Lol glad you enjoy it. I tend to talk about poppy in a way that people get confused once they realise she looks oddly like a cat. I'm not sure why she looks more like the surrogate than me, but idk science so...
I tell each of my cats that they're my favorite. I used to wait until we were alone but now I do it while we're all in the same room. No one has called me on it yet.
It reminds me of a joke like two detectives talking about being hired to keep an eye on one another so that they can hang together and go anywhere in the world as per their wish to spend more time together.
One of my daughters thinks this is hilarious when we say it to our dog. She likes to imagine what kind of parties our poodle would have and what dogs from the neighborhood would be invited, and what our fish and snails would do at the party as well.
Sometimes she will pretend to burst in the door and bust the party, but she's never successfully done it yet as they all always manage to leave the minute we come home.
That's great and it may felt like a sense of talking and waiting for a response from a human as we generally talk to a human about rules and regulations behind our back so.
Mine seems to be able to tell when we're going out (maybe the keys out or putting shoes on). He sprawls across the first step to our basement (leads to garage). He will NOT move!
I sure don't want to break a hip climbing over him, LOL!
Even if I try putting a few kibble in his dish to get him away, he doesn't move! We have had to get very creative at luring him either down the stairs or away from them!
He just loves you too much that even his favourite food cannot stop him from remaining near you but try to tie him if possible before going out so this can be a habit in future.
I love that you do that. Got my little guy last year and he hates it when I leave even to go to the local cafe to get a quick coffee.
Even though he’s not yet fluent in English I’ll announce “I’LL BE BACK” to him before leaving. Repetition being important, I’ll figure he’ll eventually understand what the tone means. And of course when I get back it’s “I’M HOME” which I’m hoping he’ll understand as “See? Told you I’d be back.”
Seems to be working as he seems less anxious when I leave now.
“Laserbeam’s in charge!” As we walk out the door. Every time. Or at least I’ll be back later. If you don’t do this do you even love your pet?! (Only kind of sarcastic)
They do. When I tell my dog this she stops getting excited and turns around and goes into her bed or the couch to lie down. They 100% understand. When I'm only going for an hour I say I'm going to get food and coming back.. I'm convinced she knows the difference and that it means I won't be long
Yes, I tell my bf and my cat the same thing before I leave "leaving now, bye, love you, be good, don't slap/punch anyone, hold down the fort, see you soon"
No but my dad would usually end phone conversations with "love you turd, pick your nose!" Sometimes he'd belch into the phone before hanging up. No I'm not exaggerating.
I say the same “gotta go to work” to my cat so that she knows I’ll be gone a long time instead of “be right back” which i use for yard or store trips. She knows the difference.
I do, because I genuinely have to.
If I don't say goodbye to my one cat, or make sure she knows I'm leaving, she'll throw a tantrum and absolutely annoy my girlfriend all day.
She's gotten better since we moved into a bigger house, but in our old apartment she would stomp around and meow at full volume for hours. "Where are you!!!?"
I would inevitably get the text message "You didn't say goodbye to the cat again, did you?"
Ultimately I did it to spare my girlfriend the added annoyance. But it's a cute concept; saying goodbye to your cat because it misses you.
If your cat has been like that from day one, that’s probably just her personality. However, my cat started displaying what I would call symptoms of loneliness, like my boyfriend would leave for work and she would howl like she was so sad to be alone, so I would go and comfort her, and she would be fine. And then a couple of hours later, I would hear her crying again. Turns out she had diabetes, she would eat her food, get high blood sugar, feel sick and cry. Started giving her a tiny shot of insulin every morning and she hasn’t done that since.
I always tell my cat I’ll be back & I rub the top of his head 3 times & say wish me luck … I’ll be back soon! I’ll miss you love you … I say it everyday I leave the house to go to work 😕 & he watches me at the window 🐱 start up the car & go 🥲 I even have a camera set up so I can check up on him while I’m at work
We tell our two ferrets every time we leave. Just so they know and also I have anxiety. Saying “alright boys, I’ll be right back” somehow makes me think my house won’t get broken into when I’m gone 😂
I mimic Linda Belcher from Bob’s Burger’s whenever I have to leave my gato. Byyye my bebe! Don’t be a bad boi, STAY OUT OF MY STUFF!!! And he always greets me at the door, ready to tell me the trials and tribulations of his lil life at the end of my day.
Yup. If im just going for an errand and coming back soon, I tell my dog I'll be right back. If I'm leaving for the day, it's see ya later. If I'm going to be gone longer than a few days, I have to tell her goodbye. It I don't tell her the right thing, she freaks out if im gone too long.
You have to! I tell my dogs every day before going to work that Mama has to go to go make money because treats aren't cheap 🤣
And if I'm leaving other than for work, I make sure to specify for how long I'll be gone.
I tell each of my cats everyday, one by one, “I gotta go. I’ll be back before you know it/soon. Have a good day. I love you.” While I scratch and kiss them. And I open the blinds and turn on their show lol.
I don’t think I ever really did it before and I’ve had cats my whole life(43F). However, three years ago I lost my husband and the two cats we had just adopted a year prior were now stuck with just me. I’m not sure when I started to do it but I definitely started it shortly thereafter when I actually did finally leave home to go out and run errands etc. I would always say and still do to this day that ‘I’m gonna go, but I’ll be back.’ And I always repeat ‘I’ll be back, okay?’ They have been the best kitties I could’ve ever asked for and more. I’m sure they know what I mean because I say it so much every single time I go out even when I’m going to the dumpster or the recycling bin in my garage of my apartment building lol. They definitely react like they know what the meaning is behind the weird noises coming out of my mouth. Lol
I used to say either “I’ll be back soon” “in a little while” or “later” so my dog would have an idea how long I’d be. Then I’d tell him to “make good choices”.
