anxiety – PlottingTheWay

HELP: Calling all pup parents!

Okay… I need some advice. As you all know, Mason HATES the vet. And I am really struggling with how to handle that situation. He is due for his shots that are needed for him to be boarded/go to doggie daycare. Plus his nails are desperately in need of a trim!

The problem with going to the vet is not only that Mason despises it, but that it is very expensive. Mason gets so anxious when we go to the vet he has to be put to sleep (which is very costly, about $400, because he is so big and they have to double dose him). So, as you can imagine we avoid going to the vet at all cost, but the time has come where it is needed.

I have considered using a mobile/ at home vet service, but this makes me nervous as well. I guess just because it is something new and I don’t know how Mason will react. I have heard good things about it from a friend who has used an “at home vet” service before. However, that is the only the account I have really heard of personally of someone using a mobile/at home vet service for their pup who has anxiety regarding the vet.

Have any of you all used a mobile/at home vet service before?!

I would love to hear about your experiences and any tips you may have for dog with anxiety regarding the vet. Please help!!

Dog Mom Tip # 23: Don’t be afraid to ask for help/advice regarding your pup. Sometimes we dog moms don’t have all the answers and need a little guidance from time to time.

Report Card

I am happy to report this weekend was a success… for both Mason and myself! You all know how nervous I was about Mason getting boarded for the weekend. However, as soon as we arrived at For Paws Unleashed, almost all my fears disappeared.

My mom and I took Mason and Tessa together Friday morning. I thought it would make Mason feel more comfort to have Tessa by his side, and I was definitely right. As soon as we walked in, Mason was, of course, stuck to me like glue. He would not leave my side and I could tell he was suspicious about what was getting ready to happen. However, all the staff immediately came up to him and started loving on him making him feel right at home.

As we started to say our goodbyes and the staff began to take Mason and Tessa back, Mason started to resist. He kept trying to pull away from them and come back to me (this is so hard to see as a mom 🙁 ). I then asked if I could walk back with him to make the transition easier. The staff let me walk part of the way back until we got to the “staff only” area. Mason then walked straight through the door and didn’t even look back. My mom and I finished filling out the paper work and as we were walking out to leave, we could see Mason and Tessa outside already playing with their cousins Hank and Bennie! In that moment, my anxieties completely vanished and we were off to Norris Lake for a great weekend.

If you haven’t been to Norris Lake, you are definitely missing out! This was my first trip there and I can tell you it definitely won’t be my last. The lake was SO beautiful and clear, you could literally see 20 feet down. We spent the weekend hanging out with family, playing on the Lily Pad, fishing, hanging out at the Tiki bar and riding on inner tubes and boats! It was seriously a blast!

When we went to pick the pups up Monday morning, I was a little nervous to hear Masons’ report. The staff said Mason was un-trusting at first, but seeing them with Tessa and using her to lead Mason was a big help. He ended up warming right up, playing great in his play groups and having an awesome time.

I am just so thrilled with how this past weekend went. It could not have went better for both Mason and I. We faced our fears and I am not longer worried about traveling without Mason.

Dog Mom Tip # 20: Your pup reads and reacts off of your emotions, so be brave and don’t be afraid to face your fears.

Weekend Getaway ♥

So this is a big week for us! With summer in full swing we are heading to Norris Lake this weekend with my family. I am so excited to be out on the water and enjoy the sunshine. We are staying at a super cute Airbnb on the water, however, there is one HUGE downfall… No dogs allowed 🙁

As you all know, I love taking Mason everywhere with me. And it honestly gives me anxiety not being with him… He is my comfort. Usually when we travel out of town Mason always stays at my parents, however, this time we are all going out of town. So Mason is getting boarded.

I am super nervous about this. Mason has been boarded before, but not in like two years and he has never been boarded here in Kentucky. Mason is so weird about meeting dogs on the leash and gets anxious in new places. I am hoping since my parents dog (Tessa) and two of my cousins’ dogs (Bennie and Hank) are all going to be boarded there as well, Mason might feel more at home.

I got him an upgraded room with a TV (I thought the noise might be comforting to him) and will also be bringing his favorite blanky and toy squirrel. I am not sure what else to do to make his stay this weekend go seamlessly as well as me not having to stress about him and enjoy our family lake trip.

I would LOVE any tips or tricks you all use for your pups when boarding them to eliminate their separation anxiety and to make them feel more at home.

Dog Mom Tip #19: Separation anxiety is a real thing for not only our furry friends, but also for us dog parents as well. Be sure to take the proper actions to make you both feel comfortable when apart.

I will be sure to update you all on how our weekend getaway goes with both us and Mason ♥