Guilty

[Raecheal]

I feel so guilty... and our trip is still about 7 months out.


We recently got a puppy, Stella Victoria. She is now a little older than 5 months (by a couple of days) and by the time our free dining trips comes up in September she will just have turned a year old.

I just feel so guilty that were gonna have to leave her. I don't want her to think were 'not coming back for her'.... etc,

My question is: What do you do with your family pets while on vacation?

 

[rjan67]

Well, Sadie our Golden Retriever will be 11 months when we go to Florida next month. She is staying with my mother. During the day when we work and the kids go to school, she stays with her. It won't be anything new, but I'm sure she will wonder where we have gone . We have left her for a weekend before. Otherwise, when we camp she comes with us. Last summer she toured Lake Superior as a puppy.
In the past we have left our pets at home and had the neighbour come in - that was usually for the weekend. Once we did it for March break and paid one of the teenagers to watch two dogs and two cats at our house. I'm not terribly keen on kennels and I figured they got as much attention as they would at a kennel, but were able to be home. We have a large fenced yard, so she would let the dogs out in the yard for a few hours if the weather was nice (she was right next door) or at least take them for one good walk per day. Is your pet staying with someone or are you kenneling?

 

[Susan2771]

We leave our dog with the in-laws who he is very use to and good company for them

 

[Raecheal]

Well, Sadie our Golden Retriever will be 11 months when we go to Florida next month. She is staying with my mother. During the day when we work and the kids go to school, she stays with her. It won't be anything new, but I'm sure she will wonder where we have gone . We have left her for a weekend before. Otherwise, when we camp she comes with us. Last summer she toured Lake Superior as a puppy.
In the past we have left our pets at home and had the neighbour come in - that was usually for the weekend. Once we did it for March break and paid one of the teenagers to watch two dogs and two cats at our house. I'm not terribly keen on kennels and I figured they got as much attention as they would at a kennel, but were able to be home. We have a large fenced yard, so she would let the dogs out in the yard for a few hours if the weather was nice (she was right next door) or at least take them for one good walk per day. Is your pet staying with someone or are you kenneling?

This is where it get's confusing... We live in Ottawa... and the closest family is in North bay (About a 3 1/2 hour drive). My maternal grand-mother, in North Bay, is willing to take Stella for the week ... however... it just doesn't feel right. I, obviously trust my grand-ma and love her to pieces, but everyday she watches my aunts dog while the family is at work and school.... so my grams would have 2 dogs for about 8-9 days... which may be too much for her? AND she always feeds my aunt's dog food i wouldn't really want stella eating. (Pixie has had her stomach pump twice already (at least one for sure) and she's only 8 or 9 months.)

Then my mother offered to take her(which was really sweet of her), who lives in NIagara falls... but she doesn't keep a clean house, smokes (No offence to any smokers: we would just prefer to keep Stella away from that as much as possible), she's never had a dog before, she's never met stella yet and she works long days... leaving stella mostly to be on her own all day in a new environment.


so this means Stella with have to go to her grandmothers house... and i feel guilty for leaving her...

We leave our dog with the in-laws who he is very use to and good company for them

Do you find your dog is angry with you when you return?

 

[Cdn Gal]

During the March Break, and other short vacations we have friends or family stay in our house. But two years ago we found a kennel for our extended stays. The woman is absolutely phenominal!! She loves animals as much as we do and you can see it in everything she does. She keeps it very small- 3 dogs only- and designed the kennel with the dogs in mind. It has air conditions (our house doesn't have this!) the dogs go in and out whenever they want- and she takes them on 2 long runs through the woods a day. The place is also immaculately clean. I was really, really, really worried at first but after checking with other picky people who use her we went for it. When we came back Bear looked healthy and happy. In fact- our dog actually stayed in her house with her because she loved him so much. (she loves golden retrievers) She actually had tears in her eyes when we picked him up to leave. Can you belive it?? Just as an added test afterwards a few weeks later we drove out to where the kennel is to see what the dog would do - get scarred or wag his tail- he was very excited to be there. For us, it's like a mini- spa holiday for the dog when we are away. Plus it's cheap= $12 a day if you bring your own food. This will be our third summer going out west for an extended stay and we feel very confident with the kennel- b/c it's really like Baby bear is staying with friends- not really a kennel at all! My advice- ask around to people you know who are picky about their dogs and who travel alot.

 

[Sillyminny40]

It is a dog, not a human. Their perception of time is not like ours. It may seem to be only a day or two to her!

