The festive season

George's last (and first) Christmas was spent as a combination of being looked after in my house by a close friend and some nights in daycare.

He wasn't showing many signs of reactivity at that stage although in hindsight, it was a lot for a young, nervous dog to deal with.

Unfortunately I had to be in the UK so didn't have a choice. But I remember being surprised on my return when he barked at a dog on a walk. I hadn't seen that before.

Anyway, on to this year. It'll be a quieter and less disruptive affair hopefully.

It's always hard being away from family at Christmas time. This year is especially challenging. It would be difficult to go to someone else's house with George and not always easy to have visitors here. I can't leave George alone. I'm thankful I have understanding friends who have helped to hatch a plan.

We'll have a few close friends visit but not too many, and not likely to be any children.

A good friend is coming to stay for a week so that will disrupt his routine but he knows her fairly well. I'm hopeful he will adapt OK.

I'll try to ensure he still has plenty of quiet time. I'm also hopeful that walks will be quieter as people leave the city for the holidays.

My work has a mandatory two week shutdown so he'll have a break from daycare.

I'm slightly apprehensive about no daycare for 2 and a half weeks (it's not open over the holidays for non-overnight stays).

The time between work and daycare pick-up is so valuable to me given George's separation anxiety. Whilst we can get deliveries for most things, he'll have to come with me for things like getting petrol. I can't leave him for more than a few minutes. I think I will feel a little trapped!

But it will be good for George to have a break. Whilst he does well there, drop-off and pick-up can be stressful for him.

As I prepare for Christmas, I am reflecting on how far he has come in some ways since last year.

The tree and presents are still behind a gate just in case but he's not showing much interest. I've been able to wrap presents and write cards whilst he rests quietly beside me.

The teenage George would have been chewing everything and charging around making such simple tasks impossible!

And a few months ago, he wasn't able to rest quietly much at all, much less if I was trying to do something.

So definite progress in maturity and calm compared to last year.

My biggest wish for Christmas this year is for successful visits from friends, trigger-free walks, and a quiet and uneventful festive season!