Going on vacation is something I look forward to — exotic places, new sights, romantic and dreamy spots. But my number one priority when I leave home is making sure all of our animals have good care. Who takes care of your pets?
The photo above is of Buddy, my son’s dog. He traveled in the big truck like he owned it. I take my dog Rex everywhere I can, but there are times when he just can’t come along. So in the beginning, when Rex was young, we often brought him to his second mommy (that’s what I call her). Nancy runs a doggie day care and overnight boarding service called Dog Day Afternoon in Huntington Beach, CA. She cares for the animals with all the love and attention she showers on her own. Thank you, Nancy, for the outstanding care you have always given Rex. http://bit.ly/d5LbL9
Then five years ago our cat Red was diagnosed with diabetes and needed two insulin shots a day: one in the morning and one at night. We hired a service called 2 Dawg Nite and met Emily, who is wonderful. She administered Red’s shots, played with Rex, put everyone to bed on time and got them up in the morning. She gives out pills and shots when needed (Red no longer needs the insulin, just the diabetic management cat food — but that’s a whole different post for some other day). We still have Emily come over. And the animals love her. Thanks, Emily! http://bit.ly/bOySv5
We also ask family to stop in and check on everyone, giving pats on the head, throwing a ball, spending time watching television.
What do you do when you go on vacation?
I’m rather lucky as I have fellow puppy raisers and sitters that take my pups when I go on vacation 🙂
Personally, I have been on the other end as a pet sitter for family and friends. Sometimes their dogs stay with me, sometimes I just stop by in the AM and PM, and I’ve even stayed and done house sitting as well. Walks, regular feedings, playtime, and of course just plain hanging out are all normal activities!
My family and I are off to Big Bear next week for a first time trip with 3 dogs! Wish us luck!!!
Kimi, good luck on your Big Bear trip with the three dogs. You are a great doggie caretaker and they respond well to you and your direction. I’ll bet you have oodles of fun! Let us know all about it when you get back! Thanks for the comment!
We take our Maggie everywhere we go. Since we have a motor home that’s pretty easy. When I have to fly to see my sister in Texas or to a conference, my husband, John, is home with Maggie. She gave us a scare when we were leaving camp on Saturday. John left the motor home door open when we hooked up the boat and Maggie got out. It was her first time without me on the other end of her leash. She ran down the road as fast as she could. “Maggie, Maggie,” I cried. “Maggie, stop!” After we woke the campers, I finally got a hold of her leash and took her back to the motor home. I think she was as afraid as I was and glad to be in my arms.
Sue, how scary that Maggie got out. So glad you caught up with her and gave her some loving. It’s fabulous when we can take our pets along and have them enjoy a vacation as much as we do! Thanks for sharing!
Hi, BJ. We’re leaving tomorrow for a week, and as usual, we have a young girl, Savannah, come by every other day to feed the cats, clean their box, and if they’re up and awake–and feeling playful–play with them for a little bit. She lives across the street from our “first house” here in Eugene. Then, she’d just walk across the street and take care of things. That was for $2 a day. Now, at 12, and having to come six miles in mom or dad’s car, we pay her $12 a day–inflation, cost of gas, etc. Still, she does a great job and we really appreciate her. And, boy, does she like the money! Love, Pa
Dan( aka Pa Writer to me!), thanks for filling us in on an alternative that you use. A neighbor! well, a used-to-be. Glad to hear you can still hire her. Nothing makes you feel more comfortable while away from home than knowing that your furry friends are getting the care and attention they need. Ahhhh…the cost. $12 a day is cheaper than I pay. But the peace of mind for both of us? Priceless.