OT: We can't find a kennel to keep our old dog

[Heidi Loves Disney]

We have our vacation booked and paid for. Everything is set.

We have a dog who is 14. He has arthritis and cannot control his bladder. He wears belly bands. They are fabric bands that have a feminine pad on it to catch the leaking urine. He's a normal dog, except slower and can't control his bladder.

The kennel we usually use will not take our dog because of the belly band. She said our dog will be kept outside the entire time. We're going in November. It will be cold. Our dog has always been an inside dog. There is no way I can go on vacation knowing our elderly dog is living in the cold.

We called another kennel. They have no room for those dates, but put us on a list. They have all inside kennels for each dog and don't mind that he can't control his bladder. They hose the kennel down each day (even though my dog is terrified of water). The owner said that it's unlikely we'll get a spot, but we're on a waitlist.

We then called the vet about boarding, but were told that he would be kept in a small holding cage and let out to pee twice a day. They didn't know about his belly band, but the price is outrageous.

No one in my family or friends will take him. Family just doesn't pet sit period. Friends don't want to deal with him because of his bladder issue and their long work and activity schedule.

I'm just so upset right now and wanted to get it out. My poor little guy is sitting here with me, and it's hard enough to go on vacation without him.

Sorry. I'm just really upset over this.

 

[TIGGERmetoo]

I'm so sorry to hear about your dog. I sure hope you can find someone to take care of him. Have you tried contacting dog sitters, people who come into your home 2 or 3 times a day? I totally understand how you must be worrying. Good luck.

 

[Tink9295]

Did you try to find a pet sitter? There are people that come to your house and care for your pet while you are away. Or try a teenager in the neighborhood.

We use our local kennel, but are considering this or my DS's friend who can let our dog out and play with him or even stay in our home.

 

[eyes4eeyore]

I'm so sorry. I would feel the same way.

How about a house sitter? Someone to come and stay at your house most of the time. My sister did that for friends of hers with a cat that was nasty and hated to be caged up. It worked out really well. My sis is single though so it was pretty easy for her. Just an idea, wish I could help more.

 

[Luvchefmic]

OP this is a tough one I feel badly for the whole situation BUT please take yourself off that waiting list for the one that hoses down the kennel everyday. I am sure they will be hosing it with him in it and you'll come home to a traumatized old guy....there has to be a pet sitter willing to come in. perhaps an employee of your Vet can do this?

 

[r&kmommy]

check out craigslist. maybe you can find a college or high school kid wanting to earn some extra money

i've no experience with it, but what about disney kennels? not sure how much it costs to fly the dog (if you're flying) etc... but maybe it's worth looking into?

Good luck

ETA - ? for pp above me... why would they "most likely" hose down a kennel with the dog in it? My kennel hoses down when the dogs are outside playing/walking.

 

[torinsmom]

Ask around and find a pet sitter, either one that will come a few times a day to what's necessary, or someone who will actually "live" in your house while you are on vacation. Older teenagers and young adults are usually happy to make extra money, or you can ask your vet if they know any "professional" pet sitters. I would never take my dog or cats to a kennel, because they are much happier at home, IMHO.

Marsha

 

[zippy2]

I agree with the others. A pet sitter maybe over night or you could arrange extra daily visits. I don't know if it would be good for him at his age to be in a traditional kennel.

 

[Luvchefmic]

check out craigslist. maybe you can find a college or high school kid wanting to earn some extra money

i've no experience with it, but what about disney kennels? not sure how much it costs to fly the dog (if you're flying) etc... but maybe it's worth looking into?

Good luck

ETA - ? for pp above me... why would they "most likely" hose down a kennel with the dog in it? My kennel hoses down when the dogs are outside playing/walking.

OP said the dog was terrified of the water maybe I jumped to a conclusion and if I did I am sorry but I was in rescue for a long time and most of the places I had to deal with did this...and saw the end results with what they experienced, like I said maybe I mis-spoke but I certainly would find out for sure if I were the OP

 

[JoiseyMom]

I agree with the others. We bring in a pet sitter..they come in as often as we want (a set fee for each visit). I have too many animals to bring to a kennel.

This way your old guy will be home in familiar surroundings. Make sure they are bonded and insured!

