I had to leave George recently for 18 days so I could visit my family in the UK.
As you might imagine, this was quite a stress! I had fortunately found a wonderful special needs boarding place for him. In the lead up to the trip (over several months), he spent several days in daycare there, and one overnight stay.
I dropped him off with his massive bag containing food (although they normally provide food, given George doesn't cope well with change I decided to supply his own), treats, a couple of favourite toys, a blanket, a top I had been wearing, his many medications, and very detailed instructions!
The vet behaviourist advised to have him on a higher dose of his various medications throughout the stay.
Once on the plane, there was nothing more to be done. I kept an eye on their Facebook page and was relieved to see pictures of him but forced myself not to keep checking in! In some of the photos he looked resigned but in a couple he looked reasonably happy!
I had a lovely couple of weeks in the UK seeing family and friends.
It was strange to be going out for meals so easily (I can't leave the house at the moment due to George's separation anxiety unless he is in daycare). It was even stranger not to be constantly managing the environment and having to be alive to potential triggers.
I did notice that dogs go to many more places now in the UK than in my previous visits - and so many more people have dogs. It was rare to see a family without a dog. They are in nearly every restaurant and café. I even saw people carrying their large dogs on to a boat for a boat trip.
It made me feel quite sad that George can't even leave the house or go for a walk without drama and these dogs are everywhere. I don’t necessarily think they should be though - some of them did look like they were struggling a bit.
Anyway, although I was sad to be leaving my homeland, I was excited to see George. It was a mixed feeling really as I was somewhat reluctant to return to very small world again which needs careful management at all times.
When I arrived to pick him up (feeling very sleepy after the long flights), the staff member told me he did really well. She said it took him a couple of days to settle but he got into the routine, made a couple of really good friends, and enjoyed his walks.
I was so relieved and happy. They also said he got very attached to the owner. It didn't really surprise me that he attached himself to one person in particular. When he trusts someone, the bond is so strong!
I actually think it will have done him some good. It's out in the countryside so he had a break from the triggers of the neighbours here, and his walks would have been quiet and probably trigger-free.
I'd booked a couple more days of annual leave so he (and me!) could recover a little. He slept a lot. He wasn't really reacting to noises. We just spent the time enjoying each other's company again. I weaned him off the higher medication doses.
When it did become time for me to return to the office and George to daycare, I think the early start was a bit of a shock to his system! But he was very excited to go in.
I came back from the trip feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. I had a new determination and belief that we are going to beat this - or at least make more improvements.
We had a couple of really successful walks which reinforced this feeling. A few days in, and we were back to the reactions and the barking at noises at home. The belief is starting to slip a little.
But I do think I have more patience and optimism than before the trip. Despite the stressful build-up, I think the break was good in the end for both of us.