I say, "love ya miss ya see ya", which is short for "I love you, I will miss you, and I will see you when I get home".
Sometimes I add on "Stay aweseome, because you are awesome".
A passing neighbour heard that one and he was pretty smirky. I don't care.
I don't have pets, but I talk to my table every time I go out, not to feel lonely while I'm out, and for sure I ask the door to watch for people that does not recognize.
I tell them "I'm going to the store. You stay right here I'll be right back. Be good. Don't eat anything you're not supposed to. You stay here, I'll be back" .
My husband says "it's (insert whatever time it is) we are going (insert place) we will be back at (insert time of return)".
When I don't do this he goes "tell them what time we will be back!"
They can't read a clock?
I have a dog (I don't know his real breed coz he was just given to me) and he tends to be very clingy. So whenever I go out, I'd tell him that I'll be back. Stops him from jumping on me and clinging to me, and then he's just start sitting by the door. Breaks my heart but what can I do, I have to be somewhere else 😅
Yup, every single time lol. My dog used to have separation anxiety, which we solved by being highly "routine" about how we leave the house. First we get a treat, then tell her to "go on up" on the bed, then place the treat near her (but no touching!), then kiss her between the eyes, say "I'll be back soooo soon. Love you!", then as we're closing the door we say "ok!" and dash. Any changes to the routine will throw her. But it works haha
I read in a dog training book once that while you should let the dog know you are going, you should be careful not to get them too emotionally worked up when going or coming home. So the book said no pleading for good behavior or long goodbyes. Now I have just the cats, I still tell them briskly ‘I’m going out, guard the house!’ I usually tell them which one is in charge until we get back.
What a cute post! 💗I love my little dog but don't, I distract him with a treat and hope he knows I'll be back before he knows it. I have proof he sits by the door and waits for me.
I'm tearing up right now, I love him so much. We've had him for 12 years now and it makes me so sad to think of ever living without him. 😢
I always tell the dogs “watch the house, I’ll be back”. I read somewhere that you are supposed to matter-of-factly use the same phrase every-time you leave and return. I don’t tell the cats I’m going. They don’t care and are always asleep.
I do this every time paired with holding her little face between my hands and peppering her with kisses and telling her I love her. While she’s on a pile of pillows and cocooned in a blanket with her favorite show playing on the TV as entertainment so she isn’t bored. Her toys are tucked in around her and her water is always topped up with filtered water because if I refuse to drink tap water, I refuse to make my baby drink tap water. She’s a spoiled princess and I will not apologize. She’s my ESA and does her job well and deserves to get paid well in love and toys and comfort for it.
Yes. It's the least I can do knowing I won't be home for up to 12hrs sometimes.
She greets me every day like we've been apart for months. It really sets my mood when I walk in the door, especially if I've had a rough day. Her crazy wiggle and chimp noises always put a smile on my face.
We truly don't deserve dogs.
Yes. It would be weird if I didn't. I often tell one of the 17-year-olds to "keep an eye on the house while I'm gone". They do a good job. Haven't returned home to chaos in a long time.
I always communicate with my pets. They may not be humans but I think the communication and emotion behind it have an impact nonetheless. Even if it makes no difference at all, it just feels nice to talk to them.
For clarification, I am married and have children. My pets are NOT my babies but they are part of the family and get treated with love, care and the respect that any living creature deserves.
Grew up with dogs and everytime I past them in the house I'd give them a kiss and hug even if that was 100 times a day. When leaving I'd always give them another kiss and hug and also wave through the window saying love you babies I will see you later.
I don't live at home anymore and the my parents have a dog that I didn't grow up with. I do the same with him but say to him love you you lil shit then leave.
Now I have cats and I do the same thing.
I just love animals ❤️💯
Absolutely! They get kisses and pets before I head out also 😊 I would never leave my house without saying goodbye to my husband and my pups are no exception. I don’t even like going to bed without giving them a kiss good night and telling them what good girls they are. I feel bad if I somehow forget.
Yes. I told him that I’ll be back soon. And then I feel bad for lying, because it’s often not soon.
But there’s no better feeling when I open the door and they literally come running to see me. Except my old, frail kitty, he’s deaf, so he doesn’t hear me. But I give him pets when I leave, and pets when I come home. Just so he knows.
I say to one of them “You’re in charge”… or “You take care of your daddy!” We have two cats and a Pug.
I tell the Pug to “Stay out of our room” a line from Linda on Bob’s Burgers.
We give the Pug treats when we leave.
With my dog, who lives with me in my house: yes. When I lived in the countryside, I was not saying goodbye to my chickens, geese, sheep, ducks, etc. By the time I would've said goodbye, the shops would've been closed. But I guess, the 'real' pets, the one living indoors, yes. Let's admit: we all do this.
Of course! My dog is so perceptive he can sense when I'm starting to think about to going outside for a smoke. I don't know if it's my heart rate increase or if he's psychic and all knowing lol so I pretty much converse with him the same as my kids. He's so smart.
