My life lately!

[gja1000]

Diane, I have a lady who comes and stays at my house with my boys when I leave and can't take them with me. It feels good to have someone at my house when I'm gone too. She works a regular day job, but comes to my house after work and spends the night. So, this is nice extra income for her. It's great that I found her through a friend who knows her. I'm very lucky! Oh and my boys love her. She sends me a picture of them every day and text message updates too.

[Lindsey]

Diane, we do have that around here, but most people are based in the city and won't travel outside of the city. We live 20 minutes away, and sometimes roads are just too bad to drive in the winter (we normally have tons of snow by November.) And even if we took her to someone's house, nobody wants to take on the responsibility of looking after Layla because it involves having to express her bladder throughout the day. It's not a skill most people have, and it seems nobody is willing to learn!

We actually did just find someone with experience with paraplegic dogs who would do pet sitting at our house, even though we live outside of the city, but it would end up costing us about $450 for the week we're away. It was just too expensive, because she charges a lot for driving out of the city every day.

Scott talked again to the kennel people and they said they are all going to go through training from their one vet tech on staff, so they should all be able to do it. They will try multiple times per day in case they can't get her empty each time. Scott explained how important it was and the owner said he totally understands and will do his very best (he will be doing the late night and early morning expressings). He also said he is not charging us ANYTHING extra for the extra attention because they're learning on her, and it's good for their business to be able to say they can take care of dogs like Layla as well. It made me feel a little better, but I don't think I'll ever be totally comfortable leaving her ANYWHERE!

[DIANE W]

Originally Posted by Lindsey

Diane, we do have that around here, but most people are based in the city and won't travel outside of the city. We live 20 minutes away, and sometimes roads are just too bad to drive in the winter (we normally have tons of snow by November.) And even if we took her to someone's house, nobody wants to take on the responsibility of looking after Layla because it involves having to express her bladder throughout the day. It's not a skill most people have, and it seems nobody is willing to learn!

We actually did just find someone with experience with paraplegic dogs who would i do pet sitting at our house, even though we live outside of the city, but it would end up costing us about $450 for the week we're away. It was just too expensive, because she charges a lot for driving out of the city every day.

Scott talked again to the kennel people and they said they are all going to go through training from their one vet tech on staff, so they should all be able to do it. They will try multiple times per day in case they can't get her empty each time. Scott explained how important it was and the owner said he totally understands and will do his very best (he will be doing the late night and early morning expressings). He also said he is not charging us ANYTHING extra for the extra attention because they're learning on her, and it's good for their business to be able to say they can take care of dogs like Layla as well. It made me feel a little better, but I don't think I'll ever be totally comfortable leaving her ANYWHERE!

I think she will be just fine, its us that worry so much about them isnt it?

My Harvey is such a mummys boy, i couldnt leave him with anyone, he is bad enough left with my husband or daughter, who he loves a lot............ but he only wants me, we have never had a dog like this, i think its because he is so tiny, he was treated like a baby in a way.
Yet he is not carried everywhere, no he loves his long walks, and i get tired before him, but when we get home, he wants to lie in my arms.

Layla will be fine, and its really nice they are learning about how to take good care of her, bless her.

[Lindsey]

I know Layla is much stronger than I am lol! She loves being at the vet hospital even though she is just in a cage there during the day. When we used to take her for rehabilitation a few times a week, she had her very own cage reserved for her. They said she'd "talk" to everyone so they'd all stop to pet her lol. She loved going there, and it broke my heart on the days when I'd hand her off to a tech and she wouldn't even look back at me! She'd just be excited to go down the hall and see everyone. And this kennel will be better than a small cage. She has her own little room with heated floors and we can bring her own bedding and blankets and food and water bowl. I know she'll probably be okay, but I just worry so much!

[DIANE W]

I know Lindsey i would be just the same, but reading how Layla is used to being away from you at times, then i think that would definitely make me feel better......... you know she copes fine and quite enjoys it, as i am sure she will at this new place too, i think she will get lots of fuss and attention, and lap it up.

And dont forget she knows from past experience - you are coming back for her

[Lindsey]

That's true, Diane! I'm also hoping we can take her there for doggy daycare for a few days before we leave so she knows where she's going and knows we're coming back.

[gja1000]

Lindsey, it is so great that she is so social and loves it so much when you have to leave her somewhere. She will do just fine. My boys just whine and cry every time I leave them at the groomers, and they have been going there all their lives!!! The groomer is the sweetest lady and she just loves on them, but they just look at me with pleading eyes when I leave! They are just so used to having the run of the house I think they hate the cage. I wish they were more like Layla!

[DIANE W]

Originally Posted by gja1000

Diane, I have a lady who comes and stays at my house with my boys when I leave and can't take them with me. It feels good to have someone at my house when I'm gone too. She works a regular day job, but comes to my house after work and spends the night. So, this is nice extra income for her. It's great that I found her through a friend who knows her. I'm very lucky! Oh and my boys love her. She sends me a picture of them every day and text message updates too.

Thats really great Gayle, it is worth it for peace of mind, its good to know your dogs like her too.