The Struggle Is Real: Missing My Dogs While I’m Away
I used to think I was being ridiculous when it came to leaving my dogs for any length of time. Vacations were never as fun for me as they seemed for everyone else. The anxiety I felt before a trip was almost debilitating. I’d worry for days leading up to my departure, and as soon as I dropped them off, the tears would start flowing.
I know it might sound crazy to some people—but I honestly couldn’t help it. My heart just ached without them.
For years, I thought I was the only one who felt that way. But finally, I have a little vindication.
FINALLY! A little vindication.
A survey by Talker Research of over 2,000 dog parents found that 40 percent of people “constantly” worry about their dogs while they’re away. Even more comforting? Twenty-two percent admit they miss their dogs so much that they can’t fully enjoy their trip. On average, dog parents miss their pups 13 times per day—and for most of us, that longing kicks in about 53 minutes after leaving home.
Praise God—I am not crazy or alone!
For many years, I was fortunate to have a dear friend who owned a grooming and boarding kennel. She was the only person I trusted with my pack. I knew she cared for them as deeply as she did her own. Still, I called every single day to check in. I even purchased an international cell plan once—just so she could reach me in case something happened.
And apparently, I’m not the only “worrier.” The same survey found that one in five dog parents ask their sitter to put their pup on the phone—and 17 percent even request a video call. (Ok, I’ve never done a video chat, but I’ve definitely made those daily check-in calls!)
Now, experts say that dogs don’t “miss” us in the way we think—but that they do keep track of how long we’re gone. Notice I said experts say… because I don’t believe that for a second.
I’ve seen my dogs miss their favorite people.
Take Nitro, our Cairn Terrier. Cairns are known for being loyal to “their person,” and Nitro’s whole world revolved around my husband, Mike. They went everywhere together. But Mike’s job required him to be away four days a week, and every Sunday, Nitro would sit in the window, watching his person’s car pull out of the drive. Nothing consoled him. He’d curl up in Mike’s chair and sleep on his pillow each night until Thursday, when I’d whisper, “Daddy’s coming home tonight.” Then, like clockwork, Nitro would trot to the window, waiting for his world to feel right again.
And now, I have Pepper—my blue heeler and my shadow. Wherever I go, she’s one step behind. When I leave, she’s devastated. My husband says that when I’m gone, she goes straight to the bedroom, finds one of my slippers, and curls up beside it on my side of the bed. She’ll stay there until I return.
Honestly, she misses me every bit as much as I miss her.
So yes—the struggle is real. I’m already wrestling with a big dilemma as we plan our next vacation. My dear friend who ran the kennel has since passed, and let’s be honest—not many kennels are prepared to take in eight dogs. I’m searching for an in-home sitter, but even that doesn’t bring me complete peace.
Still, I know it will work out. They’ll be fine. They always are.
But I’ll still be the one pulling out of the driveway with tears streaming, counting down the days until I’m back home—covered in dog hair, surrounded by slobber, and smothered in kisses.
Right where I belong.
