What to do with my doggies???

[tazleiten12]

Check out this kennel,it even has some Disney theme rooms! Maybe ill go check it out!
http://www.logansdoggiebandb.com/roomphotos.htm

 

[mommy*RN]

Okay, mommy*RN. I am also from WI (Racine) and I too am going in Oct. Let's make a deal...if you are in my area, and not going to WDW Oct.26-Nov.4, I can watch your doggies if you watch mine!!
This deal also goes out to tazleiten12!

Omigosh! What a great offer! Unfortunately our days overlap on the 26th...we return late that night!

I am in New Berlin and we are looking at a place in West Allis called Pahle Small Animal Clinic (on Hwy 100 and Oklahoma). I have info for them if you are interested - send me a PM and I'll reply. Otherwise I think they are on the web too.

Here's another thing...I have a "friend" who I know used to watch dogs in their homes. I haven't spoken with her in a really long time. She sent me a beautiful letter about a year ago - but at the time I was experiencing some serious Post Partum depression after the birth of my DD. I never responded. I am pretty ashamed of my behaviour, but do you guys think I should contact her? I mean I think it might sound rude to say - yeah, sorry I haven't talked to you in a million years, but what are you doin' in Oct??? I have her price list for 2003-2004 that she sent me and it looks like she only goes to Tosa, West Allis, Elm Grove, Brookfield, Waukesha, New Berlin, Oak Creek, Milwaukee, Fox Point, River Hills, Delafield, Mukwonago and Sussex. She lives in Tosa and works at the Medical College...but she grew up in Mukwonago. I know that doesn't help you Going Broke, but maybe our other WI friend??? If you want her info - PM me and I will share it...I know as of last year she was still pet-sitting...

Anyway, sorry I can't help you out Going Broke...and I don't know many places in Racine...gosh - I'm no help at all!

I will keep this thread handy though so if I do find something I can share it with you guys too!

BTW - I LOVE that place with the Disney themed rooms - unfortunately Hartford is a bit far for us to go! If you do send your pups there you will have to let me know how it is!

Thanks to all for your replies! I'm still working on this problem and hopefully I will figure out what is best for my doggies!

 

[Luvchefmic]

If I were you I would ask everyone I know for a recommendation for a kennel to board at...and then just go there and ask for a tour...see it all behind the scenes. Ask lots of questions as others have said. Ask your friends, their friends, ask the rescue groups in your area or the ASPCA who they would use for their fur-babies. I think IMHO my last resort would be my vet unless there was a medical issue because I don't think they would get the time & attention they need. Best of luck whatever you decide, keep us posted

 

[Pixiedust34]

When we had a sheltie-mix, we couldn't board her because she was nervous around other dogs. We hired a professional dog sitter to come to the house 3X/day to take care of her while we were on vacation.

We do board our current dog. I researched some local kennels, and we ended up picking the same kennel that our vet uses when he travels. The kennel works fine for her. She has an indoor and outdoor run, and the place is clean. They encourage drop-in visits so you can inspect their facilities at any time. We pay extra so she will get "fun and games" in an outside play area every day.

 

[daisax]

If you h ave dogs, it's a good idea to board them overnight once a year or so... just in case. My sister and mom take turns babysitting my dogs when I travel, but one year I went on a cruise with my mother and one day into the trip my sister's baby got terribly ill and needed to go into the hospital. As it happened, she was home again within 24 hours, but had the diagnosis been what they first feared, my sister would have been in the hospital with her that week and I would have had to make arrangements from far, far away.

Likewise, familiarity counts for a lot with dogs -- if they've been somewhere before, it's not such a big deal. Being exposed to the kenneling experience is one more thing they have in their background that can make life easier in the future.

Your best bet is word of mouth -- more and more facilities are opening that offer boarding and daycare and training -- look for a place that way. They tend to have more dog-oriented (as opposed to profit oriented) agendas. That's not to say they're cheap -- they usually cost more than your basic chain link kennel prison set up. But they also offer a la carte "extras" like a kong or frosty paws treat, individual play sessions tailored to the dog's personality (does he want to spend 15 minutes fetching a ball, or being petted and cooed over?), even daycare (if the dog meets friendliness requirements).

