When I agreed to take in Voodoo, I was working from home full time, and knew that I could give her the time she needed.
A year later and it looks like I will have to start going to the office every day. The guilt I am feeling over this is tremendous so I am coming here for input.
Rationally I know that Voodoo spends all day sleeping on the couch, although occassionally she will come looking for me, where she will sleep on her dog bed in my office. So I know when I am not around, she will likely sleep all day.
Emotionally I feel so badly having to leave her all day. I know boxers are very attached, and really want to be with you all the time.
I guess my question is - will she get used to this? Will it devastate her? How should I handle it? Any advice would be very appreciated.
Oops I should have mentioned that the times I have left Voodoo alone, she has been very good. There has even been one time where I had to leave her for 10 hours straight. She gets full run of the house, and nothing is harmed
I work a fulltime job as does my husband. You are correct with thinking Voodoo sleeps alot during the day. The key is simply to give them lots of attention before you leave and alot when you first get home.
My kids doing the happy Snoopy dance when I get home each afternoon. They each want a hug, then grab a toy to run excitedly with. They get a cookie and finally settle down after a few minutes. I may go straight out to the yard to throw a ball for a bit.
Boxers can adapt to any schedule. The only crime is when people give themselves more time than the dogs. Boxers are like children. When you are home, they want to be with you. When you are gone, they realize patience is a virtue :)
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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Christina Ghimenti PawPrint Boxers
VooDoo will feel less about you going back to work than you do. She will adapt. If you are really worried, perhaps a dog walker to come in a couple times a week to take her for a walk mid day? My kids are lucky... most of the time I am able to come home at lunch. But on the days I am gone for 10-12 hours, they do just fine. As long as the time you do have to spend with them is quality time, they adapt very well.
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Susan
**Boxers... not just dogs, they're an adventure!
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