[nagdu] pupp sitters

[Julie J]

Marsha,

Definitely a hard decision.  My choice was based on some of the same things 
and some different issues.  I live in a very, very small town of only about 
7,000 or so people.  Monty is used to working in country conditions.   I 
worry that dropping him into a totally foreign environment will be more 
stress than is good for either of us.

I have also noticed on the last few trips I've taken that Monty doesn't 
really relax and have fun when he's off duty.  I've tried to let him run on 
the Flexi leash or play toys with him in the evenings, but he really isn't 
interested.  He continually stays in that attentive, focused work mode for 
the entire trip.  I don't worry about the cumulative stress so much on short 
trips of only 2-3 days, but a longer trip like convention would take it's 
toll, I think.

I also feel pulled in 10 different directions while at convention.  There 
are so many things demanding my time and energy, I don't feel like there's 
enough left over to devote to proper care of a dog, especially a young and 
fairly inexperienced guide.

I will miss him terribly, but I know that he will be well cared for and will 
be having a good time.  He's a good dog and deserves a vacation too.

Julie