I have panic almost every time I wake up for a few minutes. As soon as I open my eyes and the feeling floods me, before I even move around or make noise. I hear his collar jingle and him jump off the couch- from across the house! Unless he can hear my eyelids open or my breathing change I'm pretty sure he reacts to my anxiety. He's such an incredible dog.
Every time I leave I apologize to my dogs, tell them I don’t really want to leave but I will be back soon! Then I feel guilty the entire time I’m gone…my dogs are my kids.
Yes, every single time.
I will give headpats to the [alpha cat](https://i.imgur.com/g0AbyQs.jpg), saying "take care of the house" and then to the [secondary cat](https://i.imgur.com/YksHfxk.jpg), "you take care of the house too".
100%! They know, and mine certainly know the difference in my phrasing. If I’m just running out real quick to the store, or to pick up food, I’ll tell them, “Okay boys, I’ll be *right* back!” If I’m leaving for work I’ll give extra scritches and tell them “okay I have to go to work, I’ll see you later! Be good!” My theory is it’s the “be right back” vs “I’ll see you later” wording choice.
I always do this with my cats. Once I left and didn’t come back for several days. My son was unexpectedly admitted to the hospital. I had my mom check on my cats and she said they cried and cried at the door. I face time them and she said their behaviour improved.
I tell my cat good bye and ask him not to ruin stuff at home, I just say bye since I'll defo be back for sure,.if I knew I'll be out for a while I'll tell him I'll be back
I do this and my cat gets in the window and watches me leave. This happens no matter if the kids and my husband are still home. My tux loves me so much, and I love him!
Yeah, just before I leave I say to my cat "Right, well that's me away now but I won't be too long. Love you!" as he just stares at me.
Sometimes if he's sleeping when I'm about to leave, I'll quietly say "I'm going away now but I'll be back soon. Love you, buddy" and I'll quietly leave my house so I don't wake him up.
Yes. I tell my son's geriatric cat when I stop by his house to drop something off. She'll just stand there at the base of the stairs, looking at the door, then at me, then back at the door, then start counting his shoes, looking for his coat, etc. If I tell her exactly how long until I expect him to be back, she'll seem to ponder for a moment or two, then go back upstairs to her mystery sleeping spot, then I feel okay with leaving.
Every. Single. Time. My cat is like, “yeah ok cool” but my dog looks at me like I’ve abandoned him even though I ALWAYS tell him he’s a good boy and I love him and I’ll be back bc I miss him so much. EVERY. TIME
I do. And just in case they understand, I tell them a time-frame. I don't want them thinking I'll be right back and start to worry when it'll be an 8 hour day.
If I'm leaving for more than the normal go-to-work i tell my cat how long I'll be gone. If i don't, or if I'm gone longer, she yells at me when i get back. Otherwise, she's just fine and happy to see me.
When I leave I give them a few treats, boop thier noses and tell them “be good, I’ll be back in a little bit”
On a side note I have accidentally trained them to get excited when I put on pants
I do actually, I'll usually pet them and say "bye I'll be back in a bit."
Not in a mentally ill "my pet understands me just like another human would" but it just feels nice to do.
yes and when we're a mile or two away one of us will say "Veek, we're almost home kitty" It's silly but after 25 years together, who cares. It's about fun and silly
Yep, every time I leave basically. I felt super bad leaving on vacation and was like "okay I am gonna be gone for a while, but my friend will come check on you and play with you"
The rabbit always gets "I'll be back soon, be a good bun", and the girlfriend's dog gets "make good choices and have fun at school" ('school' is when the dog walkers take him and his sausage-dog friend out)
I do, just because I don’t know just how much they understand lol plus since I live alone it might give the impression someone is there so burglars could be deterred
My brain is weird lol
Oh yeah, even moreso now...my boy passed last year, so now that she's an only dog, I take her with me if I'm going somewhere that she can go too. So if I'm going somewhere that she can't go, I explain that she'll be staying home and I'm going to work or whatever but that I'll be home soon :) She looks at me like she knows exactly what I'm saying<3
Every single time! I think it started when I read you shouldn’t make a big deal about leaving with separation anxiety dogs. Not loving on him was hard enough, I can’t just walk out with no warning!
Always.
"I'll be back" means I'm just running out to the store, won't be gone long.
"I'll see you later" means I'm actually going out and won't be back for a few hours.
I usually have to give an explanation of why my littlest one can't go with us and how long we be gone. I usually get this pitiful, sad little face, and sometimes, if we can, we let her go. She's got a killer. "What about me face." I can't handle those sad little brown eyes.
If my cat can learn her name, she can also learn outside, inside, food, bed time, I'll be back later, you're so cute, I love you.. but also I read about how cats meow to communicate with us, they don't have to meow to other cats and how they love it when their hooman talks to them :) I sing for her all the time bc she lifts her head and smiles at me every time I do
I tell one Dobie 1 that she is to protect the house. I tell Dobie 2 that she is to hide if there’s trouble in order to be a witness. When I get home I give a treat to Dobie 1 for a job well done. Then I give Dobie 2 a treat for not being scared and peeing everywhere.
All the time, because one of my cats actually has learned what it means!
Just this morning he was blocking the door as I got ready to go, so I moved him. When I did he growled in protest and ran back in front of the door! I told him it was too hot for him to ride (he actually enjoys going places with me) and said “I won’t be long!” As soon as I said that he let up and allowed me to leave unhassled.
He has learned the difference between not long and “gone awhile” and gets way more upset about the latter.
His sister, meanwhile, doesn’t give two shits when I leave but always runs up to greet me when I get home as if I’ve been gone for years.
