Suitcases Make Me Nervous!!

Helping your loving pet stay calm at VACATION time!
It happens at our house too. Every time my husband starts packing for a business trip, the "kids" start pacing and following us around. Fortunately, I've learned how to put their little minds at ease. Here's some TIPS for when suitcases make your loving pets nervous:

1. Have a pow-wow with the entire "family". I treat my furry kids just like human kids and give them all the details of Dad's upcoming trip. Especially if you have a pet that's a worry-wart. I tell them WHERE Dad is going, HOW LONG he'll be gone, and most importantly WHEN he'll be home.

2. If he is traveling with anyone they know, I tell them "Sam is going to be with Daddy".

3. I stay very upbeat, especially if we are both going away together. I explain that we are going on vacation, and they are all on vacation while we are gone. Relax and enjoy your vacation!

4. In addition, I always check in, telepathically, with my dogs while we're away. You can easily do this too, by simply thinking of your pet and sending love. I usually do this in the morning and tell them what we are going to do that day. Or, when I say "goodnight" to them at bedtime, I "show" them in my mind what we did and visited that day.

Remember, you wouldn't just walk out the door on your children with no explanation. Treat your loving animals with the same common courtesy. These little things can make a HUGE difference in how your pet views vacation time, or anytime you are out of the house. ♥

See muttscomics.com for more of Patrick McDonnell's fabulous cartoons.