I will say that I have friends who work in traditional boarding kennels (chain link, cement runs) and they say that the vast majority of dogs have a great time. They wag and bark and stay up not out of fear, but because it's a big exciting thing to have so many dogs around. Yes, there are some that don't eat, but that's usually more excitement stress than pining sadly away for Mommy and Daddy stress. Sometimes there are dogs that are very unhappy and they don't have a problem telling the owners that boarding just isn't for that dog, but it's pretty rare.

 

[marlynnp]

I only quickly glanced at the replies so I don't know if anyone has suggested this.

Ask the techs at your vets office if any of them do or know of someone that puppy sits. They'll take care of your dogs in your house. Usually stop over 3 times a day, feed them as you do, walk them, play with them for at least one hour, clean up any 'accidents'. They should be bonded so you shouldn't be concerned about anything going missing.

I think my dogs are happier being at home and being with each other the entire time.

 

[arminnie]

If you have dogs, it's a good idea to board them overnight once a year or so...........

Yes, there are some that don't eat, but that's usually more excitement stress than pining sadly away for Mommy and Daddy stress.

That's a great idea. Cody was boarded dozens and dozens of times the first 7 or 8 years of his life, but he's only been boarded once or twice in the last five years. He does get boarded at the same place he gets groomed and that is about every six weeks.

My first cocker was a con artist. I came to pick him up from the kennel once and the owner came out an apologized that they didn't know that he only ate wet dog food. They had tried to give him dry dog food but he wouldn't eat until they gave me the wet food. The dog had NEVER had wet food in his life, he just saw other dogs getting it and decided that's what he needed too. How I miss that little munchkin and all of his ways.

 

[vhoffman]

This is a rather long thread so I don't know if this has been suggested before.

Get a PROFESSIONAL pet sitter to come to your home. Not a friend, neighbor, family member, etc. We have a pet sitter who comes by 2x day for our cats while we are on vacation. she charges $18/day, a bargain! However, its not the money, its the quality of care. I think its best to leave animals in their home and familiar environment, if at all possible. Our pet sitter has even given meds, including shots, to a diabetic cat (extra charge, of course). To find one in your area, ask vets, pet stores, etc., or do a Google--but do make sure its a professional. Don't fool around with anything less.

 

[vhoffman]

Try this website

www.petsitters.org

Its the website for NAPPS, National Association of Professional Pet Sitters.
You can put in your zip code and they give you certified, professional pet sitters in your area. Pets are part of the family!

 

[mommy*RN]

If you have a dog sitter come to your home, please make sure that they have your cell phone and that you have a backup.

This is such good advice! You just reminded me about the situation we had when I was in the hospital having my first baby! A friend of my DH's was planning to watch our dogs so DH could stay at the hospital while I was in labour through the birth...my DS was due 6/25, but I ended up having to be induced and having labour for 28 hrs before they decided a c-section was in order. This put my ds's birthday on 7/3...and because it was the 4th of July weekend our dog sitter bailed on us. Luckily our families pitched in and helped and DH ended up not being able to sleep at the hospital throughout my stay thanks to this "friend" of his. It wasn't such a big deal, but this seriously is a good piece of advice! Thanks!

 

[mommy*RN]

Try this website

www.petsitters.org

Its the website for NAPPS, National Association of Professional Pet Sitters.
You can put in your zip code and they give you certified, professional pet sitters in your area. Pets are part of the family!

Thanks! I found one place in my area and sent them an email requesting a brochure and prices...we shall see! Thankfully there is still time for me to find something suitable! Thanks again!

 

[pickles]

