The "See You Soon" Guide: Mojo on Making Goodbyes a Little Easier
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Time to read 7 min
"Is that the snack wagon?! No, wait, it's our favorite human coming back! Finding a fun 'doggy hotel' makes goodbyes so much easier."
Mojo's Musings
Woof! Mojo here. There’s a strange object that lives in a closet that brings up a lot of complicated feelings for me. The humans call it a "suitcase." When it comes out, I know an adventure is coming, but the big question is always: am I invited?
Seeing your favorite people pack up to leave can be ruff. (Get it? Ruff?). We pups don't always understand what's happening, and it can make us feel a little anxious. But I've learned from my amazing humans that with a little bit of planning and a whole lot of love, saying "see you soon" doesn't have to be a sad thing.
So, I’m sharing my secrets for a stress-free goodbye, whether you're heading to a fun doggy hotel (aka boarding) or just leaving for the day. Let's make sure every tail is wagging!
Table of Content
Mojo's Musings Choosing Your Pup's "Home Away From Home" Mojo's Pre-Trip Do's & Don'ts Pack Their "Go-Bag" with Love The "Sitter Notes" Journal The "Safety First" Bandana Pack it all in Style: The Perfect "Go-Bag" Why You Can Trust Mojo's Advice Mojo's Mailbag (Your Separation FAQs) Get the Official Soundtrack! Mojo's Pre-Trip Cheat Sheet The Final Woof Sniff This!
This is what my humans look for in a good "doggy hotel": lots of room for zoomies, a super-safe fence, and a new best friend to play "no, *I* get the tennis ball" with!
Choosing Your Pup's "Home Away From Home"
The thought of leaving us with strangers can be super stressful for humans. The secret to a worry-free trip is finding a place that you trust and that I think is a 5-star resort! Whether it's a professional boarding kennel or a cozy in-home sitter, my humans always perform a thorough "sniff test" before booking.
Here are a few things they always check off their list:
Take a Tour: Never book a place sight-unseen! A good facility will be proud to show you around their clean, safe, and happy environment. My human says to pay attention to the smell—it should smell clean, not like strong chemicals or yucky stuff.
Ask About Playtime: What’s the daily schedule? A great place will have a clear plan for potty breaks, supervised group play (if the dogs are friendly), and individual cuddle time. We need activities to keep our brains busy!
Check the Safety Rules: This is a big one. They should require all dogs to be up-to-date on their vaccinations (like rabies and bordetella). They should also ask about my temperament to make sure I'll get along with the other guests. It shows they care about keeping everyone safe.
Read the Reviews: My human spends a lot of time reading what other pup parents have said online. Reviews are like getting a recommendation from a trusted friend in the pack.
Do a Trial Run: For a longer trip, my humans always book a single "daycare" day or one overnight stay a few weeks in advance. This lets me get used to the new place, the new people, and the new smells, so when the big trip comes, it already feels like a familiar, fun spot.
The best part of a "doggy hotel"? Making new best friends! We're probably discussing very important topics, like the optimal stick-to-squeaker ratio.
Mojo's Pre-Trip Do's & Don'ts
✅ DO!
- Pack a 'comfort item' from home, like my favorite blanket or t-shirt that smells like you.
- Write down my full routine, including feeding times, medications, and any funny quirks.
- Provide your own food to avoid upsetting my tummy with a sudden diet change.
- Give me some extra exercise on the morning of the drop-off to help me relax.
🚫 DON'T!
- Introduce a brand new, unfamiliar toy on the day you leave. Stick with the old favorites!
- Make a big, sad, emotional goodbye. A quick, happy "see you soon!" is much less stressful for me.
- Forget to share your contact info and the vet's number with the sitter or kennel.
- Rush the drop-off. Allow a few minutes for a calm and positive hand-off.
Pack Their "Go-Bag" with Love
Every student needs the right gear for their first day, and a trip to boarding is no different! Packing a few key items can make all the difference.
The "Sitter Notes" Journal
My humans are extra, and I love it. They use a Personalized Journal as my official instruction manual. They write down my feeding schedule, my favorite games, and my funny little quirks (like how I only drink fresh water). It's the perfect way to make sure your sitter knows everything they need to keep me happy and safe.
The "Safety First" Bandana
This is non-negotiable for any trip away from home. My Visible ID Bandana has my human's phone number on it, just in case. It gives my humans peace of mind knowing my most important info is easy to see.
Pack it all in Style: The Perfect "Go-Bag"
Of course, every pup needs a dedicated bag for all their important gear. My humans use our Premium Tote Bag as my official go-bag. It’s sturdy, stylish, and the perfect size to hold my food, a favorite toy, my comfort blanket, and my all-important Training Journal with all the notes for the sitter. It makes the hand-off easy and organized!
Why You Can Trust Mojo's Advice
I'm not just a pretty face! I'm a seasoned professional in the art of the "sad puppy dog eyes" when the suitcase comes out. I've sniffed out my fair share of boarding kennels and have expertly trained multiple sitters. My humans and I have learned through experience what works—and what doesn't—to make saying goodbye a calm and positive experience. Our advice is all about giving you, the amazing pet parent, total peace of mind.
You can see more about our commitment to quality, state-of-the-art design tools, and customer satisfaction on our About Us page.
Mojo's Mailbag (Your Separation FAQs)
Will my dog think I've abandoned them forever?
Nope! We are much smarter than that. As long as you leave us in a safe, fun place with our favorite things (and clear instructions for our snack schedule!), we know you'll be back. A happy, confident goodbye from you helps us feel confident too!
Is it better to have a sitter come to my house or to board my dog?
It depends on the pup! Some dogs (like me!) love the social fun of a good boarding "doggy hotel." Other, more anxious dogs feel much safer in their own familiar territory. The "trial run" we talked about is the best way to see what your dog prefers.
Should I call the kennel every day to check on my dog?
My human does! Most good places are happy to give you a quick update or even send a picture to give you peace of mind. It's never wrong to check in on your best friend.
Get the Official Soundtrack!
I know my humans miss me when they're away, and I miss them too! I've curated a special, soulful playlist for all the devoted pups holding down the fort and the loving humans who can't wait to get home to them. It's the perfect, quiet companion for a lonely house.
Mojo's Pre-Trip Cheat Sheet
Plan Ahead: Research and tour boarding facilities or sitters well in advance.
Do a Trial Run: An initial daycare day or one-night stay makes the real trip much less stressful.
Pack Smart: Bring their own food, a comfort item from home (like a t-shirt that smells like you), and clear instructions in a Journal.
Stay Safe: Ensure your pup is wearing clear identification, like a Visible ID Bandana.
Keep Goodbyes Positive: A quick, happy, and confident "see you soon" is the best way to leave your dog.
The Final Woof
Leaving your best friend behind is never easy, but it doesn't have to be a sad or scary experience. With the right preparation and the right partners in care, you can travel with total peace of mind, knowing your pup is safe, happy, and waiting excitedly for that happy reunion. Now go have a great adventure—we'll be right here holding down the fort (and the couch)!
Wags and wiggles,
Mojo (and the Doggo Mojo Team!)
Mojo the Dog: Chief Taste Tester
Mojo is a lovable pup with an insatiable appetite for adventure and new products. As the official taste tester and quality control expert at Doggo Mojo, he ensures that every item meets the highest canine standards. When he's not busy trying out new toys or sniffing out the latest trends, Mojo enjoys long walks, belly rubs, and the occasional nap.
