Feel like I've abandoned my puppy :(

I'm 19 now and this is my first year away from home. I got my puppy when I was 17 and even though he was supposed to be a family dog, he was MY dog. Gunner is a Duck Tolling Retriever and I've been through ALOT with him, you may have seen my posts about his car accident. That was the scariest time in my life, having to hold my baby's leg together. And now I'm off to university, in a city. I can't take my dog with me, and home with the family he's in a smaller town with his friend the neighbours dog and the wildreness on our back door. He goes hunting and trapping with my dad and he has his freedom. I rationally know he is so much better home in Labrador but inside I feel like I'm leaving my baby :( I feel like no one will be able to care and spoil him as much as I've done. Now I know my views are biased because I think my mom may spoil him even worse. But I have a fear that when I finsih school in 4 years he wont remember me, or our bond wont be as close. Has anyone else had to leave a pet for along period of time? And what are your experiences? I'd really like to know!

I guess living in Goose, you'll be going awwaaaaayyyy and won't be dropping home to do the week's laundry on weekends ;) . If you care this much about Gunner I'll bet he'll do back flips when you are home and be content with Gramps and Gramps when you are gone. If Gunner watches TV maybe you could go the webcam or videocam route for the in-between times.

I've never had to leave a dog for an extended period of time but I can feel your pain. :grouphug: I'm sure he will remember you when you come back though and I like MX3's suggestion of the video route. :thumbs up

At least you know your parents will be taking good care of hime while you're gone. I don't have any other suggestions but would like to say "good luck" at school. :goodvibes:

Will you be going home in the summer? :thumbs up You'll both enjoy that! :D