Goin on vacation without my dog..

[crazycanuck]

Ladies, thank you for your replies.

I asked around at work & a few folks have given some good recommendations. We'll check them out on the weekend.

I'd love to have yukon looked after at a kennel but am afraid she might get a bit snippy with the humans. She doesn't care about other animals being around, it's the humans that she needs comfort with. We think she wasn't treated very well prior to being homed at the doggie refuge . To make a long story short, she needs to know you and will nip if she doesn't. Great guard dog!

I've thrown the idea to Ian about paying our friends to stay at our house (they lived with us & know Yukon) and take care of her & our home. The other idea was to have her at the kennel for a week or so & then our friends the rest of the time.

[SlowButSteady]

I suggest that you pick a kennel that you are comfortable with and that has good references. I board dogs at my veterinary clinic so I've got some ideas for you. Also make sure your kennel has some health/vaccination requirements. They should require proof of immunizations and their immunization requirements should pretty much agree with your vets'.

Also, do a "trial run" or two before you leave. Take Yukon one morning and leave her for a few hours. That will give the kennel staff time to evaluate how she is going to do. Then you might try her another time for overnight.

Some dogs are happy, well-adjusted and laid back boarders. They actually like coming to the kennel, get to know all the people, some other dogs and the routine there.

There are also dogs that are terrified. I've literally had people leave to go on vacation for 2 weeks--on cruises or to places where they cannot be reached--and their dogs wouldn't eat, drink or walk outside to poop or pee for days.

Another idea: get a kennel that will feed your dog her own food and take it for her. You may consider taking familiar-tasting water, too. A favorite toy (indestructible) and treats are good. We love people whose dogs have special dietary and med requirements and they bring their dog's food organized into zip-loc baggies of individual serving sizes.

I discourage people from bringing bedding--some dogs chew it up, poo or pee on it out of frustration or boredom, so it's often destroyed.

Last but not least, do consider a pet- or house-sitter if it is feasable.