I'm going into hospital

In 4 weeks time to have surgery. Will be in hospital one/two nights and out of action for at least four or five days (off work for two weeks). I have found a place for Chiquito to stay for the nights I am in hospital (and perhaps the night before) and organised my mum to pick him up afterwards and take him out to her place which is where I will be.

The place he is going is a 'kennel' as such, except that it is run by two dog trainers from their home .. he can sleep inside, has a yard to play in and they take them on day trips to the beach/park etc. They are lovely, and I am happy that he will be well looked after however he has never been away from me before and I am worried about how he will go.

So, looking for advice ... first of all, am I worrying about nothing? Second, should I book him in for a day trip with the kennel people before he goes to stay there to get him used to it? And finally, they offer a pick up service .. would I be best to drop him off the day before I go in or have him at home that night and let them pick him up from home after I leave?

I hope everything goes alright! ><

I think letting him go down for a day before is a good idea. Lets them get used to him and lets him get used to them. They'll be used to dealing with dogs who miss their owners and get nervous as well, so I'm sure they'll be able to calm him down if he gets upset.

If I were you, I'd drop him off the day before. He might get upset if strangers come into his house and take him away.

I have never used kennels as such but it sounds like a great one! I hope everything goes well for you ><

I hope everything goes well with your surgery kell, I've not used kennels but I'm sure everything will be fine & us mummies will worry

Aw I understand why you are worried! Gwen has never been away from me either! I think having him go on a day trip before is a GREAT idea! I also wouldn't have them come pick him up at your house! That would probably be upsetting from him! I think dropping him off the night before is best, even if it will be hard to leave him! Good luck with your surgery! I hope it goes well and you have a quick recovery!

Sounds like you have done your research , of course he will miss you same as my 2 miss me when I leave and there are 3 others in the house But he will be fine with nice people and have a bit of fun . It will also help him in the long run if things like this happen again.

BTW I hope you operation is nothing too serious and goes well for you ><

Aw, Kell, hope everything goes well for you and you have a quick recovery. We can all understand your worry, but great advice above ><

I hope everything goes well, try not to worry ><

i hope your surgery goes well >< ,i would def let him go there for a visit before hand just so its not too strange when he goes to stay,try not to worry,he'll be fine

Little Sir Echo here - great advice above.

You have to do what you have to do, and you've thought it all out well in advance. Sounds like you've found a really good place too, which is a bonus.

Luckily Chiquito is still a playful little puppy and will in all probability love his little holiday, especially if he has other dogs to play with. The day visit beforehand sounds like a great idea, and I would also agree that taking him there the night before is probably a better option than having him collected from your home. Maybe you could leave him with a well-worn jumper or similar (unwashed) that smells of you? I haven't had experience of this situation myself, so I don't know if this suggestion is a good idea - or not.

Sending all wishes for your op, and your speedy recovery ><

I hope everything goes well ><

I'd let the 'kennel' people meet Chiquito before he stays with them, it might be a bit stressful for strangers to come and take him away if hes not familiar with them. Leave some of your clothing/blankets with your smell on to comfort him, im sure he will be fine when he's there getting pampered and enjoying the days out with other pooch's Nothing to worry about!

I hope the surgery goes well and it sounds like a great place you have found for him to stay? I would bring him for a visit before leaving him if possible. Also you could leave an article of clothing with your scent on it to help with the sepertion anxiety. Suki is fine when I am away but she misses the OH if she is gone.

Thanks for the advice (and well wishes!) everyone - much appreciated I feel like a right git being so worried about him, so thank you for understanding!

Will take him there for a beach trip day before he goes to stay, will also drop him off rather than have him collected .... and I hadn't even thought about leaving a jumper or such with him but that is such a great idea, will do that as well

Thanks again!

Hope everything goes well

Trial run is a good idea along with an unwashed jumper, that will give him a lot of comfort.. I'm sure he'll be fine.. I'm getting a lump in my throat just thinking about it.. So speedy recovery to you so you can get home to be with your besty..x ><

We've never used kennels before either so wouldn't really know how to advize you on this, hope all goes well for you ><

Oh no! Hope everything goes well for you and that you have a speedy recovery!

I agree with all of the advice given above for the little tyke when he goes to the kennels henceforth known as Puppy Adventure Camp. Sounds like fantastic fun for him, sleep overs with friends and trips to the beach! Can I come too?

Thanks for your advice and well wishes Sarah, Molly and Kathy

aurora wrote:Oh no! Hope everything goes well for you and that you have a speedy recovery!

I agree with all of the advice given above for the little tyke when he goes to the kennels henceforth known as Puppy Adventure Camp. Sounds like fantastic fun for him, sleep overs with friends and trips to the beach! Can I come too?

Love it Aurora Puppy Adventure Camp it shall be! Thanks for your wishes as well