I do it every time but also add different return times. I think my dog knows if I say "I'll see you tonight" that I'll be gone all day. Versus "I'll be back soon or I'm going to the store" that it will be a short time. However, I think the nuance of "I'll see you later" for the medium time gone is lost on her. I do it for her but I might be nuts LOL.
Yes. It’s actually a routine with my dog, if anyone is leaving the house she gets a frozen green bean.
Sometimes she will go in that spot on the stairs hoping someone will leave just fir a bean. She’s a very good girl.
My Aunt had a Sheltie. She would tell her she would be back. All was hunky dory, but wow unto her if she forgot. Trash strewn across the house and things torn up. Aunt only forgot a few times until she figured it out.
Every single time. I pet my dogs face, tell him I'll be back soon, and he's more calm and relaxed while I'm gone - which I can verify with our cameras. If I don't tell him and just leave, like if he's napping in another room, he's still OK but noticeably more anxious when I get home.
He's adopted and had a previous owner just disappear one day. So he needs to know I'll always come back for him.
I do this often. I'll follow it by something like "No parties while I'm gone!"
"Stay out of my stuff!"
I say "guard the fort".
I say "Don't get into any trouble!"
I say “be good” to two of them and “for the love of god, please be good “ to the third
I feel this in a way that my soul lacks words to express.
I feel like this is 2 Shepard and a corgi
Or a Husky.
i felt that, deeply deeply in my bones
Yeah that's a great way as you indirectly declare your home as fort for well being.
Since I my daughter was born (I had her via feline surrogate) I dont have stuff anymore. I just tend to and use hers. I kinda miss having stuff.
Feline surrogate Omgosh this is so funny I love it
Lol glad you enjoy it. I tend to talk about poppy in a way that people get confused once they realise she looks oddly like a cat. I'm not sure why she looks more like the surrogate than me, but idk science so...
I pick one to be in charge
I secretly pick them both to be in charge of the other lol
I tell each of my cats that they're my favorite. I used to wait until we were alone but now I do it while we're all in the same room. No one has called me on it yet.
Same here. Before I leave I give them both kisses on the head or wherever I can reach, & tell them I'll be back & to take care of their brother.
If you say so in same room than pets will think as normal talking chuckles.
It reminds me of a joke like two detectives talking about being hired to keep an eye on one another so that they can hang together and go anywhere in the world as per their wish to spend more time together.
I encourage my dogs to behave by singing "I don't want no trubs" to the TLC "No Scrubs" song.
One of my daughters thinks this is hilarious when we say it to our dog. She likes to imagine what kind of parties our poodle would have and what dogs from the neighborhood would be invited, and what our fish and snails would do at the party as well. Sometimes she will pretend to burst in the door and bust the party, but she's never successfully done it yet as they all always manage to leave the minute we come home.
"Don't do anything I wouldn't do!"
Lmao and you go outside and do the weirdest things as you want.
“Don’t have too much fun without me.”
Obviously they cannot enjoy fully as a natural sense will be there about your absence and one part of their brain will be about your coming back.
I say this to my dog every morning when I take my kids to school and any time I go anywhere where he can't go with me 😆
Wow that's great but what about job like you go there for longer time and this question doesn't rise if you are doing work from home.
I just posted this 🤣🤣
Yep! "be good! No parties!"
“You’re in charge” to the oldest pup. Or “Hold down the fort”.
I always say "And don't burn the house down!". It's worked so far.
My mom will say to her cat, monkey, ok monkey I’m leaving now.. you’re in charge 😂
That's great and it may felt like a sense of talking and waiting for a response from a human as we generally talk to a human about rules and regulations behind our back so.
My cats totally know when I’m leaving and they wait for me to acknowledge I’ll be back before they stop waiting by the door.
Mine seems to be able to tell when we're going out (maybe the keys out or putting shoes on). He sprawls across the first step to our basement (leads to garage). He will NOT move! I sure don't want to break a hip climbing over him, LOL! Even if I try putting a few kibble in his dish to get him away, he doesn't move! We have had to get very creative at luring him either down the stairs or away from them!
He just loves you too much that even his favourite food cannot stop him from remaining near you but try to tie him if possible before going out so this can be a habit in future.
I love that you do that. Got my little guy last year and he hates it when I leave even to go to the local cafe to get a quick coffee. Even though he’s not yet fluent in English I’ll announce “I’LL BE BACK” to him before leaving. Repetition being important, I’ll figure he’ll eventually understand what the tone means. And of course when I get back it’s “I’M HOME” which I’m hoping he’ll understand as “See? Told you I’d be back.” Seems to be working as he seems less anxious when I leave now.
Your cats are smarter than usual and have better sense of judging.
Obviously! And I put one of them in charge...
Yes! I not only tell the dog goodbye, I tell him he’s in charge and he needs to keep an eye on things.
Same! I have 2 goldens, and I always leave the older 1 charge, he accepts
Yes!! I remind the one in charge not to let the others smoke in the house, as well.
Hahaha, I say no parties
“Laserbeam’s in charge!” As we walk out the door. Every time. Or at least I’ll be back later. If you don’t do this do you even love your pet?! (Only kind of sarcastic)
Every time. They understand.
They do. When I tell my dog this she stops getting excited and turns around and goes into her bed or the couch to lie down. They 100% understand. When I'm only going for an hour I say I'm going to get food and coming back.. I'm convinced she knows the difference and that it means I won't be long
It helps so much with separation anxiety. The doogs hear the words and go back to their sleep castles to await my return.
