Where to leave a dog on vacation? - Page 2

In nw st. paul area there is Animal Inn. You might want to check them out. The last time I used them they had two types of kenneling available: standard; and "motel room" type. In the second type, the dogs each have their own room with doggy beds, tv, dvd, radio, lots of toys and a 24 hour camera through which their owners can watch them over the internet while on vacation. In this second catagory the dogs are taken out into a fenced in area and played with a number of times a day. One can board two dogs together. I have used them two times and been very happy with the care provided. You bring you own foodwith feeding instructions. Watching on camera anytime day or night minimized our worries and was a lot of fun. My dogs were in great condition when I picked them up. These folks who own and run Animal Inn themselves have German Shepherds.

I would suggest doing a few trial runs with the boarding kennel you choose. Do a few overnights, and then a few weekends before you do the 2 week stint. Get him used to you leaving him and then coming back. Since you have a year to prep him, it should be fine when you leave him for your cruise.

Blitz prefers Wendy's, says the burgers are juicier.

Melissa, I think Gershep2's advice is very sound. There is really nothing wrong with Ben's going to a nice kennel while you enjoy a cruise. I myself woudn't mind spending a week or 2 in the kennel Preston recommended, I don't have all those luxuries in my own home. I really like the idea of the "nannycam".

Thanks, everyone :) I love the ideas!

Iracburgers?????

I believe 2 weeks apart is too long a period of time regardless of the kennel you place your dog. I would suggest you look for a shorter cruise or try to find a vacation where your dog can come with you. Vacationing with your dog can be alot of fun. Besides this, you are going to miss your dog. I have a pet sitter that stays overnight when I am gone. The dogs at least remain in their own environment. Although this may cost more, in the long run it doesn't because, I have the vet costs after about a week after they come home from the kennel, taking care of staph infections etc. There is no place like home. My one female, however shows after about 10 days of putting up with this home care, stress, signs of deep depression. She begins to think I am never coming home. And she gives up on herself. That is why 2 weeks I feel to be the absolute maximum for any kind of absence in your dog's life. If your dog is of different temperament, then I guess that is OK. And conditioning him to absence as Blitzen suggested is an excellent idea. Sunny

You have a very good point, we will consider taking a shorter cruise. thank you!

It's a pity you live so far away Melissa. My daughter and I would just love to take up your doggie for two weeks, or even six. (We have got an empty garden and kennel.) We would gladly take him, train him and spoil him rotten while you're gone. Can't imagine you wouldn't find a gsd-lover in your neighbourhood willing to take care of him while you're gone. The person still would have lots of time to get familiar with the dog and your house (if you would want your dog to stay at its own place) or get used to the place where he would spend his time (as others have suggested, with shorter beforehand stays.) I would contact the people at the local gsd-club or put up a small add in your local paper. I'm sure somebody would love the idea to keep a social gsd for a couple of weeks. And make sure they contact your own vet when something would occurr during your absence. Don't give up your idea of a cruise.

Animal Inn in Lake Elmo is great. Private large rooms No chain fenceds with Tvs and they take the dogs swimming and plenty of playtime with other big dogs. There is a very expensive dog hotel west of Mpls that is like a 4 seasons. I cant think of the name but dogs are pamperd walked and groomed. Red Star kennel in Hudson good except it is traditional kennel. You can pay extra for extra hour private walk in addition to the regular exercise. I ahve 2 GSD and just pay a dogsitter to live in our home. $40 day and she is the best. Dogs get stressed with your absence. Add the displacement and they go nuts if you are gone for a month.