 

[tammymacb]

Another vote for a pet sitter. I have an 11 year old greyhound with some issues and I'd NEVER kennel her in a million years. I'd be afraid of what would happen to her.

My vet has a few girls who work for him that pet sit on the side. They will even spend the night at your house. DH and I travel a couple big trips a year, and I use them every time. No worries about change of scenery or schedule. And it makes it much easier for me to leave, knowing the dogs are safe and happy at home.

 

[zippy2]

I agree with the others. A pet sitter maybe over night or you could arrange extra daily visits. I don't know if it would be good for him at his age to be in a traditional kennel.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

Definitely ask about a house sitter, even ask your vet if they have anyone they can recommend. It really is better if they are in "their home". If you really can't find anyone . . .

Do you live in NJ? I would seriously watch your dog. I had a dog who lived to be 17 and I diapered him for a couple years before he passed. It breaks my heart thinking about someone else going through what we went through with our little guy.

 

[r&kmommy]

OP said the dog was terrified of the water maybe I jumped to a conclusion and if I did I am sorry but I was in rescue for a long time and most of the places I had to deal with did this...and saw the end results with what they experienced, like I said maybe I mis-spoke but I certainly would find out for sure if I were the OP

Aw yeah, I don't know lol. I was asking because my little guy hates the hose too and I specifically asked when we found our kennel and they said they do it when the dogs are outside. I just wanted to make sure you didn't know something that I didn't (like kennels doing it while the dogs are there kwim??) But OP - it's a good point to definitely ask to make sure. Good luck

 

[mrsklamc]

If you have a place of worship you might call their office and ask if they have a member that pet sits or just loves animals. It's surprising sometimes what the ladies in the church office know.

ETA: If you don't you could just call larger churches near you.

 

[Luvchefmic]

Aw yeah, I don't know lol. I was asking because my little guy hates the hose too and I specifically asked when we found our kennel and they said they do it when the dogs are outside. I just wanted to make sure you didn't know something that I didn't (like kennels doing it while the dogs are there kwim??) But OP - it's a good point to definitely ask to make sure. Good luck

Its always a good thing to ask ahead of time but I think most people don't even think about it..I certainly never did until I met Emily one of these dogs I mentioned and 4 yrs later she will finally come over to me when I have a hose in my hand, with the water running....tentatively but baby steps you know? Having experienced it now I pick up on things like what the OP said about her dog...poor guy is 14 God bless him, hate to see further stress on him or the family.

 

[SandrA9810]

Unless you're driving I wouldn't recommend the Disney Kennels anymore. They're moving to a central location and unless you have a car, you probably wouldn't have easy access to your dog. Now if the kennels at each of the park remain open for now, I would suggest using the one at the TTC. It would be an added cost, but from the pics, it seems like he'd be able to fit under the seat of the plane if you're flying. Or you could think about renting a car to get to and from the kennel if only the central location is open.
Some one has mentioned the new prices of 37$ a night at the Disney Kennels. But you'll be close enough to keep an eye on him, and help out with the belly band.

 

[EllenFrasier]

I didn't read the other responses, but it sounds like your best bet would be to hire a professional pet sitter. You should be able to do a google search for your area and find one. They come to your home as many time a day as you would like and your dog will probably be more comfortable in his own home rather then in a kennel anyway.

 

[churchpilot]

Okay, I can't stand it---where do you live and we'll help!!! Our dogs are our family too and I have to appreciate someone who will go to such lengths to take of their furrbaby! It cost us $22 bucks a day per dog to board ours, but we know that they are pampered and loved, so we have peace of mind. Disney is the only place we go where we can't take them, and it is always stressful on us to leave them. The first time we left them (after we rescued them), we cut our Disney trip short by 3 days because we couldn't stand not knowing if they were okay! Seriously, we are believing that this will work for you and your precious little boy. Sending some serious pixie dust your way.

 

[acomasdiaz]

I'm so sorry you are having this problem. I can completely understand where you are coming from. My 11 year old Italian Greyhound has some issues but thankfully our vet takes really good care of her so we always feel safe leaving her there. Hopefully, you will be able to find him a good sitter. Best of luck!