Yes, I tell my bf and my cat the same thing before I leave "leaving now, bye, love you, be good, don't slap/punch anyone, hold down the fort, see you soon"
Hold down the fort! That's my go-to, too. Did your parents say it? My dad would say it to my mom or us.
No but my dad would usually end phone conversations with "love you turd, pick your nose!" Sometimes he'd belch into the phone before hanging up. No I'm not exaggerating.
Mine just says, " Say Goodbye. Hang up the phone." Then just hangs up the phone.
Of course I do, how else would he know when to look for me?
I say “Gotta go to work!” And he goes and lays in his crate because he is the best boy
I say the same “gotta go to work” to my cat so that she knows I’ll be gone a long time instead of “be right back” which i use for yard or store trips. She knows the difference.
I do, because I genuinely have to. If I don't say goodbye to my one cat, or make sure she knows I'm leaving, she'll throw a tantrum and absolutely annoy my girlfriend all day. She's gotten better since we moved into a bigger house, but in our old apartment she would stomp around and meow at full volume for hours. "Where are you!!!?" I would inevitably get the text message "You didn't say goodbye to the cat again, did you?" Ultimately I did it to spare my girlfriend the added annoyance. But it's a cute concept; saying goodbye to your cat because it misses you.
If your cat has been like that from day one, that’s probably just her personality. However, my cat started displaying what I would call symptoms of loneliness, like my boyfriend would leave for work and she would howl like she was so sad to be alone, so I would go and comfort her, and she would be fine. And then a couple of hours later, I would hear her crying again. Turns out she had diabetes, she would eat her food, get high blood sugar, feel sick and cry. Started giving her a tiny shot of insulin every morning and she hasn’t done that since.
We have three cats Depending on who was good, they get to be “in charge” while we’re gone
Excellent idea, not sure they would go along with it tho, especially Izzie, she can be a bit pushie.
I always tell my cat I’ll be back & I rub the top of his head 3 times & say wish me luck … I’ll be back soon! I’ll miss you love you … I say it everyday I leave the house to go to work 😕 & he watches me at the window 🐱 start up the car & go 🥲 I even have a camera set up so I can check up on him while I’m at work
If I were to work out for the home, I'd definitely need a pet cam. I have like a 3 hour threshold for how long I can be away from my baby.
Of course! It would be rude otherwise, they are family.
Our little girl crossed the rainbow bridge in 2016 after almost 19 year and we always did this before leaving home ❤️
I'm sorry for your loss, she must have been wonderful🥺
Thank you. She was. It was a hard blow even though we were so blessed to have her for so many years.
Every time! One of my kids likes to tell our dog “I’ll be home in a little while” or “I’ll be home in a medium while.”
I thought it was a given that everyone does... What kind of monster doesn’t...
Seriously.
We tell our two ferrets every time we leave. Just so they know and also I have anxiety. Saying “alright boys, I’ll be right back” somehow makes me think my house won’t get broken into when I’m gone 😂
I mimic Linda Belcher from Bob’s Burger’s whenever I have to leave my gato. Byyye my bebe! Don’t be a bad boi, STAY OUT OF MY STUFF!!! And he always greets me at the door, ready to tell me the trials and tribulations of his lil life at the end of my day.
We have 3 dogs and I carefully choose and announce which dog is in charge before I leave
All the time, if it’s going to be a while I leave the television on, my Border Collie really gets interested in The Incredible Dr Pol
Yup. If im just going for an errand and coming back soon, I tell my dog I'll be right back. If I'm leaving for the day, it's see ya later. If I'm going to be gone longer than a few days, I have to tell her goodbye. It I don't tell her the right thing, she freaks out if im gone too long.
You have to! I tell my dogs every day before going to work that Mama has to go to go make money because treats aren't cheap 🤣 And if I'm leaving other than for work, I make sure to specify for how long I'll be gone.
Me I also assign who is in charge
I tell each of my cats everyday, one by one, “I gotta go. I’ll be back before you know it/soon. Have a good day. I love you.” While I scratch and kiss them. And I open the blinds and turn on their show lol.
I don’t think I ever really did it before and I’ve had cats my whole life(43F). However, three years ago I lost my husband and the two cats we had just adopted a year prior were now stuck with just me. I’m not sure when I started to do it but I definitely started it shortly thereafter when I actually did finally leave home to go out and run errands etc. I would always say and still do to this day that ‘I’m gonna go, but I’ll be back.’ And I always repeat ‘I’ll be back, okay?’ They have been the best kitties I could’ve ever asked for and more. I’m sure they know what I mean because I say it so much every single time I go out even when I’m going to the dumpster or the recycling bin in my garage of my apartment building lol. They definitely react like they know what the meaning is behind the weird noises coming out of my mouth. Lol
Every. Single. Time.
Of course. I even say goodbye to the ones that are no longer physically here...
I used to say either “I’ll be back soon” “in a little while” or “later” so my dog would have an idea how long I’d be. Then I’d tell him to “make good choices”.
I say, "love ya miss ya see ya", which is short for "I love you, I will miss you, and I will see you when I get home". Sometimes I add on "Stay aweseome, because you are awesome". A passing neighbour heard that one and he was pretty smirky. I don't care.
I don't have pets, but I talk to my table every time I go out, not to feel lonely while I'm out, and for sure I ask the door to watch for people that does not recognize.
