Question about military leave.

by Matt
(Massachusetts)

Hello,

Thus far I have fallen in love with my Rafikki, a 5 1/2 month old lil guy. He’s grown to recognize me out of a group of friends and is extra cuddly when I hold him. He has also shown a great interest in my soon-to-be-fiance (wish me luck), but I am worried about what will happen when I leave for army boot camp.

My girlfriend agreed to take complete care of him. I’m thinking she loves him even more than I do so that is good. He will receive the same amount of attention and will still be able to free roam in the same area, so a change in habitat will not happen. I am entering the Army National Guard so things will return to normal when I return from initial training unless a deployment happens.

Will my absence absolutely devastate Rafikki? I understand he may be confused as to where I went off to but will this separation upset him if he is being taken care of by my girlfriend? I still have a few months before I leave, but I would like to prepare Rafikki as much as I possibly can before I go off.

Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!!

Matt