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A festive tail 3.1.4>45

loulisnowdrop

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This is almost like a Christmas story... we have a little donkey, a stable and no room at the inn!

I have a bit of a quandary and I have a few solutions but I'm not sure what to do for the best. I'm going to my boyfriend's family for Christmas which is lovely but it's a bit of a journey and I have a puppy. I was told by his cousin that I could bring him and her house is very dog friendly and other people are taking dogs. I had originally suggested putting him in kennels but was told that wasn't necessary.

Now let's get this clear, he is a 5 month old puppy so boisterous, chewing, steals food and general playful mischief as puppies do but he is a great dane and the size of a small donkey at 45 Kg. I warned her of this and she insisted it was fine and all other dogs are friendly as long as he is.

I took him to a small family gathering yesterday where some of the other dogs were also attending (like a canine teddy bears picnic!) The cousin was also there and my dog did not embarrass me, he was a little excited at first but soon lay down and only got up to play when other dogs came to him.

Today, the cousin has been in touch saying that although he was very well behaved, she thinks he might be too much for her dog who is getting grumpy in his old age and doesn't like other dogs trying to play with him. It might be best if he doesn't go. It's too late to find kennels for him now, some of them simply can't take him because of his size and his breeder who can cope has no vacancies.

I've had an offer of a large nearby stable to put him in for a few hours, I can leave him at home but that means lots of travelling back and forth, sorting meals out and seeing if a neighbour is free to pop in, or I can stay at home for Christmas day (alone). I really don't know what to do for the best. He is ok at being left and doesn't get anxious but it's a long time at home on his own and a stable would be cold and very strange to him. My boyfriend's mum is now having doubts about taking her dog also as he was the one initiating the play but he is a guide dog and quite needed.

Anyway, that's the story and I asked what is the best thing to do and got 3.1.4>45. The large sacrificial animals of 45 did make me laugh although I don't want to sacrifice him! I'm not quite sure what to make of 3 or the lines but 45 is surely saying that I should go. Line 1 suggests seeking help - maybe accepting the offer of a draughty stable with an open door! Sorry, I'd shut the door really but it sounded seasonal to say it that way :)

What do you lot think? Either of the reading or any inspirational solutions I haven't thought of.
 

ginnie

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Why not hire a dog sitter? Hexagram 3 is about finding helpers.
 

loulisnowdrop

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Now there's a thought. I'll have a look into that thanks Ginnie. Don't know how willing somebody would be to dog sit on Christmas day but I can ask :)
 

pocossin

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What is the best thing to do?
3.1.4>45


Taking 3 as recruitment and 45 as holiday, I think the best thing to do is to ask a close neighbor or relative. Better if they live next door, but do this now. Don't put it off and ask them at the last moment. My sister likes to travel, and I take care of her house dog when she goes off. When I take care of her dog, I go there five times a day to feed and walk the dog. It's only 100 yard off. The main disadvantage is that my cat hate for me to have anything to do with dogs, so sometimes I have to sneak over. You are likely to have a neighbor who likes dogs and who would enjoy walking the dog on Christmas day, but you will need to ask around to find out. I cannot think of a better way to spend Christmas. If you find such a person, thank them with cash or a nice Christmas present.
 

Trojina

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It's always good to have an ending to a 'festive tail'

We've been waiting since 2014, don't keep us in suspense any longer.
 

loulisnowdrop

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Finally getting around to updating... If I cast my mind back, we ended up leaving him at my boyfriends house as that was much nearer so whilst he was left, it wasn't for any great length of time as much less travelling. He was familiar with the house and his bed and toys were all there. (He lives here now as do I).
When we got home after Christmas dinner, we found he had managed to shut himself in the kitchen at some point. His water was there so no major problem but he'd panicked being young and shut in... lets just say the kitchen didn't smell very fresh and the door need sanding and repainting.
As soon as we let him out he was absolutely fine but even now, he doesn't like the kitchen door being shut even if he's not in there.
I did try to find a pet sitter as Pocossin suggested but nobody was able to help either due to having their own arrangements for the day or one person was just plain scared of him. He was a bit bouncy and intimidating back then.
 

Liselle

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Thanks so much for updating, Louli - and Merry Christmas in advance to you and doggy this year. 🎄
 

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