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Left a pet with family back home — do you regret it?

Paolo Bianchi ⭐ Helpful member
19 Aug 2026, 19:03

When I moved to Ireland I left my dog, Bruno, with my parents in Italy. He was nine, the flight would have been hard on him, and my first year here was going to be chaotic. It seemed like the kind and sensible choice.

Now he's eleven, my parents adore him, and when I visit he greets me like an old friend rather than like his person. It hurts a bit more than I expected, even though I know he's happy.

Did anyone else leave a pet with family when they moved? Do you regret it, or do you still think it was right?

5 replies

Ji-woo Park 🌱 Newcomer
21 Aug 2026, 07:06

I left my dog Bori with my parents in Korea when I came here on a working holiday. I miss her every day, but my parents send me videos, and my mum says Bori sleeps on my bed every night. I think it was the right choice, because my life here changes every few months. But the first video call where she didn't come running to the phone made me cry in a café.

Isabella Santos 🏆 Community expert
22 Aug 2026, 18:54

Paolo, he's happy and loved, and he still knows you. That's the kind choice you made working exactly as intended.

Paolo Bianchi ⭐ Helpful member
23 Aug 2026, 12:27

Thank you both. Ji-woo, the café tears are very familiar. Isabella, you're right, I'll try to see it that way.

Mei Chen ⭐ Helpful member
25 Aug 2026, 07:56

left my cat with my grandparents. he's fatter and happier than he ever was with me tbh

Rajesh Patel 🏆 Community expert
28 Aug 2026, 13:48

An old dog on a long flight is a real risk. You made the choice for him, not for you.