I use to own a boarding kennel and would like to make a few suggestions

one I agree 100% with the poster who said make sure it is a professional you hire if you decide to have someone pet sit at your home. I can't tell you the number of clients I had who had let a friend or relative petsit only to loose the pet! They would open a door or forget to close something and the animal would get away.
I would say make sure they are bonded and insured. This helps make someone a little more responsible.
Boarding kennels and play centers that allow more than 12 dogs(from different homes) to run together at a time are essentially illegal in most states. Cute and a good sales pitch, but not always a healthy idea. You may check your state laws for animal welfare.
Most dogs could care less about the junk you leave with them at the kennel..that is all for your mental well being not theirs. They are more interested about the activity going on around them.
Best advice is not to carry on when you leave your pet. Your dog learns from you and if you act sad and anxious and say things like "be a good boy, mommy will be back soon" and carry on like that, it wil teach the dog to be anxious. If you act like this is normal and acceptable so will the dog.
When considering a vet some things to consider is what size cages does he have? Many vets are not set up for boarding and so your dog will be stuck in a stainless steel cage except for potty breaks usually 2 times a day. Vets (yes I have worked for some) are also noted for slipping a few mickeys(and not the mouse) so the dogs are groggy..makes for a nice quiet kennel. It would be illegal for a boarding kennel to do this without your request or your vets request.
Check the kennel is it clean, do the dogs seem content? Do they have a resting board or blanket? Are their water bowls clean? usually they are fed once or twice a day. Kennel will have some smell, but it shouldn't knock you out. Kennels that require your dog to have a flea dip or some such nonsense before boarding are just fishing for extra money. Personally, when I had my kennel I gave free baths to most pets before they left, because of my motto "they should leave in as good or better condition than they arrived." So once you have used a kennel once how was your dog when you got it home?

Good Luck..just remember it bothers you usually far more than it does your pet

 

[babiesX2]

We left our dog with a kennel that had huge runs for each dog. She didn't advertise and was recommended to us by a vet. Maybe you could find someone like that. The kennel was at their house so someone was there at all times to take care of him. They even had baby pack-n-plays for small toy dogs to stay in!

 

[vanyel]

I used to have friends and/or relatives stay with our dogs. Last year we rescued a 3 yr old dachsund who had never been around people other than the breeder at the kennel/puppy mill. She's still skittish and difficult for someone who doesn't know her or is uncertain about handling dogs. I would worry nonstop about having someone at the house with Gretchen as she is unpredictable at times (but we love her!)

The vet recommended a trainer who then recommended a kennel. We couldn't be more pleased and we don't worry when we go away which isn't that often. They have individual rooms for the dogs (our two share a room) and access to an outside run. There is also a big playroom where the employees play with the dogs. The employees are all comfortable with the animals and Gretchen responds well to them. Phoebe, our other baby, is happy no matter where she goes as long as people pet her and love her, and they do at this place.

My point, and I know it took a long time to get there, is that kennels or boarding facilities, can be a safe, secure place to leave your "babies" and take off the stress of worrying about petsitters, family members, emergencies, etc. Do your research and you should be able to come up with a viable solution for your dog(s). And frankly, much as I love my dogs, I want to go on vacation without them.

Anyone in NWIndiana - I'll be happy to share the info.

 

[queenarmadillo]

If you decide to go down the kennels route, pick a place reccomended by as many people as possible. Be fully prepared to let reports of one bad experience turn you off. I have been involved with many boarding kennels, and whilst some staff are very dedicated, there are others who I wouldnt trust to look after a cactus. Whilst larger places often offer better facilities, the downside to that is that they will often have a high staff turnover, so the people who actually care for your dogs (as opposed to those who advertise the kennels to you) have little vested interest in your dogs wellbeing or the image of the kennels.
When you are looking round, dont just let them give you the guided tour, they will only want to show you the best bits. Find out before you go what time the dogs are supposed to be fed, and arrange your visit at that time to see if it really happens. One of the biggest problems I have seen is poor organisation or lack of staff which impacts on animal welfare, and the best indicator of good organisation is a system whereby all dogs are fed ontime.

I would also be wary of any kennel that allows you to treat such basics as walks or human interaction as added extras during long stays. I know very few animal lovers who are happy to see dogs kept in pens without walks for extended periods, so would be concerned about the quality of staff these places find to work for them, no matter how shiny the facilities are for those who are willing to pay.

Vet kennels may have a better standard of knowledge, but as has previously been said, they are busy people who are not really in the business of petsitting so I would use this option only if I thought there was a good chance my animal would need urgent or continuous vetinary treatment during the stay. Additionally many animals find it hard to settle in at the vets because they associate the place and the smell with previous painful experiences.

Your dogs are more likely to be comfortable staying in their own home, and if you cant get friends and family to take care of them, professional petsitters are a good option as they are generally self employed so take pride in their work and their reputation. Seek reccomendations, and try to meet them with your animals and see how they interact with them. I would rather have my animals cared for by a level headed twelve year old animal lover than someone with bucketloads of qualifications who was indifferent to them. To avoid "proverbial truck crash" worries, give them your phone number, and that of a relative or friend living in the area as an emergency contact, and see if you can arange for a friend to drop in every couple of days just to check that everything looks ok.