Animals don’t remember but they never forget. At least, that’s my take on it. They don’t spend every minute thinking about their owner and are happy as long as they’re fed and exercised. But the minute they see their owner they go bonkers. It’s the same with their animal pals as well.
Smurf we left our dog with a friend and our cat with another friend when we went travelling a few years ago. We were away for four months and they were both delighted to see us on our return. They settled back in without a hitch.
Heal well and look forward to your reunion with Lulu.
Bluebelle was that the programme about the lion who was purchased from Harrod's in the days when such exotic animals were sold as pets?
The lion was eventually released into the wild by George Adamson but recognised the man who reared him and brought his family back too. They made a film about him.
Sorry to hear about your problems Smurf be sure this is not one of them. Your lovely Lulu will never forget you. I've read about dogs being parted from their owners for more than a year and the dogs going crazy with excitement when they were reunited. Get well soon and you can both snuggle again.
Be careful, your dog may knock you over, being so delighted to see you.
My cat and I were separated for the same reason as yourself and when she returned, I saw the look of amazement on her little face seeing it was her home again. I think she thought she had been abandoned in a cattery. She had a wander around the house and then came to say hello to me.
I saw a wildlife programme I think it was a lion or chimpanzee or some wild animal anyway but it was years later that they met (the man that had looked after it as a baby) and the animal knew him immediately The bond won’t be broken
Thanks all. Being laid up for months is depressing enough but you’ve put my mind at rest concerning Lulu. As I live alone I miss her being around snuggled up to me.
I haven't but people we knew left their dog with friends when they had an overseas posting. She recognised them from a crowd of people and was overjoyed to be reunited with them.
We used to regime our older dogs - long story - to friends. Muffin recognized me to his dying day - always coming and resting his head on my knee, even though I only saw him a couple of times a year. So yes - your dog will remember.
Sorry to hear about your accident, hope your recovery is going well.
I was separated from my Burmese cat for many months after my brain injury. He definitely knew me when I got home! He followed me everywhere and used to lie on the floor beside me while I did my physio.
I broke my ankle badly beginning of July taking my 4 year old dog for an evening walk on holiday. I was then admitted to hospital for an operation.
My brother kindly offered to look after Lulu while I was recovering at home, as I live on my own and can’t care for her until my ankle heals. He has MS and can’t drive so he can’t visit with her.
I’m happy to leave her with my brother until October as she has settled nicely with him. I do FaceTime occasionally and she looks around when she hears my voice.
My question to fellow Gransnetters, has anyone else left their pet for 3 months or longer? Did the dog settle back with them after a prolonged absence from each other?