[Beryl]

My German Shepherd dog spent the day in my backyard communicating with neighboring friends and scaring away raccoons and squirrels. However, I now have a single Toy Poo and don't want him left alone all day like I did with my Pom many years ago. Television and radio is no substitute for live interaction.

Until I bring home a baby sister for him in a year or so, I'm planning on Day Care for 3 days a week when I work in my office. There are more of these popping up all of the time so I have a lot of shopping to do.

Facility 1 is located in a pastoral area (there are sheep and goats in neighboring lots) in Boulder. They keep the "little people" separate from the "big people" . The play area is out of doors, partially covered with artificial turf with lots of toys and a jungle gym of sorts. They bring the little ones in when it is cold. This place was highly recommended by a friend with 2 Shih Tzus. They are located very close to my home and are only $15/day

Facility 1 is on my A-list today. I'd prefer a better in-door play area though.

Facility 2 is a franchise that is very popular in Colorado. They have locations near my home in Boulder, work in Denver, and the DIA airport. I was a little concerned when the lady who gave me a tour in Boulder showed me that he'd play with 10 or more large dogs -- Labs, Sheps, etc. She said that there'd always be someone there to watch for his safety.

I sent my Pom to live with my parents after I noticed that my playful Shep pup was terrorizing him. No way would I allow my 4 lb furbaby to risk being trampled by 80 lb well-meaning youngsters. The tour guide then showed me a pleasant looking, carpeted, in-door play area with toys for smaller and older dogs. They don't use it much (it was empty) but that would be where they could keep my baby. They also have a webcam and charge $25/day.

Facility 2 is on my "maybe" list because of the standardization of care. However, I wonder how much socializing my baby would get during the day with other dogs. I'm certain the workers would play with him but that is not the same.

Facility 3 is located in an animal hospital in Boulder. The play area is all dirt in a building that is like a barn. (The picture on their website is an old one.) Dogs of all sizes are put together to play, I saw no dogs under 10lbs and most were over 50 lbs. There is a woman who sits with them all day. Because of the dirt and play, the pets would need to be bathed each day when they come home if they sleep in your bed like mine does.

Facility 3 has been eliminated for now. It would have been great for my German Shepherd who didn't sleep in my bed but not for a toy dog. If they decide to build a separate area for toys, I'd reconsider them because of the close proximity to health care.

I've never used Day Care so I'm interested in the thoughts of those on this site.

(Edited to remove actual references per site guidelines. For the record, I have no vested interest in those businesses. Having done that, I would appreciate some feedback on the issue..)