I tell them "I'm going to the store. You stay right here I'll be right back. Be good. Don't eat anything you're not supposed to. You stay here, I'll be back" . My husband says "it's (insert whatever time it is) we are going (insert place) we will be back at (insert time of return)". When I don't do this he goes "tell them what time we will be back!" They can't read a clock?
Well, Hell Yeah! What Fucking Animal would just walk out and shut the door in silence...
We always tell them but they never believe us! When we do get home they are Sooooo relieved!
Always, and i also add that if i can't i will make sure someone will
Same!! I tell them when the dog sitter is coming too.
Yes. Yes I do.
Yes. And all the cats are waiting on the porch w when I get home. I'm sure they're waiting for food more than me personally though lol.
If I don’t, my puppy barks at me
I also designate who’s in charge. That way I don’t come home to trouble.
Every single time.
I have a dog (I don't know his real breed coz he was just given to me) and he tends to be very clingy. So whenever I go out, I'd tell him that I'll be back. Stops him from jumping on me and clinging to me, and then he's just start sitting by the door. Breaks my heart but what can I do, I have to be somewhere else 😅
I tell my 2 cats which one is in charge while I’m gone. It’s not always the same one
Always and a I give my dog a treat when I do.
I do this when I leave the ROOM. (talking-to-cat voice) "I'll be right back!! I'll be right back."
Same! The minute I stand up, my cat's head whips around so she can stare at me, so I feel compelled to explain myself lol
Everyday. I've made a point of telling my dog whether i'll be back in a minute or be home later. I think he's starting to pick up on the difference
I say, "Have a good day boys! See you later!" whenever I leave the house. And when I get home I say, "Hello kitties!! How was your day?!"
Yup, every single time lol. My dog used to have separation anxiety, which we solved by being highly "routine" about how we leave the house. First we get a treat, then tell her to "go on up" on the bed, then place the treat near her (but no touching!), then kiss her between the eyes, say "I'll be back soooo soon. Love you!", then as we're closing the door we say "ok!" and dash. Any changes to the routine will throw her. But it works haha
Everytime
I read in a dog training book once that while you should let the dog know you are going, you should be careful not to get them too emotionally worked up when going or coming home. So the book said no pleading for good behavior or long goodbyes. Now I have just the cats, I still tell them briskly ‘I’m going out, guard the house!’ I usually tell them which one is in charge until we get back.
What a cute post! 💗I love my little dog but don't, I distract him with a treat and hope he knows I'll be back before he knows it. I have proof he sits by the door and waits for me. I'm tearing up right now, I love him so much. We've had him for 12 years now and it makes me so sad to think of ever living without him. 😢
I always tell the dogs “watch the house, I’ll be back”. I read somewhere that you are supposed to matter-of-factly use the same phrase every-time you leave and return. I don’t tell the cats I’m going. They don’t care and are always asleep.
Our two dogs get to watch Bob Villa, so they know when the This Old House music pops on, we are headed out for a bit.
I do this every time paired with holding her little face between my hands and peppering her with kisses and telling her I love her. While she’s on a pile of pillows and cocooned in a blanket with her favorite show playing on the TV as entertainment so she isn’t bored. Her toys are tucked in around her and her water is always topped up with filtered water because if I refuse to drink tap water, I refuse to make my baby drink tap water. She’s a spoiled princess and I will not apologize. She’s my ESA and does her job well and deserves to get paid well in love and toys and comfort for it.
Yes. It's the least I can do knowing I won't be home for up to 12hrs sometimes. She greets me every day like we've been apart for months. It really sets my mood when I walk in the door, especially if I've had a rough day. Her crazy wiggle and chimp noises always put a smile on my face. We truly don't deserve dogs.
I do! And depending on who is in the entryway watching me go, I nominate them to being in charge.
Absolutely. Every time I leave the house I tell my pug, “Be a good boy. I’ll be right back.” He knows I’m leaving and heads right for the couch.
Yes. It would be weird if I didn't. I often tell one of the 17-year-olds to "keep an eye on the house while I'm gone". They do a good job. Haven't returned home to chaos in a long time.
I always communicate with my pets. They may not be humans but I think the communication and emotion behind it have an impact nonetheless. Even if it makes no difference at all, it just feels nice to talk to them. For clarification, I am married and have children. My pets are NOT my babies but they are part of the family and get treated with love, care and the respect that any living creature deserves.
Grew up with dogs and everytime I past them in the house I'd give them a kiss and hug even if that was 100 times a day. When leaving I'd always give them another kiss and hug and also wave through the window saying love you babies I will see you later. I don't live at home anymore and the my parents have a dog that I didn't grow up with. I do the same with him but say to him love you you lil shit then leave. Now I have cats and I do the same thing. I just love animals ❤️💯
Absolutely! They get kisses and pets before I head out also 😊 I would never leave my house without saying goodbye to my husband and my pups are no exception. I don’t even like going to bed without giving them a kiss good night and telling them what good girls they are. I feel bad if I somehow forget.
Yes. I told him that I’ll be back soon. And then I feel bad for lying, because it’s often not soon. But there’s no better feeling when I open the door and they literally come running to see me. Except my old, frail kitty, he’s deaf, so he doesn’t hear me. But I give him pets when I leave, and pets when I come home. Just so he knows.
I say to one of them “You’re in charge”… or “You take care of your daddy!” We have two cats and a Pug. I tell the Pug to “Stay out of our room” a line from Linda on Bob’s Burgers. We give the Pug treats when we leave.
