First Time Boarding

[kjwarnold]

We've never boarded our boys; they've always stayed with my folks when we couldn't take them along on trips. This trip though, that won't work out so we're going to board them. I found a woman who grooms and also takes small to medium sized dogs in her home for boarding. She only takes a few at a time and doesn't have any scheduled when Packy and Kirby would come. We went for a meet and greet visit and they got to stay with her for 2 hours free, for her to assess their temperaments and for them to get used to her. She's got a fully fenced in backyard with big rocks around the perimeter of the fence so there's no digging out to escape. There's also a small pool for them to play in. They stay in her house when they're not playing outside and she'll even let them sleep with her is that's what they're used to! I've checked her references and everybody has good things to say.

So why do I feel like a bad mommy?

[pindrop]

Please don't feel that way...look at it this way - it will give them a chance to meet new people and other dogs plus have new experiences. I worked with a lady (bosses wife) and she had much the same woman that looked after her small dog and the dog loved it. She had impeccable references and was a wonderful woman as I met her several times. She has a love of dogs and Bizkit loved staying with her (actually slept on her bed as well.) I know how difficult it must be for you - feeling you are leaving your dog with a stranger but in this case you have little choice and maybe, just maybe, the dogs will have a great time. Good luck and stop worrying - everything will be just fine.

[Nena]

I know how you feel. We have not gone any where unless we can take Nena with us. We are so stressed to leave her behind. But at least your's have each other and it sounds like a great place for them. I would love to have someone like that around here. Sounds like they will be safe and sound until you return.

Have a good trip

[Idaho Cairns]

I sympathize as well--Sammi has been boarded many years ago but little Bonnie has never spent a night away from us and it's hard to even imagine her doing so. However, having boarded Cairns in the past, I can tell you they do pretty well if you can get past all the baleful looks you get when you drop them off. I much prefer the inside/outside type boarding. Our vet has what is essentially a closet with a window that they use for boarding and that was just totally unacceptable after the first time around with it. The arrangement you have made sounds about ideal for a boarding situation and you just know the lady will fall in love with your boys after fifteen minutes so they should have a good time.

[Lynn in TN]

We took Eric out to eat for Fathers day, Kelly was at home alone for the first time since we brought her home(1 1/2 hours).

We felt awful and couldn't enjoy the meal. She has been taking a nap everyday at about 1:30 and sleeps till about 3:00 so that was the time we chose to go. I still feel bad so I'm glad it's not just me.

It sounds like an ideal place for them to stay and they will probably have a blast. Kind of like their own vacation. Try not to

feel bad and have a good time. I know it is easier said than done.

[Sam I Am]

Yup... know the feeling. We have never put Jock in any boarding facility. A friend who used to baby sit no longer does it as she has moved to another town. We either take Jock with us when we go or we just dont go. I know that might sound a bit strange to a few people but especially now that he is older and has health concerns I would be wreck and do nothing but worry if I had to leave him in a boarding facility.

However this lady sounds like a treat! You could always just try it for a few days first and see how you and the dogs feel.

[hheldorfer]

I think you're incredibly lucky to have found someone like this woman to take care of Packy and Kirby. Although I'm sure they'll miss you, they'll have each other's company and a safe place to stay. My only question is whether or not there is a pond on the property where your furkids can go fishing.

[kjwarnold]

My only question is whether or not there is a pond on the property where your furkids can go fishing.

They actually have a small fish pond in addition to the doggie pool! We warned them about the fishing habit, but they swear the plastic netting they have over the pond would hold up to even much larger dogs. She said even if they walk right over it, they'll just get their feet wet. Okay, just so I don't need to re-stock her pond after a couple of determined terriers go at it. But she has a Silky Terrier and boards another Cairn, so she should know, right?

[TazTalk]

It's always difficult to leave them behind, but you really do have an ideal set up with a dogsitter that will take them in and treat them so well. Sounds like no need to worry at all with an environment like that.

We went away last weekend and had a friend stay at our house. Taz has never been in a kennel and Gypsy is too frail to be someplace other than her familiar surroundings. We will not have the same opportunity again with this friend, so we really do envy a boarding scenario like yours!!

Enjoy your time and try not to worry. Think of it as the kids going off to camp A really good camp.

[Dempsy's Mom]

It sounds to me like you lucked out. I like it that she had them over so they could get to know each other. I would love to have someone like that to take Dempsy to.

I hate kenneling Demps, but we have to over the 4th. We have a wedding to go to and poor little Demps will just hate it. It's one of the two kennels that I would take him to - but no, I do not like having to leave him - especially when Demps is a piddler. The good part is we don't have to do it very often. If we do ever get off the farm I usually can take Demps with.

She sounds like she'll be one to have in your pocket. Don't worry Kirby and Packy will tell on her if she isn't up to snuff. Try not to worry and have a good time. The good part is it is fun to pick them up.

[Tracy A.]

Ditto!

I think you're incredibly lucky to have found someone like this woman to take care of Packy and Kirby. Although I'm sure they'll miss you, they'll have each other's company and a safe place to stay. My only question is whether or not there is a pond on the property where your furkids can go fishing.

[hheldorfer]

It sounds to me like you lucked out. I like it that she had them over so they could get to know each other. I would love to have someone like that to take Dempsy to.

I'd gladly take care of Dempsy for you. I bet he and Buffy would have a rousing good time together. Too bad we're only about 1500 miles apart.

[TazTalk]

Wouldn't it be great if we could help each other with dog sitting. Taz would love to have his online friends for a sleepover. How cool it would be to actually meet the dogs I feel like I know so well through this site.

[kjwarnold]

Wouldn't it be great if we could help each other with dog sitting. Taz would love to have his online friends for a sleepover. How cool it would be to actually meet the dogs I feel like I know so well through this site.

I was thinking the same thing this morning!

[Lynn in TN]

Wouldn't it be great if we could help each other with dog sitting. Taz would love to have his online friends for a sleepover. How cool it would be to actually meet the dogs I feel like I know so well through this site.

I was thinking the same thing this morning!

That would be fantastic! I feel like I know them all too, and to be able to give them a hug and kiss would make my day!Kelly and my sons

would be so happy to have more Cairns to play with.

[Zekey's Mom]

Sounds like you found a wonderful place for your furkids! Leave them there and don't look back!

I had to board Zekey a few times, and he was fine. Traditional kennel, and I paid for extras -- 2 walks a day, peanut butter kongs, etc. He goes there and barely notices that I'm going out the door! Haven't boarded Gavin yet -- I'm a little nervous about that one, since he has a few behavioral quirks. But your guys should be fine.

[Dempsy's Mom]

That would be fantastic! I think a Cairn Talk reunion would be fun too! Love my Cairn Talk friends!