "dumped" again. That Gabe will be so forelorned that I'm gone and Paige completely confused by all around her.

This week is all about my children (human) and yet I have this tugging at my heart about leaving my pups.

I know Willow, Paige and Gabe will be fine. Better than merely "fine." They are dogs, I keep telling myself. They'll be well cared for. I've made great provisions for them for their care.

So I'm sitting here hugging each one with tears flowing. Now how silly is this? A huge family event and vacation of a lifetime for me....and I can't stop thinking about my pups.

Silly woman I am... But I am.

 

[ina/puusty]

The kennel will lavish love and attention upon your furloves..so just go have fun..and..look forward to those 'fur kids'..greeting you when you return. Have a lovely time.., ina n HB n Kesa

 

[noblenewf]

Awwww....Jennifer they will be OK! I know exactly how you feel though...torn. Two years ago we went to Hawaii for two weeks and I left Gabe with my parents. They live on a lake, and had his best friend, Gus (Choc. Lab) to keep him company. I still worried about him and longed for him every day. I was in Hawaii for crying out loud!!!! You aren't silly at all...however...when I got back I realized he was completely fine and yours will be too! I try not to leave them if at all possible....vacation with them....but this trip to England is a trip of a lifetime and a very exciting time for your family! They will be absolutely fine! You go...have a good time...have a few pints and all will be well!

 

[Doc's Mom]

You are not a silly woman. Your furkids are just as important as your human kids. I know how you are feeling, I had to leave my dogs in a kennel for the 1st time and like you go to England; mine was for my brother's wedding in late 2007. I missed my dogs alot but when I got back I realized that they were just fine.

Please try to go and enjoy yourself, it is a once in a lifetime event. Not sure where you are going, but if you are around London, I recommend the bus tour. You pay one price and it takes you and drops you off at the tourist spots and a bus runs every 15 minutes so you can hop on and off as you like. Also the view from the London Eye is awesome! Have fun and I can't wait to see pictures!

 

[KodysGrandma]

It's hard NOT to worry and you will miss them lots but I think the fact that they are all together in the same kennel will reassue them that they are not abandoned or dumped Especially if any of them have been kenneled before and you have come back. Regardless they will look at it as a vacation too, a new experience and the excitement of new friends to makie. Try to think of it as a treat for them too.

 

[ward_hill]

understandable that you feel sad about having to leave the gang, but, they'll be together and that should help Willow

congratulations on the nuptials and best wishes for a safe and memorable trip! ...

 

[jsully8]

I completely know how you feel though, we went home to see our parents last weekend and it was the first time we've left Ortiz home...we had one of my husband's friends come and cat sit for us. I know, he's a cat but he has needs that need to be fulfilled! hehe My cousin just got back from England and he said the weather was really nice, there's a perk. I hope you enjoy your trip and the wedding; just remember as each day passes you'll be closer to seeing your babies again!

 

[luvxl k 9]

I know exactly how you are feeling. They aren't just dogs, they are your babies. They are the ones that are always glad to see you, don't talk back (much ) never ask for money or the car keys and never ever are embarrassed by you. (Not that they don't embarrass us sometimes) you will miss them horribly and they will miss you, no doubt about it, but all of you will have fun, make new friends, and explore new places. And when you get back oohhhh the reunion!!!

 

[markoc]

There's never a reason to discount your own feelings. Know you found the best place for them for a short period and have fun at the wedding!

 

[Carlina]

Know just how you feel, when we go to Cuba each year we get a petsitter to come into our home and look after the girls. All he has to do is be with them, feed and water them and cuddles each day. He is a wonderful man and I trusted my girls completely with him but I felt like you I was crying and hugging them. I think about them each day I am away. I get the gentleman to e-mail me twice a week to let me know how they are doing and then I can relax and get on with the vacation.

 

[NessaM]

Now how silly is this? A huge family event and vacation of a lifetime for me....and I can't stop thinking about my pups.

I know exactly how you feel. I called our puppy sitter almost every day when we were in Egypt. EGYPT! CAMELS! THE PYRAMIDS! All I could think of was, PYRAMIDS sound like PYRS which are giant dogs just like my NEWFS.

Of course, it's completely insane...but don't worry. You're in very good company.
:lol::grouphug:

 

[rcantor]

And think of the giant step forward when Willow realizes you will always come back for her.

 

[Bella and Gabe]

And think of the giant step forward when Willow realizes you will always come back for her.

Thank you! That made me smile!!

Willow is probably the one of the three that my husband and I are most concerned about. She is just the sweetest sweetheart. We continually ask ourselves outloud, how could anyone, let alone two times, let this big girl go?

I think she's come so far and has ingrained herself into our family that I just don't want her to be fearful that, "uh ohh....here I go again." Gabe and Paige haven't had those experiences and for them this will be a 10 day play date. Being able to have all three together does help ease my worries about Willow, though. And, of course, you reminding me that this can be a positive experience for them all.:blush:

 

[ozzysma]

if the kennel can keep the dogs togeather i am sure that will help willow know familiar things. they will be fine . enjoy your sons wedding!!!

 

[victoria1140]

I hate leaving my dogs and always try to take them with us wherever we go. If you're over this weekend then the Newfies are on at Crufts on Sunday, pm if you're able t o come as I will introduce you to Beau .

 

[charityd]

I know how you feel. We are going to Hawaii this spring and I am dreading leaving my babies at home. Their grandmother is coming to stay with them though, so they will be spoiled I'm sure. It sounds like you have found a great place for your newfs and they will have each other.

 

[Lori]

Congratulations on your sons wedding! I also know how you feel. We went to DisneyWorld and left Chance and Chelsea for a week. Chelsea had epilepsy and I was so, so worried about her with that. I found a wonderful woman that owned a kennel, who was actually involved in Newf Rescue and was on Newf-L and I still worried, just like you. They are our babies, aren't they? Chelsea and Chance got to stay in the same kennel together too. Maybe send along a tshirt of yours that you have worn. That way they will still have your smell with them.

 

[Emma & Nigel's Mom]

I can understand how you feel! I think that in the end it will be a wonderful learning experience, they will learn that you will always come back for them!

Our England trip has been postponed for 1 more year! I almost have tears in my eyes because I want to go to England. Wait!! I'll go and attend your son's wedding........and you can stay home with the dogs!! Win-win! Ok, maybe your family might wonder who this 33 year old woman is, but heck, it was worth a shot!

 

[4ondafloor]

ooooooh! England AND a wedding. Yay!
It'll be ok. I faced the same thing leaving Pae and Sydney. As it turns out a family matter stopped our trip plans but I too was dreading getting on a plane and leaving. I had the houseguest all lined up and everything. A good friend was going to stay so I know they would have been fine but still, I was exactly where you are.
Heck, I went out of town for two days and left them home with hubby and STILL had anxiety. How silly is that I ask?

 

[R Taft]

Have a lovely time................And yes I can so totally relate.