I completely understand. We lost our two dogs who were 17 years old in March----2 1/2 weeks apart. It is still hard. We just got back from a trip and it was so strange to come home and they not be here even though it has been several months since we lost them.

I had found a lady who came to the house three times a day to take care of them rather than taking them to the kennel, but it didn't make it any easier to leave them.

I hope you work something out. If your dog would enjoy the trip, by all means take him.