I know that dogs have good memories but I wasn't too sure how this would go.
A close friend came to stay with us for a week over the holidays.
My friend looked after George last Christmas in my house but as we live on different islands, George hasn't seen her since.
So it was a year ago and he was quite young at the time (he turned 8 months old during her last visit).
George's fear and reactivity is also worse now than it was at the time.
We picked my friend up from the airport. I hopped out of the car and as soon as we opened the boot, George was beside himself with excitement.
He was completely oblivious to all the triggers around him. He was just so happy to see her.
It was really nice to see. I had thought he would be a little hesitant at first but it was instant.
Once home, he barely left her side. He had to be attached to her at all times. It was really beautiful to see how much he loves her. Although I must admit, I did start to worry a little about hyper-attachment!
My friend had a couple of other friends to catch up with which was probably helpful in hindsight as George got used to her being away a couple of times rather than it being a solid week.
He did stare at the door for a while after she left though and was very excited when she returned.
It was wonderful catching up with my friend (we've been friends for over 25 years), not to mention having an extra pair of hands. George is usually calmer on walks when it is not just the two of us.
My friend was very understanding of our restrictions - we visited Sniffspots and quiet areas earlier in the morning or later in the day.
We had some successful outings which George enjoyed. He was always keen to go for walks and didn't display any of his recent reluctance. We were very lucky with avoiding triggers around the home.
I probably pushed it a little on the last day - he was handling the triggers well until he wasn't. I think I got a little over-confident.
George was more alert at home than he has been and didn't rest quite as well which is probably understandable. He had FOMO and didn't want to miss a thing!
Although he was absolutely fine when I left him to go upstairs. I was able to have a shower in peace for a whole week!
My friend encouraged me to leave George to do something for myself. It was strange as having lived a restricted life for so long, I couldn't really think what to do. I genuinely found it hard to picture me having brunch or strolling around the shops.
In the end I decided to get some petrol (exciting!) which is difficult with George, and go to the garden centre as I needed some new plants for the garden.
In total I was gone for less than an hour. My friend very helpfully made notes of his behaviour while I was gone.
He paced between the sofa and the door for a while but settled at around 20 minutes. Then something disturbed him and he let out high-pitched barks at regular intervals. From her description they sounded like panic barks.
She played games with him and he used the snuffle mat so it was encouraging that he was able to be distracted.
Shortly before I returned, he started making wheezing sounds which is a bit more worrying - he was probably feeling more panicked at this stage.
I must admit I thought he would have done a little better given how delighted he is to be around her and how comfortable he had been with me being in other rooms.
I realise that we are not supposed to let separation anxiety dogs get to the panic stage. I genuinely thought he would barely have noticed and I wasn't gone too long. My wonderful friend was able to provide support and comfort.
I guess now I know I am definitely dealing with separation anxiety rather than isolation distress which makes my world a little smaller. I will need to build it up very slowly if friends are going to watch him.
We dropped my friend back at the airport for her return flight. I think this was probably helpful as George saw her leave so it prevented any expectant staring at the door.
Once again, George ignored all the triggers. He whined a little and I think he understood what was happening.
The next day, he slept a lot. Although very positive, he has been more stimulated than when it is just boring old me.
It was very different to my friend's previous visits over the years. She accepted eating at home for all meals and not being able to go out in the evenings without question.
I am very grateful for her ongoing understanding and support to me and George.
George's inner circle is small but once you're in, you're very much loved!