We left our dog for 7 days with a house sitter who is a nice guy and all was fine. The LOVE when we got home was worth the separation! She is my "baby" and as long as she has warmth, another human and food, she is happy. But she was so happy to see us. I did make sure that the house sitter dropped by the next day (for a gift) and a "hello".

Don't flatter yourself that she won't be okay without you. Yes, I know that hurts. Dogs usually are fine and dandy and the break from you (no matter what age) is just fine. They think they are with another dog "pack" for a while.

If you aren't sure, just take a look at Pluto. He survives just fine when Mickey and friends have important things to do. All the best and your dog will be fine!

 

[redrosesix]

During the March Break, and other short vacations we have friends or family stay in our house. But two years ago we found a kennel for our extended stays. The woman is absolutely phenominal!! She loves animals as much as we do and you can see it in everything she does. She keeps it very small- 3 dogs only- and designed the kennel with the dogs in mind. It has air conditions (our house doesn't have this!) the dogs go in and out whenever they want- and she takes them on 2 long runs through the woods a day. The place is also immaculately clean. I was really, really, really worried at first but after checking with other picky people who use her we went for it. When we came back Bear looked healthy and happy. In fact- our dog actually stayed in her house with her because she loved him so much. (she loves golden retrievers) She actually had tears in her eyes when we picked him up to leave. Can you belive it?? Just as an added test afterwards a few weeks later we drove out to where the kennel is to see what the dog would do - get scarred or wag his tail- he was very excited to be there. For us, it's like a mini- spa holiday for the dog when we are away. Plus it's cheap= $12 a day if you bring your own food. This will be our third summer going out west for an extended stay and we feel very confident with the kennel- b/c it's really like Baby bear is staying with friends- not really a kennel at all! My advice- ask around to people you know who are picky about their dogs and who travel alot.

I agree -- find a good kennel and pay what you have to so that you have peace of mind.

Just our experience with one of our dogs: when we went to pick her up she didn't want to leave (she didn't want us to leave either, but she had pretty much decided we should all live there, I guess) Many kennels here have activities that make being there more fun than being home -- at the time we went to pick Sally up, it was her group's turn to play in the water, an optional activity for dogs who loved the water. Also, dogs usually enjoy the company of other dogs, and that is a lot of fun for them if they are used to living alone. We have had more experience leaving cats at kennels, and those worked out very well too.

 

[Debbs]

Raecheal, We're in the Ottawa area also, but on the Quebec Side. Just past Shawville. We have a wonderful kennel up our way if you are interested we have used them before, we raise Belgian Shepherds that are show dogs so want to make sure when family isnt watching them someone good is. They are in Bristol Quebec, just before Shawville. The name is Chenil Amaruk Kennels, Mireille & Remo Pasteris. If you're interested in the number msg me and i'll give it to you!

 

[Raecheal]

During the March Break, and other short vacations we have friends or family stay in our house. But two years ago we found a kennel for our extended stays. The woman is absolutely phenominal!! She loves animals as much as we do and you can see it in everything she does. She keeps it very small- 3 dogs only- and designed the kennel with the dogs in mind. It has air conditions (our house doesn't have this!) the dogs go in and out whenever they want- and she takes them on 2 long runs through the woods a day. The place is also immaculately clean. I was really, really, really worried at first but after checking with other picky people who use her we went for it. When we came back Bear looked healthy and happy. In fact- our dog actually stayed in her house with her because she loved him so much. (she loves golden retrievers) She actually had tears in her eyes when we picked him up to leave. Can you belive it?? Just as an added test afterwards a few weeks later we drove out to where the kennel is to see what the dog would do - get scarred or wag his tail- he was very excited to be there. For us, it's like a mini- spa holiday for the dog when we are away. Plus it's cheap= $12 a day if you bring your own food. This will be our third summer going out west for an extended stay and we feel very confident with the kennel- b/c it's really like Baby bear is staying with friends- not really a kennel at all! My advice- ask around to people you know who are picky about their dogs and who travel alot.

Thanks.. It's nice to read that he enjoyed his time at the kennel. I"m am going to ask around to a few friends who have dogs and hopefully they will have some recommendations.

It is a dog, not a human. Their perception of time is not like ours. It may seem to be only a day or two to her!

We left our dog for 7 days with a house sitter who is a nice guy and all was fine. The LOVE when we got home was worth the separation! She is my "baby" and as long as she has warmth, another human and food, she is happy. But she was so happy to see us. I did make sure that the house sitter dropped by the next day (for a gift) and a "hello".

Don't flatter yourself that she won't be okay without you. Yes, I know that hurts. Dogs usually are fine and dandy and the break from you (no matter what age) is just fine. They think they are with another dog "pack" for a while.

