I have to board one of my dogs while I am gone for the holidays.

[Shell Beau]

I hate to do it. The other 2 get to stay home. I have a doggie door and a self filling water and food bowl so they are fine for a couple of days. Plus my friend will go by to check on them. But, the one who is getting boarded is a very curious and mischievous dog. My house wouldn't be standing if I left him. x( I can't wait until he matures enough to not tear crap up. I hate taking them to the kennel!!

[In_The_Wind]

1. I know how you feel.

But it is for the best!
Have a wonderful and safe trip.
I'll be looking forward to your return.

[Shell Beau]

2. Thanks!!

I'm excited about the holidays! I hope yours are warm and joyous!! :hug:

[In_The_Wind]

7. I'm excited about the holidays too!

:bounce::bounce: Now I've got to buy a very special CD.
I'll make it to the mall before the afternoon crowds if I leave DU now but I really hate to go ....

[skygazer]

3. If it's a good, reputable kennel he should be fine

I used to send my dogs to a great kennel when i vacationed and they actually loved it. It was clean and well run, not too big so my dogs got individual attention and they never seemed to mind going. Of course, they were always happy when I picked them up but they got so they recognized the people and the place and were happy to be dropped off too.

Personally, I always felt more comfortable with them there than I would have leaving them home alone, even with someone to check on them. Things can happen - I wouldn't leave my pets home alone anymore than I would my kids.

[Shell Beau]

5. It is the vet! So they feel iffy about going!

But the vet is a wonderful place for them to be. They are the best vet in town and refer the the pets as babies. And they have a big running and play area for them. And they bathe them for free!! :bounce: But the dogs are fine at home alone. My best friend lives in the same neighborhood less than a 1/4 mile down the road. She'll be by there twice a day. I don't worry about them there at all. Dogs are a little different than kids. Dogs can take care of themselves.

[skygazer]

8. Sounds like a good place

And you know your dogs and arrangements - I don't. I just worry about unforeseen events. I have a friend whose pets (including a pup he got from me) were all killed in a fire. They had a pet door but must have been frightened or confused by the smoke and fire and were unable to escape.

They can't always take care of themselves.

[Shell Beau]

9. I understand, but that could also happen at the kennel.

Or while I am at work!! :shrug:

But I still hate taking them to the kennel. I think about them the whole time I am out of town. What a wus I am!! x(


:P

[skygazer]

10. You're not a wus

You're a good parent. Enjoy the holiday! :hi:

[Shell Beau]

12. You too!!

:hi: :)

[merh]

4. He'll be alright, Shell

Better to board him than to let him get into something that could hurt him if he is as curious as you say he is.

Have a great holiday :hug: :loveya:

[Shell Beau]

6. Oh yeah, he gets into any and everything!

He is sooooo bad. He is only 10-11 months old, so I am hoping he grows out of it!! :) Have a wonderful holiday!! :hug:

[Redstone]

11. We used to use a kennel that did "matchmaking" and put

compatible dogs together in a stall, so they wouldn't be lonely.

Our pooch seemed to like that.

Redstone

[Shell Beau]

13. Usually when I take them, they will board them all together!

I take their toys and their blankies so they feel a little more comfortable. But since he is going by himself this time, I guess he'll be all alone!x( I guess I could ask the vet if they could put him with another really friendly dog. My dog loves all dogs. I couldn't do that with my other dog (he's animal aggressive sometimes). :) Good idea!!