Anxiety... help, I feel sick

[Robin'sBrood]

Quote:
No, I didn't know that. But I'm really far away from you. As in 50 miles or so.

 

[suenrob]

Maybe the sitter could come over a couple times before you leave so you can do chores together, go over the list, set some rules, ect. This way you can see how she gets along with all the animals and how well she follows directions.

Good luck, and have a great time!!!

 

[Robin'sBrood]

It has been a very long time since I've felt anxiety like this. I'm getting headaches, tummy aches, and feeling depressed just thinking about this vacation. Back in 2000 I had a trusted neighbor keep my little pug while we went on vacation and my dog died while we were gone. She was left outside without shade and I believe she got too hot. I think that is the root of this anxiety. I would just stay here but my mother (who is paying for this) is flipping out over me even mentioning the idea. She and I are so different... she doesn't care for anything living (other than people)... so she honestly doesn't understand how I'm feeling. I feel like I'm going to throw up just thinking about leaving this year. And I've gone every single year since my dog died. What's up with this... is this post traumatic stress? Seriously, it's really bad.

 

[Buff Hooligans]

HenMama, it sounds like you could have a staff of animal experts posted 24 hours a day and you would still not enjoy going away. I feel so badly for you. I bet your anxiety is linked to your beloved pug's demise... Hope it all works out.

 

[Robin'sBrood]

Thank you. Thanks everyone else too.

Thinking this over more (because I'm not normally an anxious person) I think this may be the problem. My pug was 6 1/2 years old when she died. Perfectly healthy and happy when we left and then about 3 days before the end of our 7 day vacation, I got the phone call. I can't even begin to describe agony I went through. Guilt, pain... agony.

Now I have a wonderful pugapoo (poodle mama, pug daddy) who is one of the great loves of my life. I just yesterday found out that he has a problem with his thyroid that has resulted in hypothyroidism. His vet appointment was this past Friday, got the results yesterday, so he's only had 2 doses of his medication. After he is on his meds for 4 weeks my vet is going to test his thyroid levels again to see if she needs to make any adjustments to his dosage. Because of this he needs to be given his medication EXACTLY as directed. If he had been on his meds for a while then maybe I wouldn't be feeling so anxious about this trip. To top it off, something is going on with his eyesight. His pupils aren't constricting like they should and his vision isn't right. AND (maybe the clincher here) he is 6 1/2 years old.

Anyway, thanks for letting me vent, it is helping me think things out.

 

[Southern28Chick]

Quote:
No, I didn't know that. But I'm really far away from you. As in 50 miles or so.

Oh ok, for some reason I was thinking your location thing said Raleigh before. Have a good vacation.

 

[blue fire]

We are going on vacation on the end of this month, and some girl I do not know is taking care of everything, but befor we live we will give her a tour of everything and talk about what she needs to do. Let the chickens out, close the door at night water the tomatoes. I will also leave her a note as well. I am not that worried, we will only be gone for 3 days and I am sure her parents will also help and remind her, and she will have my cell # if she needs anything. you should invite her over to stay for an entire day to watch your schedule all day, and the next day you ask her to repeat what you did, and exagerate that you dog has to take its meds or it won't be good news, girls do not want to harm a cute little dog, and giver her your cell# or the # of where you are staying, and for the first day,or all the days, you can call to check up on her, and if it would not hurt your pocketbook to much, offer a monetary compensation for a job well done when you come back. I know all about anxiety.

hope this helps!!

 

[chcknrs]

I used to have a 19 y/o pet/house sitter, until she moved about an hour away! I sure do miss her. She loves animals, and did a great job. I would even buy junk food and fill the freezer just to keep her happy. So relax, your animals should be fine. On the other hand, I had a 26 y/o house sit for me, and she did an awful job. Turns out she didn't like animals as well as she said.

 

[purr]

i feel your pain i have a wonderfull sitter. but i still worry i call her on the cell phone everyday . does your vet have a boarding service, mine does and that's where you would know your pup was getting his meds on time.
and paying the sitter is good cause if she wants to be asked again she'll do a good job

 

[GAhen]

I am a petsitter....but I never go on vacation.
It is funny that I take care of so many other peoples animals, but I just can not make myself leave my own........SAD huh?
So many people have offered to help me so I can go, but the work getting everything ready just doesn't seem worth it.
Maybe some day (Lord willing) when I have fewer dogs I can actually go to Alaska for a vacation.
I hope you enjoy vacation, just stress to your sitter how much you love your aniamls and enjoy your garden.....