My Separation Anxiety

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

17 Oct 2007 08:18 AM

I haven't been home to see my family in five months. Back in May, I took my dogs on a cross-country drive and relocated from New Jersey to Oregon.

Now I'm going home. Some friends of mine are getting married, and I figured that was a good excuse to fly home for a long weekend. As my trip approaches, I find myself getting more and more nervous about leaving the dogs behind.

This is the first time since I moved that Moose and Lally will be staying behind while I travel. When I still lived in New Jersey, I had family around to take care of them. This time, my friend Julie will be coming to stay at the apartment with the dogs. And I'm so good at worrying. What if the dogs sneak out the front door when she tries to come in? What if they start fighting at the sliding glass door when another dog comes by? What if they get sick?

Usually, when I travel, I get nervous for me. This time, I'm more worried for Moose and Lally and Julie than I am for the flight or any plans I have being canceled. What if Moose slips his collar and takes off? What if they bark all night and keep Julie awake? What if Lally doesn't eat the entire time I'm gone?

I know Julie will take good care of my pups. She has two big dogs of her own, so I know she can handle mine if they misbehave. And my dogs are pretty good. Moose just loves Julie and will be happy to have her around. Rationally, I know they'll be okay.

But still... I worry. I didn't think I'd be the kind of nervous dog parent who calls the dog sitter every day to check in... but it looks like that is exactly the kind of nervous dog parent I am.

Learn more about Aimee Amodio

Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover...

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Courtney Mroch (9169) 17 Oct 2007 01:51 PM

I feel your pain, Aimee! This is why Wayne and I don't travel more. I worry, stress, and fret about being away from my crew so much it's hard for me to enjoy myself. Somehow I come home and they're always fine and super delighted to see me, but I don't think their tails ever wag as much as mine do!!! Have a great trip home!!!!

Michele Cheplic (37339) 18 Oct 2007 08:50 AM

Spoken like a true mom.