Quote: Connie Sutherland

But, wow .... I admit that nothing I can think of would take me somewhere for a week with only 24 hours to arrange for my three dogs and leaving them outdoors together my only option.

I thought I might be a bit of a stickler when it comes to leaving my pack for any length of time (and my hubby's actually on board) but I’m so glad to see I’m not alone. They literally “force” me (kicking and screaming) to travel for work once or twice a year. I can usually come up with some creative proposal that facilitates my virtual attendance.

I was curious as to what it was you were attending so I thought I’d see if I could find some advertising. And wow, this fair even has a Wiki. Says it’s the largest state fair in the US. What also peaked my curiosity is that every year, since 1886, it’s been held at the same place, at the same time of year, every year.

If you were planning on attending this, for a full week’s absence, why leave the care of your pack to a last minute scramble?

 Quote: Christi Coufal

I think I will go shopping for them some things to play with while I am gone.

I thought I’d go shopping today for some toys??? Sorry, that statement and thought process just dazzles me.

I don’t mean to sound like I’m on any high horse here, but I’d of been prepping the caregiver and making the alterations needed well ahead of this 24 hour deadline.

It says this fair started yesterday and runs until October 23rd. Is it a “must” that you attend this particular week or is it possible to give your husband and your pack a few days of the necessary prep work that they may have benefited from last month, or perhaps even last week if this was really short notice?

After re-reading your post and understanding that you came here for help, I realized that I offered you nothing but criticism. I’m sorry for that. Let me see if I can offer anything helpful.

If the dogs must remain primarily outside, is there any way your hubby could possibly look at putting up some temporary yard dividers?

Maybe you could draw a plan up for him tonight that might work. Which dog(s) go where. Sounds like the young one would be best separated from the other two. However, if they’re not going to be getting a lot of exercise, sounds like the 7 year old should be separated from the 18 mo. old heeler as well.

If my available caregiver really didn’t have his heart in it, I think I’d be calling trusted friends/neighbors to see if they might be able to pop in for a look and see how things were going sometime throughout the week.

And as Mara said, I’d probably have their meals packaged and labeled for quick, easy access and a discussion on how important it is that they have fresh, clean water every day.

Obviously emergency phone numbers to your vet in clear view and a contact number for yourself.

I also wish you luck with this. I hope it all works out.

I know it's expensive ,(3) portable kennels work great the dog/s is safe and they can be outdoors.

I don't like the idea of a dog being kenneled outside during the night time. Where I live there are copperhead snakes and water moccasins to think about, and a dog stuck in a kennel might be prime target for. Call me a worrier, but that would not be an option for me, and a risk I would refuse to take. JMO

Keep in mind the reports recently of dogs being stolen right out of back yards. Just heard of a Malinios that was stolen, as well as Hex the GSD.

yep I just saw this one it is so scary makes me very paranoid when my pup goes outside


http://marysville.komonews.com/news/crime/674548-thief-captured-camera-stealing-dog-marysville-home

I kept my service dog in a kennel with a lock, no problems dept issued. in the 35 years i have owned dogs most stayed in a out side kennel they are dogs they like being outside

They also like being family pets. Thats a totally different subject.

How many dogs are stolen out of the millions out there

how do they know the GSd was stolen it's my understanding he was in a fenced yard he could have jumped it.

A white van was seen pulling out of the driveway. (another thread though)