[pct-l] Leaving pets

[Kristin Hamann]

I am leaving 4 pets behind and am also feeling enormous guilt and anxiety
about it, so you are not alone in your feelings.  My 3 cats are staying
with my mother who really isn't a cat person.  I am making her send me
weekly pictures.  The geriatric horse is staying with a trusted friend.
For those that have pets, please leave a consent to authorize veterinary
care with someone you trust in case you cannot be reached and contact
information for their regular veterinarian and the ER clinic you wish them
to use.  Please also think about a dollar amount you are able to afford, a
CPR code (CPR yes or DNR), and your wishes regarding euthanasia in the
unlikely event that something happens.  As an ER veterinarian, there is
nothing worse than having a sick animal come in and the owner cannot be
reached to determine their wishes. Most ER clinics also require payment at
the time services are performed.
I am probably not helping to ease your concerns right this moment; however,
you will feel better and be able to enjoy your trip more knowing that your
pet will get the care you wish for him/her.  And the ER clinic will be
grateful that they have your consent to provide that care if that occasion
should arise.

Dr. k

On Thu, Mar 21, 2013 at 1:39 AM, Rebecca Cummings <
Rebecca.Cummings at csulb.edu> wrote:

> This is a tad embarrassing, but as my trip departure date nears I've begun
> to feel enormous guilt about leaving my cat (Punk) behind.  It's something
> I haven't even allowed myself to worry about until now. I'm only section
> hiking, for about two months, but this will be the first time I've left her
> for so long.  My boyfriend will be caring for her, and she loves him and he
> loves her, but she doesn't curl up in his lap, and sometimes he pets her
> like a dog (I think he's a bit more of a dog person).
>
> No matter how I feel now, I'm going anyway. That is certain. I guess I
> want to know if any of you out there are also leaving behind pets or have
> done so on previous hikes, and how you dealt with it.
>
> Thanks,
> Becky
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