I recently returned from a two-week trip. Jana was clearly happy to see me and did her usual extra-exuberant welcome dance. Wylie seemed very pleased to see us as well, though he seemed wistful as he watched the dogsitters leave. Oriel plunged into what looked like the deepest, darkest depression. She still lies by the front door, awaiting the return of her new, and preferred, mommy.
Our dogs were home with a wonderful young couple. They have cared for our dogs in the past. Oriel adores them and has made it clear that she’d rather be their dog. Wylie loves them, especially the guy half of the couple, and he sorely misses young male companionship in his daily life. Jana, not the world’s cuddliest dog, snuggles up to me often in the days after I return from a trip.
I used to care for a friend’s two dogs while she took sometimes lengthy trips. One would welcome her home with unrestrained joy. The other gave her the silent treatment for a few days after each trip.
Are these reactions typical? I would say that a range of reactions to our absences are normal for dogs. This is true not only of long trips but also of routine daily absences.
