Craig and I returned last night from a four-day trip to Las Vegas for my cousin's wedding. We travel with Wylla whenever we can, but we just didn't feel Vegas was the place for a wee kitten. She's not into gambling, drinking, or celebrity impersonators.
We left Wylla and Bean in the capable hands of our friend Sarah, the greatest critter sitter in the world. Sarah was Charlene's foster mom, so she know her well, and she's a vet tech, so she's knows just what to do if there's ever any sort of medical crisis.
Even though Sarah is completely awesome, this was the first time leaving Wylla home, so I did worry about our little girl and how she might react to us not being there and interruptions in her routine.
Sarah sent lots of texts and photos, and it sounded like Wylla was her normal self while we were gone. Bean was fine too, but no surprise there, she loves her time with Sarah.
We came home to find two happy cats waiting by the door for us, and Wylla's soggy Rattle Mouse on the window sill. I think they did fine, and most likely our time away was much harder on me than it was on them.
Sarah sent lots of texts and photos, and it sounded like Wylla was her normal self while we were gone. Bean was fine too, but no surprise there, she loves her time with Sarah.
We came home to find two happy cats waiting by the door for us, and Wylla's soggy Rattle Mouse on the window sill. I think they did fine, and most likely our time away was much harder on me than it was on them.
Sounds like they did quite well! Real troopers, those two! >^.^<
ReplyDeleteIt does seem that they missed you. I wouldn't be surprised if they stuck extra close to you for a while and want to sniff EVERYTHING. I think you made the right call, Vegas isn't the place for a young cat. I also think you did the right thing in not mentioning your vacation until after it's over. Can't be too careful.
ReplyDeleteSince I was aware that you were away, I shared your concern for the girls, knowing full well that you had left them in good hands. Hooray for Sarah and for Charlene and Wylla. Next time will be a bit more relaxed (unless you're like me).
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing like a Cat Sitter you trust and the cats adore to make travel a little bit easier. But it is nice to be missed.
ReplyDeleteIt's so nice when we have someone we can totally trust with our pets. The peace of mind is measurable only in contrast to what would be going on in our heads if we didn't have that person to rely on.
ReplyDeleteI would like to know what made the Rattle Mouse soggy. Do the girls play in their water bowl? I have a sink-loving kitty who trots around the house with a wet head every now and again.
ReplyDeleteMine don't play in the water themselves, but I used to have a cat that would dunk her small stuffed animals in the water bowl... oh, and twister seals.. Any vet psychics out there who can figure out what the heck drove her to do that? Weird little kitties.. :)
DeleteIt's so hard to leave the kitties, isn't it? I'm always a bundle of nerves, especially the first day, even though I know I have nothing to worry about. It helps a lot that Sarah texts regular updates! When I get back from trips, I think my cats are actually a little disappointed because it means they aren't getting more visits from her.
ReplyDeleteI am sooo sympathetic. Just reading about leaving the kitties makes my heart pound! Last time we left our cat sitter and her whole family got SICK and had to miss a day (there was a lot of dry food out), but I was panicking. I really don't have a sitter who would be devoted. :-( You are so lucky to have Sarah!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's always that way leaving the kids the first time, isn't it? A great sitter, for humans or our four-legged family members, makes a huge difference. But it's still always hard. It sounds like the girls did just fine in your absence, and I'll bet that Bean being so happy with Sarah helped Wylla feel more comfy, too.
ReplyDeleteI once left for a week over Christmas and our cat sitter lost the key to our apartment. I asked my landlord to go in and leave out a ton of dry food as well as the toilet seat up (I typically discourage drinking from the toilet, but this was a dire circumstance). When we came home, they were well fed, but somehow either the landlord forgot or the toilet seat had fallen down, and they were both obviously dehydrated. I felt like the worst cat mom at that moment.
ReplyDeleteThat comment about how Wylla's not into gambling, drinking, or celebrity impersonators almost made me spit coffee all over the keyboard--too funny! Glad to hear that the girls did okay while you were gone.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure Bean helped her through any separation anxiety. ;)
ReplyDeleteI am a total helicopter cat-mom. LG's fave sitter said that I should feel free check in whenever I want, but I've tried not to bother her (much). Also, my husband sets up a kitty-cam, so I can always look at that, assuming that LG is near it. :-)
ReplyDeleteNearly two years ago we went on a 4 day trip, which was the longest we had been away from the two 3 year olds (the seniors had been there before). Our biggest concern was with our elder male, who has diabetes. He's also incredibly shy around strangers. We found a professional pet sitter who also had experience giving injections. She even paid a couple of preliminary visits so he'd get to know her, at no extra charge. She called us at the airport after her first visit to tell us everything was fine. Also, she kept a daily diary and took photos, which she made into a little album for us! Now when the big guy sees her he runs right over.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't get them off my mind, esp. since where we were (St, John, VI) is known for it's feral (but many friendly) cat population!
Is it just me or does Wylla look peeved in these pics? Those kitty ears are in a very specific position.
ReplyDeleteI just left my babies for a 4 day business trip to Vegas. My mom stayed at my house the entire time and my dad came over every day to spend time. My elder girl is 17 and needs to eat every few hours. I still worried even though my parents are great with all animals.