I don't know who invented this concept but I applaud it! For dogs that spend a good deal of time crated during the week, or need socialization, or for when their humans get on a plane for business or pleasure. I realize there are some bad organizations out there, Robyn and I can tell you some sad tales, no pun intended. But there are a couple of companies who get it right and I'm lucky enough to have them both on my side of the river.
Camp Bow Wow - Burnsville
Has web cams for those separation-anxiety-ridden humans who need to check in the 'kids' during the day...we know who we are ;)
Wagging Tails Pet Resort - Eagan
No web cams but I've been there enough to feel confident that the dogs are in great care and the humans in charge are watching them every minute of the day.
Buster has been to both, and thoroughly enjoyed himself at each facility. How do I know?
- I stop in during the day, unannounced, and ask to see the monitors and for a tour.
- A tell tale sign for me is Buster's face - he gets 'stress face' when he's overwhelmed and confused rather than happy and joyous about his surroundings. His eyes are slanted, darting, non-focused and his ears are pulled back. He doesn't have stress face when I pick him up after 8 hours of play and treats and unlimited belly rubs at either of these facilities. Nor does he quiver or shake the next time I load him into the truck.
- The best sign to look for in a dog who's spent a day romping with his new pals is that of exhaustion. Buster barely has the energy to eat his supper when he gets home. He's a 60 lb English Springer...he's never too tired to eat - anything.
Whether you're in need of daycare for Fido to burn energy and learn doggie socialization or if you need overnight care while you're out of town these are two companies that are definitely doggone good at it, pun totally intended ;)
Please share your favorite daycare/boarding facilities - most of them give discounts for referrals from existing clients.
On The Road Again
I'm heading to Georgia for the next couple of days. I'll be spending time with my family there; celebrating a birthday with Vance (my favorite Hawks fan), catching up on all the Newnan gossip with Mel and listening to Kate rehearse for the school Christmas play. Oh, and we'll be taking in the Wild at Thrashers game on Thursday night.
Did you see that? How I timed the trip? Could I be more of an open book? Hey - it's all about the hockey, people! We should make for a very odd looking foursome at Phillips arena. Mel will be visibly worried about my hockey mouth, with good reason. Kate will be confused - the Hawks aren't playing but her dad will likely be wearing his Hawks gear while cheering for the Thrasher's player with the number 33 on his jersey. I'll be sporting my Wild gear (jersey and Scarf), urging Burns or Falk to kick number 33's butt. At some point there will probably be a throw down in the aisle that has nothing to do with the Thrashers and everything to do with a Hawks fan vs a Wild fan ;) I hope Dustin Byfuglien appreciates the support from a couple of Minnesota natives!
Hey, the Thrashers motto this year is "A Brutally Good Time" Now there's some genius marketing for sure! Beats the crap out of "Fight To The End"...for two consecutive years of first round exits.
Okay - time to run down the packing checklist - my type A personality/OCD is really kicking in now. Who am I kidding? I was packed last night! Just need to toss the laptop and power cord in the bag and I'm ready to go. But I'll go through everything one more time, just in case. Then it's time for a shower and an ambien to make sure I'm not watching movies until dawn breaks.
I leave you with this -
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