Tomorrow, I’m going on vacation to one of my most favorite places ever, Door County, Wisconsin. It’ll be 10 days with virtually no cell phone coverage, peace and quiet, and plenty of time to reconnect with my husband and my family.
That’s the plus side of it. On the down side, Sophie is staying home alone. Taking her is really not an option. She travels OK, but I don’t see her doing all right in a tent. In the past, I have boarded her at a vet clinic. I speak from experience: this is not the way to go. Avoid boarding in a kennel situation at all costs. Caging a cat goes against everything that a cat is. IMHO, it is cruel. Cats are not that adaptable. Rather, cats enjoy a routine. Disruptions to the usual are viewed with the up most disdain, to say nothing of the stress. In good conscience, I could not board my Sophie ever again.
Instead, for the last few years, I’ve hired a pet sitter. My pet sitter is part of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters. She is local. She is bonded. On the practical side, someone is visiting my house every day. There’s a feeling of security in that. My mail, if not stopped, is being checked. My plants are watered. It’s a good set up for me. For Sophie, the benefits are huge.
She stays home where her bed is, where her backyard birdie friends hang out, where her own food dish is. The disruption of her routine is minimal. For me, I have the satisfaction of knowing that someone is looking in on her. She is getting attention and love every day, even if it isn’t from her first choice. Her routine is still in her routine.
I encourage all pet owners to explore having a pet sitter call as an option. The benefits exist for both the owner and the pet. If you must be away, won’t you feel more comfortable knowing that your pet is getting one-on-one attention?
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