If you aren't sure, just take a look at Pluto. He survives just fine when Mickey and friends have important things to do. All the best and your dog will be fine!

Thanks for the advice.

I agree -- find a good kennel and pay what you have to so that you have peace of mind.

Just our experience with one of our dogs: when we went to pick her up she didn't want to leave (she didn't want us to leave either, but she had pretty much decided we should all live there, I guess) Many kennels here have activities that make being there more fun than being home -- at the time we went to pick Sally up, it was her group's turn to play in the water, an optional activity for dogs who loved the water. Also, dogs usually enjoy the company of other dogs, and that is a lot of fun for them if they are used to living alone. We have had more experience leaving cats at kennels, and those worked out very well too.

I've started to look into kennels... but always keeping my grams in mind. Thanks for the post.

Raecheal, We're in the Ottawa area also, but on the Quebec Side. Just past Shawville. We have a wonderful kennel up our way if you are interested we have used them before, we raise Belgian Shepherds that are show dogs so want to make sure when family isnt watching them someone good is. They are in Bristol Quebec, just before Shawville. The name is Chenil Amaruk Kennels, Mireille & Remo Pasteris. If you're interested in the number msg me and i'll give it to you!

Thanks. I'll PM you!!

 

[Sheribo]

I feel so guilty... and our trip is still about 7 months out.


We recently got a puppy, Stella Victoria. She is now a little older than 5 months (by a couple of days) and by the time our free dining trips comes up in September she will just have turned a year old.

I just feel so guilty that were gonna have to leave her. I don't want her to think were 'not coming back for her'.... etc,

My question is: What do you do with your family pets while on vacation?

The first time we went on vacation our new beagle was 8 months old. We were lucky enough to have my sister who took care of her but she had no idea what she was getting into! We trade off with our next door neighbours now. What kind of dog do you have?

 

[minnie56]

Animals are always best in their own homes...we have a petsitter come and stay. She worked for our local humane society for many years and has left now to work with guide dogs. Sadly--for meee---she and her hubby just had a baby and tho she says he will still come and stay, she of course is busy!

Is there anyone that you know and knows your furbaby that might be able to come stay? Perhaps you could call your humane society and see if anyone there is looking for some extra money that they recommend? Never know?

 

[christiane]

In the very rare circumstance that we don't have close friends or family stay with our pets, we hire a professional pet sitter to live in our house. We always hire the same woman and our pets like her.

But for the most part, our dogs almost always travel with us --even to Disney World!

I was thinking that if you end up having Stella stay with your Grams, maybe you could also hire a dog-walker to come 1-2 times a day & give your pup a good run or two. That would be fun for Stella & give your Grams a break from looking after 2 dogs. And be very strict with Stella's diet instructions!!

 

[grover]

Another vote for checking out the kennels...there are some fabulous places out there!

We have a cat (I know..not a dog..but we still have to deal with this issue when we go away) and he goes to a Kennel as none of our family are really cat lovers and I don't want to impose on them-I feel like our commitment to raise a pet shouldn't impede on them when we take a vacation. So Murray goes to the cat kennel...he LOVES it there...he gets his own kitty condo with a cat sized sun room, a huge "play room" decked out just for cats..and all the love & attention of a cat lovin' business owner! You can tell when we come to get him after a couple of weeks that he is in NO rush to leave!

I am sure there are places for dogs that are just as wonderful...I know when I first started looking for a kennel years back I was so upset and put off as the first couple I went to where just teeny tiny metal cages and nothing else. I felt horrible that we would leave him in place like that. But we found this place and it just felt like a home http://www.catscradlekennel.ca/ I hope if you do look at a dog kennel you can find something that leaves you feeling as good!

 

[RunDanceSkate]

During the March Break, and other short vacations we have friends or family stay in our house. But two years ago we found a kennel for our extended stays. The woman is absolutely phenominal!! She loves animals as much as we do and you can see it in everything she does. She keeps it very small- 3 dogs only- and designed the kennel with the dogs in mind. It has air conditions (our house doesn't have this!) the dogs go in and out whenever they want- and she takes them on 2 long runs through the woods a day. . Plus it's cheap= $12 a day if you bring your own food. This will be our third summer going out west for an extended stay and we feel very confident with the kennel- b/c it's really like Baby bear is staying with friends- not really a kennel at all! My advice- ask around to people you know who are picky about their dogs and who travel alot.

May I ask the name of the kennel. We are in Ottawa and always use Petsmart but it is expensive. Since we are flying out of Syracuse a kennel in the 1000 Island area may be a viable option.

