What can I do......... I have a 10 year old basset hound, she is my baby, we have had her since she was 7months old. She is never left alone, in other words CANNOT be left alone, which means my partner has stayed at home 24/7 everyday since we have had her, while i go to work. We have never been abroad on holiday, only locally so we can take her with us. But it has come to a stage in our lifes where we need to start living ourselfs & not to revolve round her. I hate saying it as we love her dearly. She is very close to us & will not stay with anyone else not even for a day, let alone 1 or 2 weeks away. Because of her age we are scared that if we put her in a kennels that we would not come back to her alive, this sounds bizarre I know. but I would never forgive myself if that happened. What are we to do please help ! Thanks.

Hello Wonda and welcome to the Forum :)

Can you tell me exactly what you are scared of happening IF you left your dog in kennels or at someones house? I do think that 10 years down the line is a long time to wait before deciding you need to change ;) But it shouldn't be impossible ..the dog will probably just get on with it and cope ..I think it is *you* who has the difficulty rather than her ;)

Probably the best thing is to find out which local kennels friends recommend and then talk to the kennel owner. She or he will probably be fine to let you leave her for a few hours , just so you can see that she WILL cope. Maybe you could then gradually build up the time you are leaving her ..and give HER a chance to get used to the fact that you two can leave her without bad things happening.

Melody :)

Thankyou for replying to me. It is kind of true what you are saying but I have to state that we have tryed leaving her with other people like my mum and dads or anyone who is close to us, but it always came down to one of them phoning and saying she will not stop crying & keeps them up all night. We have left her indoors for a few hours even more before, of course with the back door open so she can go out. but when we come back she goes mad as if she hasn't seen us for days, we try to calm her down & then she gets in a panic. This is what worries me about leaving her in a kennels, because she is older the effect of being in different surroundings with differents people would actually effect her health.

Trying a few hours in a kennels sounds like a good idea, I will have to ask a few friends !

thanks again
Jodie!

MY mutt doesn't like being in kennels ..but the place where we leave him know this ..they put him in the kennel furthest away from the house :D :D He is a Malamute and capable of making LOTS of noise ;) I take him there , hand him over and leave with complete ease of mind. If he barks I know he will be checked up on to make sure he is okay and then left to get on with it.....

Try the local kennels and give yourselves a break for a day or two ;)

Thanks again, sounds like I will give this a try, no harm in trying I suppose. I will be in contact again to let you know how I get on....... Thankyou !

Have you tried going away for a night and letting someone else stay the night at your house to look after your dog ??

I often house sit for people (although this is not an offer, im trying to wind it down now!!) and dogs are usually much happier in their own homes. What people dont realise is most dogs are complete traitors, as long as they are in their own home with someone to feed them, cuddle them and take them for walks they dont care who it is !!!

I understand this can be an expensive option, some pet sitters charge £40 - £60 per day/night if you want one that is registered, police checked and insured. But maybe you know someone who would like to do it ???? Obviously it would have to be someone that you and your dog trust.

Just a suggestion for you if the kennels dont work out. Good luck (I couldnt imagine not having a holiday in all that time : )