Leaving Theodore...

[RoxieFaye]

On Saturday I'm leaving Theodore for at least 3 weeks to go back to Texas. I have to go to the doctor there and I have a few things I need to take care of, so the trip is unavoidable.

Theodore's going to be staying here, in Virginia, with my boyfriend who knows how to perfectly care for Theo, but I'm still stressing over leaving him.

I'm worried that all of the bonding I've done with Theodore that has been a rather slow process is going to be all in vain when I get back. I was just wondering if any of you have any suggestions? I'm going to leave a couple t-shirts with my scent on them to leave with Theodore, but I can't think of much else to do to keep him remembering me. Three weeks is a long time...

Any ideas?

[LuvZeus]

Has your boyfriend handled Theodore before, or is he comfortable handling him? I would try to have him handle Theo at least every day so that he stays acclimated to human contact.

[hemi_mygirl]

I think Theodore will remember you, even though it won't seem like it. I remember going for about a week and a half, and leaving Hemi at home with my parents. She was fine, since she didn't move cages or anything, but when I came home, she refused to look at me. It took a couple days of extended cuddling, but she was back to her old self.

I think the shirt idea is a really good plan. Leave a couple, so he can switch them out every week.

[PrettyHate]

I left my boys for a month and a half once- all of them still acted the same towards me when I returned. Even Herb, who I had only gotten a month earlier :)

[RoxieFaye]

Thanks guys!

I plan on leaving a few t-shirts for JD to use with Theo. Hopefully it'll help a little. I'm a little sad to read that your hedgies reacted badly when you returned home, but it's what I expected.

Has your boyfriend handled Theodore before, or is he comfortable handling him? I would try to have him handle Theo at least every day so that he stays acclimated to human contact.

Yes, JD knows how to handle Theodore. I wouldn't be leaving him Theodore if he didn't. He handles Theodore quite a lot, especially while he plays games. He just lets Theo sleep on him while he plays. :) It's really cute actually. :love:

[razzle]

I'm sure Theo will remember you when you get back!! Make sure JD tells him every day that mommy misses him. :)

My Razzle has been getting to know my boyfriend over the past 6 months. It was a slow start, given that Razzle really was only around me for a long time and I was the only person he was comfortable around. But boyfriend Steve was determined to bond with Razzle. Things were going well and then Steve had to go on a business trip for 2 weeks. We were afraid all that hard work would go out the window. But no...upon Steve's return, Razzle hissed and quilled a bit at first, but then went right back to "oh it's only you" mode. :lol: I'm sure Theo will be just fine!

No promises, however, if he'll be "mad" at you for leaving him for 3 weeks!! I'm sure he is going to miss you!

[RoxieFaye]

Thank you Debbie! That's so reassuring! :)

I think JD's getting a little annoyed with how much I've been drilling him over how to take care of Theodore while I'm gone. Can never be sure enough! :laugh: