Guilt free getaways?

Lately there've been a few posts about how difficult it can be to get away
when you have living/breathing obligations...i.e. critters/kids. I have left
the critters alone overnight several times and for a very occasional
weekend - always with plenty of food and water. It's one of those things
that the risk of something happening while I'm gone is less than the risk
I'm going to crazy if I don't get away. Ideally I ask a neighbor to stop in
and check on the cats and rabbits - the birds, gerbils and fish are fine.

Now, for longer trips - and for the occasional overnight from Jon, I have
finally taken up the offer made by all those friends and family who say
"we'd be happy to check on them" or "if you ever need a break why don't you
let him come over here for the night". It can do miracles for your mental
health and friends really do want to *occasionally* help you escape for a
short period of time. So basically - for your own sanity, you may want to
consider "imposing" on your friends - I don't mind sharing the wealth and
asking one friend to "cover" one or two nights and another the next, etc.

I either offer payment (hee hee - my stepdaughter to watch her brother!) or
bring back something little from my trip or send a thank you card because I
am so very grateful. If you can return the favor, well then, that's good
too.

Anyone else have any suggestions?
--
Laurie and the girls
(to email me, please take out THE TRASH when you reply)

Those are all great suggestions, I think.

I just wanted to add that I think the ideal relationship is one with another
pet owner, where you take turns looking after each other's critters. Then
you don't need to feel any guilt, and you know that your furries are in the
hands of another animal lover.

Of course, these people don't grow on trees. But it's worth thinking about
anyway. If you have even a not-so-close friend with pets, it's a good idea
to at least bring it up. I think everyone has the same dilemma, really.

--
Karin, Daffy and Eric