I’ll be leaving the dogs for a week, beginning next week. Shoot, I’ll be leaving everyone for a week. So the question becomes, what do I do about all of my critters while I’m gone?
Leaving the dogs shouldn’t be a big deal, right? There are four other people living in the house. Four responsible adults and near adults.
Heh. I almost said that with a straight face. But my point is, I should be able to leave the dogs for a week without panicking about it. So why am I having little meltdowns? I’ve done this before. I’ve left solid lists for each person in the house to follow, dividing the responsibilities so no one is burdened. This time can’t be much different.
Chewy is going to stay with his best friend Honey while I’m gone, which makes Honey happy. She’s an only dog and loves her little cousin, Chewy. Seriously, though, here’s the list of what I do when I’m leaving the dogs and critters:
- I determine where everyone will be staying, which creatures can stay home, which, like Chewy, need to stay with someone else
- I make sure there’s enough feed for all of the critters for the entire absence, plus some, bagging up what will be going with the away dog
- I make sure any grooming or emergency supplies are out and visible, along with instructions if necessary
- I make a list, using bullet points, in clear handwriting, for each person who is responsible
- I talk with each person responsible at least a week before leaving, to know what they are and are not comfortable doing while I’m gone
- I leave the lists in the most visible place possible
- I make sure each human knows what the OTHER is responsible for
- I leave it in their hands at this point, not stressing while I’m gone, trusting that these adult humans will do what they agreed to
This time is a little different, though. Hunny (pictured with the hen above) is leaving for Boy Scout camp about mid-way through my trip. Sasquatch, here, my youngest child,is going with him, being a Boy Scout and all.
That leaves my oldest child, who is 21:
And the middle child, who is 20:
Ultimately, different or no, I still have to trust that my family will take care of the dogs, cat, chickens and duck while I’m gone. That they’ll feed and water daily, collect eggs, let out to the bathroom frequently. I’m grateful for my family, for these adults living in my home.
And I cross my fingers and hope that everyone is alive when I get back.
Until I write again …
Flea
