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Will Separation Be Too Painful?? :-(

Sent to Pet Experts April 27 2005 at 10:25 AM
   

I have a big dilemma. A career opportunity has come up for me to make a lot of money, but I would have to go overseas(Iraq) for a year, and my dog(Simba) is not allowed. He is 8 months old, half Shi-tzu half Yorkie, and I am in love with him like he is my own child. He is always by my side, and family says they have never seen a dog so attached. He is very sad whenever I leave the house and sits by the door, won't play, won't eat, etc. He follows me from room to room, and if we are in separate parts of the house, he will periodically "check up" on me, and then go back to what he was doing. I don't want to break his heart (he would be lovingly cared for by a family member while I am away), but I am afraid I will really hurt him. Even worse, I am afraid he will forget all about me or hate me when I return. I would be allowed vacation back to the states every 4 months, for the duration of around a week. This life choice could mean a very secure financial future for me and Simba both. Please help! I am sick with worry and heartbreak over this.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $10
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April 27 2005 at 10:51 AM (25 minutes and 26 seconds later)
         
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Joann Canafax -- Veterinary Assistant -- 100% Positive Feedback on 66 Pet Accepts
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April 27 2005 at 10:57 AM (6 minutes and 16 seconds later)
         
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 Dogs are amazingly resilient when it comes to rehoming them.  They will grieve, stop eating, and will show symptoms of melancholy.  They will, eventually come out of it and will start to feel better.  It WILL be a big change and it will take some time for both of you to adjust.

I think that the move will be harder on you than it will be on him.  If this will secure your future, you would be loathe to let the opportunity slip by you.

I don't think that he will forget about you.  We place rescue dogs in new homes and I visit them from time to time.  They still remember me and still love me.  But keep in mind that he will fall in love with his caretaker as well.  She will become his support and will win his affection.

Let me know if you still have concerns.

 

Tammy F. -- Pet Care Expert -- 99% Positive Feedback on 5067 Pet Accepts
15+ years-Pet care, Veterinary shelter medicine and infectious disease, Behavior training, Rescue
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