Yikes. Dog sitter required Aug/Sep either Bucks or Sussex!

[HQ2]

I'd booked a week off to get away with the family. Dog was going to stay with my mum in Sussex. Trouble is holidays were looking crazy expensive, so we've decided to go and stay with a friend in Cyprus. As we're just paying flights, we can go for 2 weeks. Except mum can't have the dog the second week (possibly could sleep there, just no daytime care).

Sadly, the period covers the August bank holiday so everywhere decent is booked up.

We live in the sticks near Chesham, Bucks and I have a unit on a friend's farm. My dog could stay with them, but I'm worried he'll walk home looking for me - and my neighbour is bat st crazy and concerned she'll do him harm (trust me, she's a nut job).

Options....

A week with my mum in Sussex, followed by another week with a home boarder in Sussex (Burgess Hill area).

2 weeks with my mum, but with a dog walker daytimes for the second week (mum is home the second week, just not around during days).

2 weeks with a home boarder in Bucks (or Herts area).

2 weeks, someone staying at our house with the dog.

If anyone can help with any recommendations I'd be very grateful. Be nice to get away for 2 weeks, but need to make sure the pooch is all right, or it'll be a week.

[Turn7]

YHM Nick....

[KFC]

Has she ever stayed with your mum before?

If not, I don't think a week with your mum then a week with a home boarder is brilliant, its a lot of chopping and changing. I'd prefer to go with the full 2 weeks with a home boarder rather than that.

I think by far the best option though is the 2 weeks at your mums, with a dog walker / pet sitter coming to deal with her during the day.

[Jasandjules]

Is Sandhurst too far ? If not I know a lady who might be able to help.

[HQ2]

Thanks all. I bloomin' hate leaving the dog. I've beaten my mum into submission and she'll have him both weeks with an old school friend and an uncle offering to help on days they are out. Mum had already pretty much decided they'd make it work since I got the initial knock back last night. We're down my mum's a fair bit and the dog loves it and the change in scenery (and the sea!). I did find someone able to walk the dog in Sussex, but mum wasn't happy about stranger going to the house - which is fair enough I suppose.

Friend in Cyprus has a dog which bizarrely makes it easier being away from my own.

Turn7, thanks. Looks like a great place.

[951TSE]

Probably too late now but a thought for the future. As Cyprus are in the EU could you use the Pet Passport scheme to take your dog with you?

The person you're visiting obviously has all the facilities available to look after dogs and would have local knowledge of the vets available to carry out the required treatment for the return journey. It would cost a little more but it would save a lot of hassle this end.