So how do you prepare your dog for being gone for the next week? I haven't answered, but I didn't wash the bedding before I left, and I left my shoes outside. Everything was as it used to be, except I wasn't there. When I left home, I said goodbye, exactly as I always do, with the words, "I'll be home soon."
Everyday life
Marvin is used to me being home a lot because I work from home. He can easily be alone, but is almost always there when I have to do something. He follows me around the house or garden and loves to participate in what I do, and has full control over my and the family's habits. It's rare that I'm away from him for more than a few days.
“Where are you? – “I miss you too!”
The first few days went well. Both for Marvin and me. Then Marvin started looking for me, and every time I saw a dog on my vacation, I missed sitting with my fingers in his soft fur. I didn't call home. I wrote to the family so he wouldn't hear my voice. There was no need to confuse him. As the days went by, he luckily got used to me not being there.
Different ways to have a dog.
When I walked around the capital of Madeira, I saw dogs sleeping on the sidewalk and at first I felt a little sorry for them, until I realized that they weren't stray dogs at all. In fact, I didn't see a single one. The dogs I met were well-fed, and most were wearing collars. Someone loved them. Luckily.
The loose dogs on the street had complete control of the traffic and all seemed very friendly. They were living life. Maybe a little dangerous in my opinion. And it was clear that it was the dog's own responsibility whether they could keep up with their owner if they were walked. They were often walked without a leash. An employee at the hotel told me that in Madeira it is not mandatory to have dog insurance or to have your dog on a leash. Something we take for granted that all dog owners in Denmark have a handle on.
Meet the man and the dog.
Near the hotel where I was staying, I noticed a man and his dog on several occasions. Both seemed to be smiling all the time. I couldn't help but think that our worlds couldn't be more different. And yet in one area quite similar. We are both dog owners. For some reason, they made a big impression on me, so I asked him if I could share a picture of them both for a blog post in Denmark. Luckily, I did. So here are the two smiles. The man and the dog on the street.
"Where have you been? You forgot something! – Me!"
Happiness is being greeted by a happy dog. The reunion was great. There was no reason for my guilty conscience. He had been feeling like the yolk in an egg. We all laughed at the happy fur rocket when he ran out to a family member's car and was so ready to take her home. I've missed you too, Marvin!
Behind the blog
Charlotte is approaching 50. She works in accounting by day. She loves taking pictures, writing and reading, is interested in healthy eating and gluten-free baking. She spends a lot of time growing vegetables and gardening.
Marvin is a brown 4-year-old stubborn and happy cocker spaniel. He is a spoiled couch dog, family dog and home-trained service dog. He loves teddy bears and new adventures. As long as there is no vacuum cleaner in the adventure.
Holiday thoughts
So how do you prepare your dog for being gone for the next week? I haven't answered, but I didn't wash the bedding before I left, and I left my shoes outside. Everything was as it used to be, except I wasn't there. When I left home, I said goodbye, exactly as I always do, with the words, "I'll be home soon."
Everyday life
Marvin is used to me being home a lot because I work from home. He can easily be alone, but is almost always there when I have to do something. He follows me around the house or garden and loves to participate in what I do, and has full control over my and the family's habits. It's rare that I'm away from him for more than a few days.
“Where are you? – “I miss you too!”
The first few days went well. Both for Marvin and me. Then Marvin started looking for me, and every time I saw a dog on my vacation, I missed sitting with my fingers in his soft fur. I didn't call home. I wrote to the family so he wouldn't hear my voice. There was no need to confuse him. As the days went by, he luckily got used to me not being there.
Different ways to have a dog.
When I walked around the capital of Madeira, I saw dogs sleeping on the sidewalk and at first I felt a little sorry for them, until I realized that they weren't stray dogs at all. In fact, I didn't see a single one. The dogs I met were well-fed, and most were wearing collars. Someone loved them. Luckily.
The loose dogs on the street had complete control of the traffic and all seemed very friendly. They were living life. Maybe a little dangerous in my opinion. And it was clear that it was the dog's own responsibility whether they could keep up with their owner if they were walked. They were often walked without a leash. An employee at the hotel told me that in Madeira it is not mandatory to have dog insurance or to have your dog on a leash. Something we take for granted that all dog owners in Denmark have a handle on.
Meet the man and the dog.
Near the hotel where I was staying, I noticed a man and his dog on several occasions. Both seemed to be smiling all the time. I couldn't help but think that our worlds couldn't be more different. And yet in one area quite similar. We are both dog owners. For some reason, they made a big impression on me, so I asked him if I could share a picture of them both for a blog post in Denmark. Luckily, I did. So here are the two smiles. The man and the dog on the street.
"Where have you been? You forgot something! – Me!"
Happiness is being greeted by a happy dog. The reunion was great. There was no reason for my guilty conscience. He had been feeling like the yolk in an egg. We all laughed at the happy fur rocket when he ran out to a family member's car and was so ready to take her home. I've missed you too, Marvin!
Behind the blog
Charlotte is approaching 50. She works in accounting by day. She loves taking pictures, writing and reading, is interested in healthy eating and gluten-free baking. She spends a lot of time growing vegetables and gardening.
Marvin is a brown 4-year-old stubborn and happy cocker spaniel. He is a spoiled couch dog, family dog and home-trained service dog. He loves teddy bears and new adventures. As long as there is no vacuum cleaner in the adventure.