I'm dogless now (sighhh) but we had a very sweet German Shepherd named Reba. She had been severely abused for her first 5 years and while it took a couple years, she recovered and became a secure, happy girl. When we finally had to go away for an extended trip (rare for us), I asked around and called the kennel with the highest recommendations. They were very sympathetic with our girl's plight, and suggested we bring her down for an overnight stay and pick her up the next morning, so that when we brought her in for our vacation, she knew that she just had to wait there and we WOULD be coming to pick her up. And for Reba, who was athletic and liked other dogs alot, I think the excitement of so many friends at the kennel kept her from pining and made the time go faster.

At this kennel, every dog got daily 1-on-1 play with a person as well as with other friendly canines, and they had a good plan in place if a dog stopped eating. I seem to remember that we were able to bring her bed and a toy, they suggested an unwashed T shirt so my scent would be there.

I really recommend that first overnight stay for psychological security for BOTH of you!