Dog Community

I'm feeling so guilty

Posted : 8/23/2006 7:37:57 AM

Thursday we are going to Portland, ME for a James Taylor concert. My son has always adored James Taylor (17 yr. old has quite an array in music taste - went to a Taylor concert with I was 6 months pregnant w/Geoff I think that sealed the Taylor thing with him). Anyway we have a 2-hour drive to Portland, 2-hour concert, 2-hour drive back and Molly has to be in her crate.
My friend (Beau's mom) was going to take Molly for a walk with Beau during the evening but now she can't cause they have company coming. She doesn't really want to come over to take Molly out to potty cause she feels bad putting Molly back in the crate. And Molly sees her as a means to play with her bud.
I am leaving work extra early so we can get Molly and Beau out to walk/play before we leave for Maine (before Marie's company shows up).
But I still feel guilty leaving Molly in the crate all that time.
I know she'll be fine but she's so used to having us home in the evening I'm wracked with guilt. And I don't have anyone willing to come in to take her out - she's not good with strangers. The one person who she does like/trust is going with us (my son's friend).
Help me not feel so darned guilty about going somewhere LOL we used to leave Sadie home but she didn't have to be crated. If I leave Molly out of the crate I KNOW I'm coming home to a destroyed house.
We haven't gone anywhere this summer - this is our one family thing for the season.

chewbecca

Posted : 8/23/2006 7:45:25 AM

I wouldn't feel guilty about. Or try not to[

].
You RARELY crate her for a long period of time. She'll get love when you get home. Go to your concert, have fun!
She'll be ok. Don't feel bad[

]

NicoleS

Posted : 8/23/2006 9:33:46 AM

Many folks leave their dogs crated for over 6 hours a day, 5 days a week. Dogs may not be thrilled, but they survive and are happy when you come home. Its hard, I know, if you're not used to leaving your dog, but maybe try crating her before you leave (if you can) once or twice to make sure she's okay for a few hours. I really don't think they notice the difference between an hour or two or 4 or 6 hours. As long as you're going to the concert, you should enjoy it!! your dog will be happier when you come home if you had a great time and are happy [

] good luck!

Terri

Posted : 8/23/2006 9:54:36 AM

Don't feel guilty! 6 hours is not that long to leave her crated. Just make sure she's got something to do--I always give my boys Kongs and nylabones to chew on while I'm gone. When you get home, she'll be so happy to see you--and then if she's like my boys, she'll find a comfortable spot, curl up and go back to sleep.

Have fun at concert!

agilebasenji

Posted : 8/23/2006 2:34:06 PM

I left my puppers in a crate when I went to see a James Taylor concert and they were fine. Really. Go. Enjoy.

marynh

Posted : 8/23/2006 3:12:53 PM

my son is home tomorrow so Molly won't have to be crated while we are at work. Then her walk/run with Beau dog so that'll keep her happy.
I won't feel bad (yeah right...) but i'll enjoy myself.
Thanks

dawn

Posted : 8/23/2006 10:55:17 PM

Every once in awhile this kind of thing will come up. It always makes me feel better to think about the GREAT life whinny has and all the wonderful walks and attention she gets, so staying home alone longer than "ideal" every now and then isn't too tragic. As soon as you get home she'll probably forget you ever left!