Toodle-oo To The Crazy Poodle…

Generally, I’m fine with our upcoming move to Bangkok,

but there is a big elephant in the room, in the shape of the Crazy Poodle.

Our seven-year-old Cavoodle did not score a ticket to Thailand.

Leaving him will be really hard, even though I know it’s for the best.

He’s not good with change, hates all suitcases and our lovable velcro dog displays all the hallmarks of canine separation anxiety. You’d think he’d be used to it with the amount of travelling our family does, but as soon as those suitcases appear, he goes into full-on poodle sulk!

Without a suitcase in sight, he’s a different beast, happy as a pig in mud.

Content and relaxed, he sleeps at our feet without a care in the world.

However the moment he is left home alone, he is on guard.

Alternating between being on surveillance with his nose and all four paws perfectly aligned under the gate. Or, patrolling the perimeter fence, checking for likely possum or feline intruders.

I know we can’t take him to Bangkok although plenty of expats do have dogs. There would be many issues. Firstly, with rabies, Bangkok is a non-approved country. So whilst the journey out would be one thing, any return would be mean a time in quarantine. I know he’s better off at home bored with our adult kids, than going through this.

Then there is the hot and humid climate, a huge part of the pleasure of dog ownership, other than companionship is walking the dog. I’ve seen humans in Bangkok displaying aberrant behaviour walking around the lift foyer in a vain attempt to get some exercise without enduring the outside sweaty conditions. I’m not up for a sweaty Betty walk in Lumphini Park with a hot dog on a lead when we’re used to long walks on gorgeous beaches.

So what do I do?

Do I sneak out without so much as a see you later?

Or do we have the whole teary see you sometime farewell?

What would you do?