Alternatives to Kenneling

Histories are more full of examples of the fidelity of dogs than of friends.

~Alexander Pope

In our area, we have three local kennels available to board your pup at if you need to travel and cannot take them with you. I myself have only used the services of one of them on only one occasion, years ago, when my husband and I went to Canada. They are the old fashioned type of kennels that basically have an indoor portion with a doggie bed then a run to the outside with a doggie door in between.

When I scheduled my visit to one of the kennels prior to arranging to leave HoneyDew there, it was clean and the staff led me to believe that they took turns with the dogs playing with them and walking them on the spacious grounds. In fact when I arrived for the visit there were several staff members doing exactly that. I was also encouraged to bring her own food, toys, snuggly blanket and dishes, which I did. However, when I returned from our trip I was not very happy with the results of her stay. HoneyDew lost 10 pounds in a week, got an eye infection, and smelled like she had been kenneled next to a male dog that kept lifting his leg on her the hole week, peeewwwe! Needless to say, I have never boarded her again or Sampson for that matter and have been fortunate to be able to take them both with me wherever my husband and I travel to.

My Aunt in New York and others that I know are fortunate that they have more up to date, home style kennels to board their dogs at and they seem terrific, almost like a doggie hotel or camp!

You are probably asking why I have shared this story. Well because since that time I have from time to time for friends and family, kept their dog(s) here in our home while they traveled or in the case of owners of cats, gone to the home daily to check and feed them, rather then have them boarded at a kennel.

Such will be the case for the next two weeks. HoneyDew and Sampson are going to play host and hostess to a friends' dog named Bombee! She is an older dog who has never been away from her owners but is fast friends with me. I will be posting pics of this on our blog during the next two weeks, so please stop by to meet this wonderful ole' gal and see the antics the three of them get into.

How about you? What do you do with your pups when you need to travel? Please leave a comment and share your ideas, alternatives, and suggestions that have worked for you.

Happy Dog's On Thursday,

Tina, HoneyDew and Sampson too!

Dogs On Thursday Snuggle Drawing

"To err is human:To forgive, canine." ~Anonymous

Hello Everyone!
Welcome to this weeks edition of Dogs on Thursday!
Again, we have quite a short post as there is no new members to announce and no Doggie Spotlight to post (hint, hint to those I talked to about spotlighting their dog.) and I am also sorry that I am late posting today.
I misplaced my brain a while ago and decided to go back to school.
My family tells me it is a midlife crisis, but Elise is supportive as long as I am home in time for her walk and give her lots of treats and cuddles.
Well the registration for summer classes was this morning and now that is why I am late today.
My 21 year old son who is also a math major, is already having a great tease that he gets to tutor his old mom in algebra.
(I think I may need the extra treats and cuddles by the time these classes are over!)
Anyway I also want to remind everyone that I will be leaving for vacation in 10 days.
We are going to Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England for 3 weeks.
It is such a dream vacation for me and I am very excited and quite nervous at the same time, but mostly I will miss my dear Elise while we are away. I have never been away from her for that long.
But, I know she will be quite spoiled and living in the the lap of luxury in my sisters care until we return.
Sooo, now that I have taken up the first half of Dogs on Thursday rambling about myself.

I will move on to some fun and excitement with the DOT Snuggle Project Drawing!
The DoT Snuggle Project ended April 30th and those that participated will be sending or have already sent their snuggles to their favorite Dog Charity.
The DoT Snuggle Blog with it wonderful snuggles can be seen Here.
So go check it out!

I wrote everyone's name down on a piece of paper that participated in the project, folded it 6 times for luck (did you know that it is impossible to fold a piece of paper more than 6 times?) and I put all the pieces of paper a 'special vessel'. (an old clay vase that I got my hand stuck in.)
Mixed up the contents well and drew out a name.

That name is.....(drum roll please)....Mary!

Mary won this fabulous collection to her crochet/knitting corner and a months supply of healthful dog snacks!


Congratulations Mary!

Also...,don't forget to visit Nichole's blog for her wrap up to her contest, Mindy's blog for info on ordering the dog charm bracelets and Natalie's blog to listen to her BarknKnit Podcast and check out pictures of her awesome trip to Washington D.C.

I hope everyone has a wonderful week and will be outside with their furbabies enjoying this beautiful weather.
Stay tuned as in June we will announce a new summertime contest and a Dog Days Of Summer DoT Swap.