I’ve been on both sides of the fence. With the same dog! We lived abroad when our dog was young and would board him for long periods of time (like a month) when we went back to the states with our young kids to visit grandparents. This went on for almost 10 years. When we were back in the US, we split time between two cities and we flew him twice a year in the climate controlled cargo since he was too big for the cabin.

It’s been a few years since his last flight and boarding situation. He is 15 now. Initially, we used a pet sitter that he loves, but she couldn’t at the house 24/7, only overnight, so we asked my parents to pet sit a couple of times. But in the past year he is slowing down, so we won’t leave him. We book airbnbs or hotels that take dogs and only do road trips.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t spend thousands, but I’m not leaving my dog home alone. My family initially told me that dog wasn’t welcome for the holidays so I declined the invite. They changed their mind and now they buy the dog presents and refuse to throw out old furniture that my dog likes.

And so it should be. Discrimination against Canine Americans needs to end. it's cruel. I'm glad your family came to reexamine their own bigotry and now welcomes every member in your family.

That's funny. What's next, no more discrimination against rats and mice?

Anonymous wrote:I don’t spend thousands, but I’m not leaving my dog home alone. My family initially told me that dog wasn’t welcome for the holidays so I declined the invite. They changed their mind and now they buy the dog presents and refuse to throw out old furniture that my dog likes.

And so it should be. Discrimination against Canine Americans needs to end. it's cruel. I'm glad your family came to reexamine their own bigotry and now welcomes every member in your family.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In all seriousness, despite access to free and good dog care they will spend thousands extra to bring their dog along. Is this an illness?

Define free & good. Maybe it's not as great as you want to believe it is.

This. I wouldn’t trust certain family members to care for my dog. And I doubt others in my family would understand why.

This is a good point. I have 3 year old twins I would and do trust my parents to take care of for 7-10 days. They do beautifully!

I wouldn't let them take my dogs. I'm sure that's confusing, but there are valid reasons.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Love

Or crazy

You’re so insecure. You just can’t help yourself. Sad.

Sad is the word I would use to describe someone who was unable to leave their dog behind.

OP, I am super attached to my dog and didn’t feel comfortable leaving him over the holidays. My brother is not a dog person and he gives me such a hard time. I LOVE my dog. We are very attached. I’m not sorry!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Love

Or crazy

You’re so insecure. You just can’t help yourself. Sad.

Anonymous wrote:Psychotic

I’m sorry you’re so insecure. Hope you feel better soon.

(and I still don’t have a dog, so don’t bother)

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most dog sitter are not free.

In this case it's a family member and it is free. They would rather pay thousands out of pocket (because we don't allow dogs) than leave the dog with family and stay for free.

You go to them. Simple.

I don’t spend thousands, but I’m not leaving my dog home alone. My family initially told me that dog wasn’t welcome for the holidays so I declined the invite. They changed their mind and now they buy the dog presents and refuse to throw out old furniture that my dog likes.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In all seriousness, despite access to free and good dog care they will spend thousands extra to bring their dog along. Is this an illness?

Define free & good. Maybe it's not as great as you want to believe it is.

This. I wouldn’t trust certain family members to care for my dog. And I doubt others in my family would understand why.

I like traveling with my dog, it makes trips more fun. I'm also an introvert and it gives me an excuse to get away from everyone and go on a nice hike. Yes I could board him, but why would I do that when we would both be happier traveling together.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most dog sitter are not free.

In this case it's a family member and it is free. They would rather pay thousands out of pocket (because we don't allow dogs) than leave the dog with family and stay for free.

Frankly OP it sounds like they just don’t want to stay with you. Let them stay in a hotel with the dog. Everyone wins! What’s the issue?

I often opt to do this. I don't enjoy staying in other people's homes, despite it being free. I don't like having to be "on" 24/7. Since I don't have free and reliable care and it's 200+ a night to board my dogs, It's often better to just bring them and get a nice hotel. Feels more like a vacation for me and they definitely prefer it. Win win.

OP, what bree,d or mix of breeds is this dog?

I would call it love. People do all kinds of crazy things for love.