Would you still go, or cancel?

I'm not exactly sure what to do. DH and I are supposed to leave for Barbados this Friday-Monday. It's our first "real" trip without the kids. We just found out that our dog tore her ACL. She is walking with a limp and needs to be carried up the stairs. She is also on a couple of different medications, which in fairness she will probably be on for the rest of her life for comfort and pain management. The plan was for our tenant to take care of her Friday and Saturday and my sister on Sunday and Monday. We are debating canceling our trip to take care if her. We do have cancel for any reason insurance. I do trust my tenant and sister to take good care of her, but are we asking too much of them? Like I said, even if we postpone the trip, she will probably still be on medications and we are unsure if she'll ever be going up the stairs on her own at any point.
What would you do? Go as planned or try to reschedule? The reason we were going that weekend is because it's our anniversary, plus I'm off that Mibday for Columbus Day. Rescheduling would be easy for DH, but really tough for me.

Re: Would you still go, or cancel?

Will you be able to enjoy your trip or will you be worried and thinking of your dog the whole time?

If you can be okay with the fact that your pup will be well taken care of and you will be able to relax - I say go.

Like you mention, your dog might have these issues her whole life so postponing the trip won't mean that she will be well - but it might give you more time to accept the situation and be more comfortable with it.

If your dog takes the medication pretty easily, then I don't think it is too much to ask of the caretakers (Do you just put it in her food or something?)

It sounds like you deserve a break from going through this and a nice trip away from the kiddies, but to me, it wouldn't be worth going if you weren't in the mood to enjoy.

Re: Would you still go, or cancel?

I "think" we would be fine. I know we'll talk about it and say we hope she's doing ok, etc... But I don't think it would ruin the trip. I just feel slightly guilty- even though I know DH and I deserve this trip and have been really looking forward to it. As for the meds, she takes them very easy, I put the pills on a slice of bread and peanut butter. She loves her "treat."

Re: Would you still go, or cancel?

I think I would start by telling your landlord and sister exactly what would be required of them to take care of your dog and see what they say. If one of them tells you it's too much you have your answer.

If they both say no problem, we can do it. Then I would go and enjoy myself. It sounds like a short trip so I wouldn't worry too much.

ETA: Your tenant not landlord

Message edited 10/1/2011 11:01:42 AM.

Re: Would you still go, or cancel?

My tenant and my sister love my dog, so I know she will be well cared for. I just feel bad because I'm her mommy and she's always best when I'm around.

Re: Would you still go, or cancel?

If it makes you feel any better, our dog tore her ACL and had surgery for it 2 years ago and was definitely back to going up the stairs alone about 2 months later. Every now and then she limps slightly--maybe weather related--but other than that she is fine. We did reduce the size of her "poopy" area so she can't run like crazy after squirrels as that is how she tore it. So if you do think it's better to cancel, it will likely get easier down the road if you want to reschedule it.

Re: Would you still go, or cancel?

The thing is, she is not going to have the surgery so there's no way fir us Yo know how much better, or God forbid worse, she may be in time.

Re: Would you still go, or cancel?

is it possible for you to board her with her vet? I know it might be expensive, but at least you would have some peace of mind knowing she was being cared for by professionals who could monitor her and make sure she gets the right meds. Good luck!

Re: Would you still go, or cancel?

Boarding her is always a last resort, she gets depressed being anywhere but home. How we have it set up now, she won't have to leave the comforts of home at all. DH and I discussed it again last night and decided we are not canceling our trip. She is doing pretty well on her meds and her mobility is improving each day. She doesn't love being carried up the stairs, but is otherwise looking happy and comfortable. I'm going to buy one of those pill dividers in CVS and set up her meds for when we're gone. I know she'll be ok. I'm so impressed with how she's healing in such a quick time. I think she'll always limp, but it doesn't seem to be bothering her too much.