Since the death of my partner, I've had a Shih Tzu for nearly four years, and I've never been happier. This is the first time I'll be traveling for a three-month course, and I'll be away from him. I considered taking him with me but faced difficulties with accommodation policies for pets.

On vacations and short trips, I struggle to fall asleep without him, which makes me anxious about how I'll manage these three months. I'm also worried about leaving him behind and the potential for abandonment issues. I've noticed that he sometimes refuses to eat for a day when I'm gone but then adapts by the second day.

I'm unsure if I'm overreacting and if he'll be fine, or if this will negatively affect him. I'm even considering canceling my course to avoid any potential problems.

Is this normal?