Wish I was in Maryland, I could have helped watch your dogs. The only thing, what about the snakes?
One of the totally cool things about snakes, is, they can do well for *months* without food and weeks without water, if the situation arises.
The water issue, is, of course very much less than optimal or desirable but it is doable as they really do not drink a lot.
[I have rescued snakes who were severely dehydrated from months of no water and after one loooooooooooong drink and a soak, they bounced right back]
Leaving them for a length of time is no issue.
They all have spill-proof, heavy crockery water bowls that contain *much* more water than they would ever need, even for weeks at a time.
The dogs, however, are nowhere near as easy.
I have friend who is a vet tech and she operates an in-home pet sitting service.
The dogs know and love her when we visit the vet.
*But*, they are totally different animals when they’re *here*.
This is their home and their fortress.
I cannot see them allowing anyone in to tend them, especially Seven.
She absolutely does not allow what she considers “trespassers” and she will back up her bark with biting.
So, I do not go away for more than a few hours at a time.
But that’s okay.
They’re all more than worth the “aggravation”.
Bless you for your kindness, though.