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  • November 19th, 2019
    Written by: Kimberly

    December is holiday season. Many puppy parents like to travel this time of year. It is an opportunity to get away as a family, do something fun, and take a break from the stresses of life.

    Unfortunately, it is rarely possible to bring your pet on these vacations. Pets aren't typically allowed in airports, on planes, or at the hotels you hope to enjoy, and even if you can take your pet the schlep with a furry friend is often a long and difficult one.

    Leaving Your Pet for a Long Time

    You may find yourself forced to leave your pet for a long period of time. Maybe a few days. Maybe a week. Maybe even 2 weeks or more.

    For some pet parents, not only is this too long - it also brings up many worries. Will they be okay without me? Will they be stressed? Will they be cared for?

    Will they forget about me?

    Human beings have an outstanding memory. But animals come from the wild - they come from a world where sometimes, other pack members go away. How long will they remember their human? One day? One week? One month? Longer?

    You Stink, and Your Dog Remembers

    Luckily, there is good news. Your dog will very likely remember you. And the main reason is because, well, you smell.

    Dogs have an outstanding memory for smells. Your dog can sense scents that we as humans do not even know exist, and their brain functions in such a way that they typically remember that smell for years. In fact your dog will remember your smell even if it's been so long that you look completely different.

    And, if you're wondering, dogs also remember how you look - at least as best as they can tell with their vision. But their vision is not as bad as many people believe. it does not compare to human vision, but mostly with regard to colors. Dogs do know what you look like, and they are capable of remembering you.

    So you do not need to worry. Even if you are gone for a long time, your dog should remember you from both sight and smell.

    What About Cats?

    Maybe you're not a dog owner. Maybe you're a cat owner. Cats are... we'll say some of them are less affectionate than dogs are. They also seem to pay less attention to us and do not seem to react when we come back into the house. So do they remember us at all?

    The answer there is also yes. Cats have excellent long term memories, just like dogs. Whether or not they care to remember you is a different matter. Dogs pretty much love everyone that treats them well, so if you're in their life they'll remember you and be excited to see you.

    Cats tend to remember only those they bonded with and those that mistreated them. Anyone simply "present" in their life is someone they may remember, but not associate with any emotion.

    But as long as you and your cat have shared a pet or two, and as long as you fed them a few of their favorite meals, your cat will remember you as well no matter how long you are gone.

    Puppy and Cat Care in Lake Mary and Sanford

    We know you don't want to leave your pet. But you also deserve some experiences for yourself. Trust the licensed and background checked pet sitters at FurBabies Home Pet Care to watch your pet for you. Reliable, experienced, and trained in pet CPR and First Aid, FurBabies Home Pet Care is here to help. Contact us today to get started.