Don't Trust Anyone to Look After Ellie

Ugggh... I'm having a similar dilema. We've never left Miko with anyone before (even overnight) and we're planning a trip to Mexico in February.

I, personally, like the idea of a housesitter the best. I think a kennel/boarding facility would freak Miko out. He loves other dogs and does ok at daycare... but that's only for a few hours... not an entire week!

Having said that... I'm afraid to ask anyone to come look after the dogs for a week because they're so high maintenance! The barking... Miko's groaning/whining/barking & spinning when it's feeding time... Tasha's cranky attitude and growly snapping... The tumble weeds of hair that need to be picked up daily... Miko's "exhuberance" on the leash during walks... It's A LOT of work! Hmmmm... when I see it in black and white... it's no wonder I want to go away!!! :rolleyes2:

Of the options that you listed... I think the trainer with Shelties sounds like the best option. I hope you can talk her into it.
 
I too completely understand how you feel. With four shelties, it's about impossible to go anywhere!!! However, this past Sept. I was forced to leave my youngest in a boarding kennel. The other 3 stayed with friends or relatives. NO ONE wanted to keep the puppy because she's a DEVIL DOG and chews up ANYTHING she can get her muzzle on.

Anyway, I was VERY worried and honestly wanted to cancel the trip. I must tell you to comfort you that she did fine!!!!! She is very nervous around other dogs and I was afraid she would be very withdrawn. They did promise NOT to put her outside with other dogs!!

Find a facility you are comfortable with (as much as you can be), don't worry and have FUN on your vacation!!!!:wink2:
 
I never travelled often but I have always had someone stay at the house with my dogs. Last 2 times one of the vet techs from her vet's office stayed with her. She just stopped by to visit her lastnight. I swear gypsy get's more excited to see her than she does me so I know it was a good experience for her and she is with me 24/7.

The others who have stayed with her are local dogwalkers/petsitters. You can ask your vet for references, visit a local dog park mid afternoon when dogwalkers would be there, ask in your local pet stores. Make sure anyone you would hire is bonded and insured. I would have a few come to interview ahead of time and she how she relates to them and them her. Going to a dog park also gives you a chance to observe and see how Dog walkers treat the pets they are currently walking. If you see one that appeals to you approach them.

I hope this is helpful good luck.

When I leave I always notify the vet incase of emergency and ok treatment and also make a daily chart of EXACTLY what and when I want things done from walks meds. etc.
 
Do you happen to have a sheltie club in your area? I have had 3 shelties and the first one I did have to board at the vets one time and she survived. With the second sheltie I had joined the local sheltie club and one of the members was willing to take my dog into her home with her own shelties. She did not even charge much and I trusted her completely. My sheltie girl seemed happy to spend some time with other shelties. Now, with my third sheltie, I am blessed to have moved to the town where my daughters live and one of them is always willing to move into my house while we are away and they take care of both my sheltie and my cat. But see if there is a local sheltie club nearby, or a rescue group that might know of someone who would give your sheltie a temporary home while you vacation. Once, through sheltie rescue, we took care of a sheltie for 6 weeks while her family had to be away. She adjusted to us very well and we all enjoyed her visit.
 
I worked in an animal hospital when I was younger & I did a good amount of pet-sitting for some very paranoid owners. One owner's instructions included 'whispering sweet nothings' while hand-feeding fresh deli turkey to their cat! (It was a spoiled rotten 20 + yr. old cat & I cried like a baby when she died in my arms a couple years later--at the hospital, not while sitting). :cry:

I was recommended by the hospital, & knew all animals and their owners before I pet-sat.

Usually, I'd visit the home for a thorough review of the house, pets, routine. Routine is so important, esp. to our shelties. Little things can really set them off. No way would I board my shelties, & I've worked in boarding hospitals & know that generally the staff truly loves all the animals. We get to take ours with us on vacation luckily.

If it were me, I'd either find a trustworthy pet-sitter or utilize your trainer. Either way, I'd do an overnight a month or more beforehand for your peace of mind. Good luck!
 
Such wonderful suggestions and understanding (which is what I have come to expect here) from like-minded Sheltie owners!

I am going to check tomorrow with my vet if they know any pet sitters. THey are just down the road from me.
 
There's the benefit in being in dog sports and traveling and rooming with people. I've had to leave dogs with dog show friends on two occasions, and both times I knew my dogs would be fine in the friends care
 
Lahree I also had my pet sitter stay here the day before i left and overnight with us so Gypsy got adjusted to them with me being here and also for her to see our routine in action, not just on paper or verbal instructions.

I know I'm very particular when it comes to my pups. :rolleyes2:
 
On the occasions that Everett cannot go with me, he stays at my parents house; that's more his home than my house. Sometimes Mom and dad are gone and for the daytime I leave him at my parents neighbor. He thinks Everett is the best and loves napping on the recliner with him.
i couldn't leave Everett in a kennel, he would be so depressed.
 
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