boarding elderly dog during vacation verses leaving at home

[Guest Anonymous]

Hi, I would appreciate some opions on my situation. I have an 11 year old husky that recently lost his mate that we had to put down last summer & vacation time is coming up in a few months, so I'm wondering do I leave him at home, which he is used to & have my mom let him out 3-4 times a day(but he will probably be lonely w/no one around all day or night) or do I board him at a really nice place that I have already checked into where he will have other dogs around & more attention from the kennel owners? He has never been boarded before and I don't want him to think we will not be back for him. We will be gone for 7 days. Any suggestions I would greatly appreciate. Thank You. Lisa

[Guest Anonymous]

Thank you for the reply. It would be impossible for my mom to move in for a week. She has 3 dogs of her own, plus 3 cages of birds.But she is retired & does stay at home full time & lives right down the road.

[Guest Anonymous]

Hmm...that's a hard one. I know of a petsitter in my area that comes 3 - 4 times a day, will walk the dogs, will pick up the yard (WOO HOO), will spend time with the animals, will water the plants, will bring in the mail.....and she is the same price as boarding at my vets!

Can you check into something like that in your area? I haven't met this lady before but I work with her husband so I would trust her. In your case....maybe notice the police and your insurance of what's going on?

BTW, I can't answer your other post because I've never been in that situation. Please keep us posted on BOTH!

Oh, if you can't find a petsitter in your area, do you have a college in your town instead? We have two, and the Community College has an ag/vet/animal program. That would also be a good resource. Students needing extra money....

[Guest Anonymous]

I have boarded many old dogs and cats, if you are happy with the kennels and they keep them well heated and the kennel owner is hands on, then there should be no problem. Dogs can't think ahead so he wont worry that you won't be back for him. If you leave him at home with a stranger I would think that would be more stressfull your mum sounds a good option leave a light on and the radio, but good kennels are good!

[mouseatthebusstop]

I would leave the dog in his own home if mum could take him to her house for a few hours that would help :D

[DogPaddle]

If possible I would leave your guy at home. Loosing a pal and then being sent to a strange place with a bunch of strangers would possibly be stressful. Have your mom stop buy as often as she reasonably can and stay for a bit each time, even if its just to watch a tv show, having someone hanging around for a bit and doing normal stuff is reassuring if your dog knows your mom and she acts normal the dog may presume everything is fine. Have your mom leave out favorite toys, leave classical music playing while she can't be there, play or go for a walk at least 1x per day.
Other possible options:
1. Talk to the kennel you want to use, see if its ok to take your guy out there a couple times a week for a month or so for a play session, lunch, whatever, let him get used to the place, also see if you can leave him there for an hour or two just so he gets the idea you'll come back.
2. Where are you going on vacation? Can all appropriate arrangements be made so the dog can safely come along?

[Guest Anonymous]

Thank you all for your replys; Sounds like it's best to just leave him at home if possible, which I can do since my mom is close. She can't stay for a week since she has a house full of animals herself but she would spend time with Bj. Yes we do have a college in town but it's so hard to trust people these days I would be scared to have someone come into my home & trust them with my house key. Also no, it isn't possible to take him with us as we will be on cruise for the 1st time, and of course, no pets. I'll check back for more post , but sounds like I may be keeping him at home. Thanks again. Lisa

[DogPaddle]

Hmmm, no a cruise is probably not the place for a puppy. Sounds like fun. It's great that your mom is close by and can stop in.