Staying at a Kennel...

[Jamilupine]

I am leaving on Tuesday for Alabama for Five days. I finally get to see my finace! It's been three months, so this is a much needed visit! Anyways, that is beside the point. I live in CA so I have to board Lucy for the duration of the trip.

After speaking with respectable dog owners, people I trust, I signed Lucy up for a stay at her Vet's (the vet was recommended, and I've been extreamly pleased). The kennel area is nice and clean, and the dogs have both inside and outside kennels which they are rotated through depending on the weather. The Kennels on the outside are on pavement, but the kennel area is covered with that rubbery stuff that workers stand on to help thier backs. Some people who know the vet well said that the dogs who stay in the kennels get lots of attention from the staff, so not to worry about that.

But...I can't not worry! What should I expect when I go pick her up? Do you think I'll have some difficulty with potty training when I get her home? She's very social and used to being inside, so I worry she'll be lonely and sad. My poor baby. I just don't have a choice. There wouldn't be anything to do with her if I did take her, and taking her would mean putting her in the baggage area on the plane...so I'm not going to do that to her.

I'm sure she'll be alright, I guess what I'm looking for is some reassurance that she'll be alright.

[mrsgrubby]

Oh Jami,
I know you are upset. When I travel I worry too, but my dogs stay with my parents or sister. I have never used a kennel, but I am sure the vet is one of the best places she could stay. If for some reason she needs them, they are right there.

I am sure she will be fine and they will give her lots of attention, plus there will be other dogs there that she will be able to see and that will entertain her/stimulate her.

Just send her food, treats, and maybe a few good chew things and I am sure she will be fine.

I wonder about the potty thing too. If she normally goes on walks and pees on grass, will she pee on the rubber mats? Is there a way to pay extra and have them walk her?

I know that when my girlfriend picks her dog up from the kennel the dog always sleeps for like two days. We always wonder why it's sooo tired.

You go and enjoy your trip and your boyfriend. You guys need this time together. My husband goes away for two weeks each year and I go nuts, I can't imagine three months. Have a safe trip. We will all miss you while you are gone, I am used to seeing your daily posts! It's funny how we all get used to eachother!

[Jamilupine]

Thanks for the support mrsgrubby! That's all I really needed! I am going to opt to have them walk her a few times a day...also I'll talk with them when I drop her off and see what they can do. I'm definately leaving some food, toys, and a blanket of hers, that way she doesn't feel abandoned!

I wish my dad lived closer so I could leave her with him, he said he'd take her, but it's an extra 5 hours total in order to get her there! You are so lucky there are people you trust to watch your dogs who are close. I have a friend who's going to house/cat sit for me, but I don't think she's up to a 6 month old puppy! If Lucy were older, say a year or two, well trained, and all, I'd leave her with my friend...puppies are just so delicate, you know? And lucy can be a handful! This is just safer for her I know, and this way she won't drive my friend crazy.

Yeah, I'll miss reading everyone's posts while I'm gone! I'll be all behind on everyone's progress! But, at the same time, I can't wait to see Justin!

[flyndog]

I have a portable dog, but if I had to leave her, I would leave her with my vets who board dogs for clients. I've seen the staff interact with the animals. I know they are taken out several times a day. I'll bet they will *love* having a puppy there! You might have a spoiled baby when you come back, but I wouldn't worry about anything else.

[Jamilupine]

Thanks Kit! I left my kitten at a vets kennel once (long story) and when I came to get him one of the office ladies seriously offered me money so that she could keep him! I said no of course and quickly took him into my arms! But I imagine you are right, puppies are so cute and fun. They were super sweet with her when I left her for her spay, when I picked her up that afternoon they carried her out all slow and gentle, talking to her sweetly and everything. I think she'll be fine, but I always worry about my babies!

I happy cuz my friend will be staying here with my cats, so I won't worry too much about them being lonley, so that's nice!

I'm sure all will be fine, just a worried mother!

[Cassiepeia]

I did work experience with a vet some years ago and they also boarded dogs. The dogs were very well looked after and taken out several times a day for walks and a good romp around the yard. We loved them all. I think it also helps that vets generally keep only small numbers of animals boarded with them.
Everything will be fine. Although, I bet when you go to pick her up she'll just about lift off the ground because her tail will be wagging so much. LOL

Have fun on your trip.

Cass.

[DFrost]

One thing that must be considered when boarding a dog at the vet is: it's where sick dogs go as well. I'd be sure the vet has seperate facilities for boarding sick dogs and healthy dogs.

DFrost