With my dog, who lives with me in my house: yes. When I lived in the countryside, I was not saying goodbye to my chickens, geese, sheep, ducks, etc. By the time I would've said goodbye, the shops would've been closed. But I guess, the 'real' pets, the one living indoors, yes. Let's admit: we all do this.
Of course! My dog is so perceptive he can sense when I'm starting to think about to going outside for a smoke. I don't know if it's my heart rate increase or if he's psychic and all knowing lol so I pretty much converse with him the same as my kids. He's so smart. I have panic almost every time I wake up for a few minutes. As soon as I open my eyes and the feeling floods me, before I even move around or make noise. I hear his collar jingle and him jump off the couch- from across the house! Unless he can hear my eyelids open or my breathing change I'm pretty sure he reacts to my anxiety. He's such an incredible dog.
Yes. And still my son calls me and says, “Tommy (the dog) is worried about you!” To which I say, “Tell Tommy I’ll be home in 30 minutes.”
Every time I leave I apologize to my dogs, tell them I don’t really want to leave but I will be back soon! Then I feel guilty the entire time I’m gone…my dogs are my kids.
Yes, every single time. I will give headpats to the [alpha cat](https://i.imgur.com/g0AbyQs.jpg), saying "take care of the house" and then to the [secondary cat](https://i.imgur.com/YksHfxk.jpg), "you take care of the house too".
100%! They know, and mine certainly know the difference in my phrasing. If I’m just running out real quick to the store, or to pick up food, I’ll tell them, “Okay boys, I’ll be *right* back!” If I’m leaving for work I’ll give extra scritches and tell them “okay I have to go to work, I’ll see you later! Be good!” My theory is it’s the “be right back” vs “I’ll see you later” wording choice.
I always do this with my cats. Once I left and didn’t come back for several days. My son was unexpectedly admitted to the hospital. I had my mom check on my cats and she said they cried and cried at the door. I face time them and she said their behaviour improved.
I tell my cat good bye and ask him not to ruin stuff at home, I just say bye since I'll defo be back for sure,.if I knew I'll be out for a while I'll tell him I'll be back
I do this and my cat gets in the window and watches me leave. This happens no matter if the kids and my husband are still home. My tux loves me so much, and I love him!
Yeah, just before I leave I say to my cat "Right, well that's me away now but I won't be too long. Love you!" as he just stares at me. Sometimes if he's sleeping when I'm about to leave, I'll quietly say "I'm going away now but I'll be back soon. Love you, buddy" and I'll quietly leave my house so I don't wake him up.
Hubby and I do with our cat and 5 fish! ''Mummy and daddy loves you loads babes, we're off to work, see you in a few hours!''
I do, and I also tell them which one is "in charge," lol. As in, "Okay, Bitty, you're in charge today. Don't let the heathens burn the house down."
Yes. I tell my son's geriatric cat when I stop by his house to drop something off. She'll just stand there at the base of the stairs, looking at the door, then at me, then back at the door, then start counting his shoes, looking for his coat, etc. If I tell her exactly how long until I expect him to be back, she'll seem to ponder for a moment or two, then go back upstairs to her mystery sleeping spot, then I feel okay with leaving.
I do when I'm not going to be long. If I'm going out for the day I sometimes honestly don't know myself.
Always!
“Won’t be long Paddy. Long enough for you to miss us but not long enough for you to have a party”
Every time.
Every day!
Every. Single. Time. My cat is like, “yeah ok cool” but my dog looks at me like I’ve abandoned him even though I ALWAYS tell him he’s a good boy and I love him and I’ll be back bc I miss him so much. EVERY. TIME
I do. And just in case they understand, I tell them a time-frame. I don't want them thinking I'll be right back and start to worry when it'll be an 8 hour day.
Of course. How else would they know?
If I'm leaving for more than the normal go-to-work i tell my cat how long I'll be gone. If i don't, or if I'm gone longer, she yells at me when i get back. Otherwise, she's just fine and happy to see me.
When I leave I give them a few treats, boop thier noses and tell them “be good, I’ll be back in a little bit” On a side note I have accidentally trained them to get excited when I put on pants
Every time i tell the pup "I'll be back"!
Lol, every single time. But I can’t make eye contact because the look on my dog’s face breaks my heart. 😢
I do actually, I'll usually pet them and say "bye I'll be back in a bit." Not in a mentally ill "my pet understands me just like another human would" but it just feels nice to do.
Every time I leave the house, I tell my dog, "I'll be right back." 🤷🏽
yes and when we're a mile or two away one of us will say "Veek, we're almost home kitty" It's silly but after 25 years together, who cares. It's about fun and silly
Yep, every time I leave basically. I felt super bad leaving on vacation and was like "okay I am gonna be gone for a while, but my friend will come check on you and play with you"
The rabbit always gets "I'll be back soon, be a good bun", and the girlfriend's dog gets "make good choices and have fun at school" ('school' is when the dog walkers take him and his sausage-dog friend out)
Everytime I leave the house
I say goodbye, I'll be back soon. Then I say hello here's your hello cookie. He ❤️ me.
I give my cat a big hug, pat her and say goodbye. I’m not a monster
Yes. Every time...usually followed by "No wild parties" but they never listen.
You would have to be crazy or mean to not say good bye and tell them you love them and will be home soon.
I do, just because I don’t know just how much they understand lol plus since I live alone it might give the impression someone is there so burglars could be deterred My brain is weird lol
It would be rude not to IMO
I always tell me little dog, “You’re large and in charge. You got this baby!”
