I know, your doggo is grown up and is used to being left alone while you’re at work or at the movies. He’s the best and never chews anything or trashes your house. An all-round good roommate. But recent world events have changed things. I’m going to tell you a little story that will illustrate the importance of re-puppy proofing that will make you think twice before leaving the house.

Before the days where most of us worked from home, we would all have a ‘leaving the house routine’ that we followed when we left the house. Things like making sure there were treats out, that your favourite sneakers are put up on a high shelf and the door to the laundry was closed.

OUT THE DOOR…

After working from home exclusively for the last 3 months, I was finally called into the office. I was so excited to be leaving the house at long last and to see my work friends. I hadn’t properly gotten ready for work in months (that’s a bit embarrassing in itself, please don’t tell anyone else!) I rushed out the door with my packed lunch and drink bottle, I remembered my office key (winning!) and I was on my way. Traffic is good on the way to the office and I had a good Spotify playlist pumping in my little car. Life was good.

SOMETHING WAS WRONG…

Fast forward to home time. I walked in the door and I noticed that something is wrong. My little Prince is looking at me like ‘now, don’t be mad…’ he had his head down and his tail was wagging oh so slowly. Then I notice my near fatal mistake. In my rush to get out the door in the morning, I forgot to remove my coffee cup from my bedside table. I walk over to the cup and by now I am being covered with little licks ‘oh I am in big trouble here!’.

I had not finished my coffee and had in fact left 160ml of my mocha in the cup. (mocha = espresso, milk and chocolate) my 4kg floofer-noodle had drank 5% of his body weight in coffee & chocolate. Talk about welcome home! After an emergency trip to the vet, we were given the all clear (except me, I am still recovering from the shock and guilt)

MORAL OF THE STORY?

There are two morals to this story: dogs can be naughtier than usual when suddenly left alone for long periods AND we can accidentally become complacent when we are faced with going back to work. Things are quickly forgotten in the rush and excitement of the morning, so to prevent this becoming your story it’s a good idea to create a checklist for when you leave the house for the first few weeks. Also keeping the phone number of your local emergency vet on your fridge isn’t a bad idea either – you never know when you might need to call or visit!