We are off skiing on Wednesday .

The birds are booked in with our friends (Dylan ADORES them, and the 'keets are indifferent to everyone, so no worries there) and Stout is booked into his Grannies house.

I am being a soppy doodle mum, but I am concerned about my ickle fluff ball. He hasn't really spent any period of time away from Chris or I . He goes to work with Chris, and because we have a new business we don't really have a social life anymore . If we do go out in the evening, its usually to a dog friendly pub, so he comes, and if they are doggist he stays at the brewery, or goes to a friends house. He is grumpy enough if one of us goes out, especially if its his daddy . He has spent a fair amount of time with Chris' mum, and we stayed at her house over Christmas (we didn't stay prior to that as she had a cat who was unimpressed with Stout, so it wasn't fair on him, but sadly he died just before Christmas , Stout slept in grannies room, I think she was missing Kipper the cat, so wanted cuddles , but he slept on the floor ), and in preparation she has come to dog sit so he has got used to being alone with her.

My question is (finally, I hear you cry), is there anything we can do to help him settle/not be too stressed. He will be taking his toys/bed etc, but should we be doing anything else, or I am just worrying for nothing, and he will be so busy getting spoilt and cuddled he wont even notice we have gone (Chris' mum is quite excited, and is planning lots of walks/visitors to show off her Grandson-dog)

Thanks as always.

I'd say no matter how tempting to wash his bedding before he goes, try not to, as the smell will be reassuring for him.

My advice is not to worry! Lottie is normally my shadow but while we were on holiday my daughter and her husband came to stay and she went with my neighbour who is a dog walker during the day. She looked for me a couple of times but was so happy with her new friends that she was no trouble at all. I'm sure Stout will be the same! have a great holiday!

Lottie and Fiona

He will be so spoilt why should he miss you
He will have a lovely time, you will have a great time and lots of cuddles when you come back

Aww, he sounds like he will be in very loving capable hands so he will hav a fab' time, as will you!!

I think it's more of a guilt thing on our parts. We went on a cruise last year and had to put the girls into kennels as we weren't as lucky as you to have a doodle sitter for our two ASBO's

I spent most of the holiday worrying about them and talking about them; in the end my mother-in-law kindly phoned the kennels to enquire about the girls and text us when we were at port to put my mind at rest..
Needless to say they were absolutely fine..

Stout will be just Dandy so try not to worry..
Daise xxx

The bedding tip is a good one - and when you leave him, do so without fuss, no long lingering goodbyes............

Dog's don't really know the concept of time so as long he's getting food, love and attention he'll be fine !

Have a great trip !

Liz x

Aww, try not to worry too much.

My advice would be to leave a t-shirt of yours or one belonging to Chris. Wear it a couple of days before you go, then leave it with Stout.

When we first got Harvey (our golden retriever) we got him in the September, then we (me and other half) had to move away to manage a pub in the December and we were unable to take Harvey with us. My parents had him and we both left a worn t-shirt and he loved it. He snuggled up to it on an evening and was fine - as I'm sure Stout will be

Have a great time

Kirsty and Archie

Aww, it's amazing how attached to them we get isn't it.

You've had lots of good advice already, especially regarding the bed and T-shirts. Plus, as long as he's being loved, I'm sure Stout will be fine.

If it's any comfort, our two boys went to Granny and Grandad's last summer for a fortnight because I had to go away for work for a week and Simon was having to do full time hours for holiday cover, whereas usually I work from home and Simon's part time so we're both around a lot. I was worried how Stan would be being away from us for the first time and rang my in-laws to check on him the first evening. Needless to say, he didn't miss us one bit. He arrived at their house, went and explored their garden then tried to claim their bed for himself!!!

yep i was thinking the t shirt thing too the not washing his bed is a good one also. have a brilliant time

For Stout's granny's benefit, are there any dogs local to her who he could have playdates with? It would be lovely for him, and tire him out, making life easier for her too. When my mum has had Leon for the day she borrows a neighbour's dog and lets them run each other ragged in the garden.

Have a super holiday.

Sounds like Stout is actually going to have a great holiday with his grand-parents . Wurly adores mine & Chris’s parents, they call her their Grand-dog . All advice above is great, so I can add nothing to that . Hope you & Chris have a great holiday.

My advice is - a bottle of wine, lots of good food and plenty of laughter. Yes YOU not Stout!!!

You may find that he won't want to come home after all the fun he's going to have!

Our limited experience of leaving Toffee indicates that it is us that suffers from the separation anxiety, not her. She just loves meeting other people and other dogs.

I'm sure Stout will have a great time, and once you've done it once, it will be really good to have the confidence of knowing that Stout will be fine if any kind of emergency means you have to be away.

Think he will love it.
Probably be like our 3 year old GD. She stays every Thurs and Fri with us.
Just had to pull her out from under the table where she was hiding to return her to her parents.....Enjoy your break and think about that lovely Dood welcome when you return..x

Thanks for all your tips, as always. I think in general, its as Chris suspects I am just being soft

I was thinking of washing his slightly pongy bed, but wont be doing that! Granny phoned yesterday and offered to have him a day early, don't want to push my luck, if we take him there too early, she might have changed her mind before we have left , we are very lucky that she is willing to look after him.

I am not sure she has any friends with doggies, lots have asked for a visit after hearing all about her Granddog (yes Carole also calls him her granddog too Nicky!)

We are going away with friends, and there will be some drinks had, the hotel we are staying has, guess what, got a brewery on site , one of our friends also works in a brewery. I reckon if we are getting short of funds, I could hire Chris out for a days brewing