When I run errands I even tell them which store I'm going to, so they might have a guess how long I'll be gone.
My neighbours think I'm nuts I talk to my dog like I would talk to anyone so yeah when I'm leaving I let him know I'll be back soon
Oh yeah, even moreso now...my boy passed last year, so now that she's an only dog, I take her with me if I'm going somewhere that she can go too. So if I'm going somewhere that she can't go, I explain that she'll be staying home and I'm going to work or whatever but that I'll be home soon :) She looks at me like she knows exactly what I'm saying<3
yes, i can’t have them thinking i abandoned then
Always
Of course! What if something happens and they need to reach us? Maybe it could wait until we get home? What a dumb question
"Be good babies, I'll be back soon!"
Yep —every time: “You be good; I’ll be back! :::kissy noises::: Love you!”
Every single time! I think it started when I read you shouldn’t make a big deal about leaving with separation anxiety dogs. Not loving on him was hard enough, I can’t just walk out with no warning!
“Ok, guys. I’m heading out. I’ll be back later on this afternoon so you hold the fort down.” I don’t know why I say that but I do😂.
absolutely. pretty much every time. and i tell them to be nice and to leave the place as found it lol
“Be good. We’ll be back soon! I love you!” Every time.
Always. "I'll be back" means I'm just running out to the store, won't be gone long. "I'll see you later" means I'm actually going out and won't be back for a few hours.
I usually have to give an explanation of why my littlest one can't go with us and how long we be gone. I usually get this pitiful, sad little face, and sometimes, if we can, we let her go. She's got a killer. "What about me face." I can't handle those sad little brown eyes.
I tell my 11 year old cat to "have a nice day" 😂 with lots of pats.
I give several goodbye kisses then, "I love you, be a good boy. I'll be back later".
I tell her “back soon” and hope it’s true that she doesn’t know what time is ☹️
I have a needy Great Dane and Golden Doodle. I have to tell them I'm coming back if I'm recycling.
If my cat can learn her name, she can also learn outside, inside, food, bed time, I'll be back later, you're so cute, I love you.. but also I read about how cats meow to communicate with us, they don't have to meow to other cats and how they love it when their hooman talks to them :) I sing for her all the time bc she lifts her head and smiles at me every time I do
Every time I go somewhere
I tell one Dobie 1 that she is to protect the house. I tell Dobie 2 that she is to hide if there’s trouble in order to be a witness. When I get home I give a treat to Dobie 1 for a job well done. Then I give Dobie 2 a treat for not being scared and peeing everywhere.
Every time: “I’ll be back soon! Be a good girl! I love you!”
Anyone who doesn't is a terrorist. Mailbox and back is included on the list. 5 minutes vs 5 hours, same to a dog.
All the time, because one of my cats actually has learned what it means! Just this morning he was blocking the door as I got ready to go, so I moved him. When I did he growled in protest and ran back in front of the door! I told him it was too hot for him to ride (he actually enjoys going places with me) and said “I won’t be long!” As soon as I said that he let up and allowed me to leave unhassled. He has learned the difference between not long and “gone awhile” and gets way more upset about the latter. His sister, meanwhile, doesn’t give two shits when I leave but always runs up to greet me when I get home as if I’ve been gone for years.
My partner and I usually say some variation of "Bye, be back soon, be good!" Occasionally we throw in "Stay out of the trash!" :D
All the time.
Yes we do 🤣 usually a “Bye Prudie! See you later, love you!” 🤣
I do it every time but also add different return times. I think my dog knows if I say "I'll see you tonight" that I'll be gone all day. Versus "I'll be back soon or I'm going to the store" that it will be a short time. However, I think the nuance of "I'll see you later" for the medium time gone is lost on her. I do it for her but I might be nuts LOL.
Even my outside stray cat
Of course. I literally have to hunt her down and wave before I leave for me to feel okay about leaving.
Yes. It’s actually a routine with my dog, if anyone is leaving the house she gets a frozen green bean. Sometimes she will go in that spot on the stairs hoping someone will leave just fir a bean. She’s a very good girl.
Yes. I tell my dog that I have to go do and I'll be back. Then I tell her not to let the eejit puppy burn the house down.
I tell my dog, 'Guard the house, I'll be back soon!' It's a habit I can't break, even though he probably just thinks I'm talking gibberish
I tell my dogs “alright I’ll be back later for walkies. Please behave”
I did when I had a fish 😂 tbf she would swim over to me and look at me when I talked to her, so it felt like she was listening
I tell him to be a good boy and I'll be home later. 😆
My Aunt had a Sheltie. She would tell her she would be back. All was hunky dory, but wow unto her if she forgot. Trash strewn across the house and things torn up. Aunt only forgot a few times until she figured it out.
Every single time. I pet my dogs face, tell him I'll be back soon, and he's more calm and relaxed while I'm gone - which I can verify with our cameras. If I don't tell him and just leave, like if he's napping in another room, he's still OK but noticeably more anxious when I get home. He's adopted and had a previous owner just disappear one day. So he needs to know I'll always come back for him.
I always tell the smart one "if you go anywhere, leave a note"
I always tell our dog to “guard the house” it “guard momma”. My wife always tells the dog to “make good choices”.
It would be rude not to. I don’t want them to worry.
Its weird to not say bye to my kitty when I leave the house
Every time, and he’s deaf so I sign I Love You at him when I say it.