Thanks
Cindy

 

[Cdn Gal]

It's Blue Mountain Boarding out of Mallorytown. (20 min. drive from the border) Her name is Linda. PM me and I'll give you the number! It's really a great place b/c she treats the dogs like they are her own. I would suggest that you go down with your dog and meet her to see if it meets your needs first, that way your dog won't be stressed either b/c when you drop him off b/c it will be familiar.

 

[Raecheal]

The first time we went on vacation our new beagle was 8 months old. We were lucky enough to have my sister who took care of her but she had no idea what she was getting into! We trade off with our next door neighbours now. What kind of dog do you have?

We have a Shih Tzu.

Animals are always best in their own homes...we have a petsitter come and stay. She worked for our local humane society for many years and has left now to work with guide dogs. Sadly--for meee---she and her hubby just had a baby and tho she says he will still come and stay, she of course is busy!

Is there anyone that you know and knows your furbaby that might be able to come stay? Perhaps you could call your humane society and see if anyone there is looking for some extra money that they recommend? Never know?

Thanks for the idea. I'll def. keep that in mind..I really do believe she would do best in her own home.

In the very rare circumstance that we don't have close friends or family stay with our pets, we hire a professional pet sitter to live in our house. We always hire the same woman and our pets like her.

But for the most part, our dogs almost always travel with us --even to Disney World!

I was thinking that if you end up having Stella stay with your Grams, maybe you could also hire a dog-walker to come 1-2 times a day & give your pup a good run or two. That would be fun for Stella & give your Grams a break from looking after 2 dogs. And be very strict with Stella's diet instructions!!

That is a great idea... i never thought about having a dog-walker come and take stella for a walk.. I am really concerned that having 2 dogs with my grams may be overwhelming for her. Dbf is leaving the decision up to me, but if we decide to leave Stella with my grams, I will have to leave very strict diet instructions. Dbf just brought up the fact that we'd most likely be providing treats for both dogs that week (not that it bothers me or anything). I just don't see my grams giving Stella one of her Nutridents... and not giving Pixie one as well!!!

Another vote for checking out the kennels...there are some fabulous places out there!

We have a cat (I know..not a dog..but we still have to deal with this issue when we go away) and he goes to a Kennel as none of our family are really cat lovers and I don't want to impose on them-I feel like our commitment to raise a pet shouldn't impede on them when we take a vacation. So Murray goes to the cat kennel...he LOVES it there...he gets his own kitty condo with a cat sized sun room, a huge "play room" decked out just for cats..and all the love & attention of a cat lovin' business owner! You can tell when we come to get him after a couple of weeks that he is in NO rush to leave!

I am sure there are places for dogs that are just as wonderful...I know when I first started looking for a kennel years back I was so upset and put off as the first couple I went to where just teeny tiny metal cages and nothing else. I felt horrible that we would leave him in place like that. But we found this place and it just felt like a home http://www.catscradlekennel.ca/ I hope if you do look at a dog kennel you can find something that leaves you feeling as good!

Thanks for the comment. It's really good to know that there are really good kennels out there for dogs and cats!!

May I ask the name of the kennel. We are in Ottawa and always use Petsmart but it is expensive. Since we are flying out of Syracuse a kennel in the 1000 Island area may be a viable option.

Thanks
Cindy

Petsmart... if you dont mind me asking... how much did that cost you? We are thinking of flying out of syracuse as well...just to save some $$$.

 

[pkitty]

Our Fur baby will be 1 on March 8....she will be staying with friends of ours who have 5 rescue dogs and live on a farm. It will be like a doggie holiday. She'll enjoy the time with the other dogs because she loves to play....she's a pug....puggies love to play!

 

[RunDanceSkate]

Petsmart... if you dont mind me asking... how much did that cost you? We are thinking of flying out of syracuse as well...just to save some $$$.

there are 2 Petsmart hotels here in Ottawa and we have used the Markham area one as well, our dog loves all 3. It's $25 per night for the kennels with indoor walks and then you can add on extras. We add on the Bizzy Bundle for $8 per night and she gets one play time with the daycare dogs, 1 ice cream treat (dog friendly) and a kong with a treat in it. We also have here visit the grooming salon on the day we pick here up, something we do once a month anyways. She has a bath, a trim and gets her teeth brushed. So $33 per night for boarding plus the grooming. We don't pay the extra $8 on the day we drop her off or on the pick up day. You can even choose to do the add on every other day.

I love the fact that I don't worry about her at all and I can call as often as I like to check on her and they will even bring her to the phone.

C