SEPARATION ANXIETY

I’m going away this weekend- ALONE. That’s right, I’m leaving Doodleville.

It’s long overdue, and I really do want to go. It’s time for me to stop conversing with Harley and Leo so much, and re-establish relationships with a species that has more of a resemblance to me!

Friday will be gut wrenching to say the least because as I drive out of the neighborhood – this will be the image in my rearview mirror…

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Difficult to look at?

You better believe it.

Embarrassed to discuss these silly emotions with someone who might judge me, I searched for a more neutral way to find some answers and advice on the best way to handle separation anxiety.        I went to my bestie…

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According to my friend Google, the feeling of anxiety can build up and trigger many emotions which then has a tendency to take over when the pet and the pet parent are separated. The article even listed common symptoms of separation anxiety:

  • Urinating and Defecating
  • Barking and Howling
  • Chewing, Digging and Destruction

This may be common for some, but not in this case.

You see I know for a fact that I wouldn’t do any of those things listed.

Pawhaps I should explain… the “creature” experiencing the separation anxiety will not be Harley and/or Leo – it will be ME!

I struggle when separated from them and I must learn how to do better. They won’t be in any danger, they’ll be with DH who loves them dearly, but will he…

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The weather in our area is supposed to be beautiful this weekend…

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Since Google was unable to provide enough information to help my situation – I thought if I left DH a list of “things to remember”  I would feel much better. Here it is – did I cover everything? – what do you think?…

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Whether he chooses to use it or not – it’s his call. I’m hoping it will help me relax knowing…

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Because if you don’t…

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Even though I am excited about a mini “vacay” for myself, I have no doubt I’ll still have periods where my mind will wonder…

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To them I’ll probably be a “passing” thought from time to time. More like a night star shooting across the sky, because…

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On this particular trip, my goal is to resolve this underlying anxiety AND teach myself to enjoy life (or at least tolerate) being without them. I’ve left my camera, and since writing this post, I’m getting pretty pumped up about what “I’m going to be doing” VS. “what they will be doing.” 

And you wanna know the best part?

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DISCLOSURE: It goes without saying that I will miss my husband also. #wantedtoputthatoutthere

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend.

Like you – I too will be anxious (in a good way) for DH‘s weekend update (with photos) …

 

18 Comments
  • andrea (andrfields_# citypupmom
    June 6, 2014

    Someone who understands! !!! Enjoy your vacay

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 6, 2014

      YEAAHHHH I’m not alone…. I’m sure I will enjoy myself, writing is therapeutic though. Take care and thanks so much for stopping by 🙂

  • DashLilly
    June 6, 2014

    The first time I dropped off the doodles at doggie daycare and went to the airport — I cried and cried and cried!! I don’t cry quite as hard now, but it is still hard to leave them!! Have a great time, Deirdre

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 6, 2014

      Now you see Diedre – I purposely left out the crying segment of my story – BOL
      I really am excited to go, just have to get out of the neighborhood.:)
      You have a great weekend too! Hugs to Dash & Lilly

  • Kelsie
    June 6, 2014

    Glad I’m not alone! It is soooo difficult to take trips because I just hate leaving my two. I’ve only left them with my husband for a day trip, but I spent all day texting him to make sure he kept up with their routine. If we both can actually get away, the girl who stays with our dog gets a 5 page list about them (even though she’s cared for them multiple times).

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 6, 2014

      Kelsie, we’re ALL in the same boat sort of speak. I will have a good time ONCE I get out of the house. I know their in good hands, and I know they will have fun, just gotta get on the highway first (I’m such a coward…)
      Thanks so much for reading – stop by and visit us again soon.

  • Pamela | Something Wagging This Way Comes
    June 6, 2014

    Yep, I’m feeling you. I broke into tears the first time I left my dogs behind to go on vacation.

    It made me determined to find pet-friendly vacation spots. I took up camping. Found pet-friendly house rentals at the shore.

    And when the worst happens and Honey can’t go with me (like when I went to Panama for a month last fall), I know she’s in good hands with a friend who loves her as much as I do.

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 6, 2014

      Pamela it’s true what they say “misery does love company” It makes me feel a little “less intense” about Harley & Leo knowing in my circle this is pretty much the “norm” YIPPEE 🙂 I know they will be just fine, and like you – our vacay’s are centered around places, lodging, and events that accept four legged family members. We must talk about Panama, how did you like it? We lived there before moving to VA. Have a great weekend…

  • Dee
    June 6, 2014

    Hello My Friend,

    I am pawitive the Doodle Family will be pawine in their respective destinations.

    Your boys are the best and will certainly be on their best behavior.

    Enjoy!

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 6, 2014

      Hello Dee, look at you – speaking “Doodle” 🙂 I love it. Yes they will be fine, and I’m finding all this Doodle love very therapeutic – so thank you very much for taking the time to comment. Hugs, barks, and tail wags my friend from me & the Boys!

  • Emma
    June 6, 2014

    My mom hates to leave us behind too and worries we will not be okay without her, BUT…our pet sitters always talk about how much fun we have, and we also seem to appreciate a break from Mom for a few days. By the end of a week we start hanging out by the door looking for Mom. We like having a different routine and just changing things up. It is definitely harder on Mom than it is on us.

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 6, 2014

      You are probably “spot-on” with your assessment Emma fur-sure! But let me ask you this: doesn’t it make you feel “extra special” knowing your Mom goes through these changes when she leaves you? That’s what loves all about 🙂 Have some fun adventures this weekend Emma…

  • Kimberly Gauthier
    June 6, 2014

    This is adorable and relatable. It is so hard for me to leave our pack. We don’t have a pet sitter and I just miss them so much. J wanted to go on a day trip tomorrow and I said no thanks. I would love to go, but I need to work.

    But I might be brave now and go. I will bring my notebook and smartphone and get some work done.

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 6, 2014

      There you go Fur Mom, go with J and have some fun. I’m so happy I wrote this post, because now I know I’m not alone 🙂 We’re all gonna make it this weekend – I can feel it! And come Monday we’ll all have stories to tell. Have a good one my friend…

  • slimdoggy
    June 6, 2014

    Wow, your notes for the dog sitter when you go away are much more thorough and professional looking than mine. I think they will be well taken care of.

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 6, 2014

      Slim, I spent my entire professional life (before Doodles) in Human Resources, I’m wired for thorough 🙂 Doodle Dad is used to my notes…. You should see the ones I used to leave the two legged kids when they were younger – GEEZ!

  • Stacey
    June 7, 2014

    Hope you have a wonderful trip and enjoy yourself once you get out of the neighborhood. That is what I do too. I get myself all anxious with what if’s before going.
    Last trip I left tons of notes on schedule and so on, plus called several times a day. I know my dog sitter thought I was nuts!
    I did have a great time though and have to learn to let go a bit more. I trust my dog sitter but she is not me and no one loves um like I do 😉

  • Cathy Bennett
    June 7, 2014

    Stacey, I’ve made it out of the neighborhood, reached my destination and I haven’t called yet (first day) – BOL