Boarding Doodle for 2 weeks! SO SAD! =(

[TrevorDoodle]

I have to board my doodle for 2 weeks and I am so sad and worried. He is supposed to stay in a in-home situation with people who have LOTS of dog experience. I am just so scared something will happen to him because I don't think anyone will take care of him as good as I try to. My dog and I both know these people and I do not have a contract, should I be worried? I wouldn't even know how to ask for a contract without sounding like I'm looking for trouble. I don't want him staying in a typical boarding place because he would go crazy if he had to lay in a kennel all day. So, I don't have many options on where he can stay. What should I send with my doodle to make him more comfortable? What should I do to prepare for his stay? I would appreciate any advice for anyone who have been in this situation before.

[Sam]

Leave him a shirt that you have worn and not washed. My sitter recommends that. We are leaving Ollie this weekend , just for 3 nights. He stays at their house and sleeps inside and they have a dog which he will love to play with.

[Joy Originator of GiantSchnoodles]

Hi Trevor doodle, It sounds like your problem is more one of communication than concern that your dood won't be cared for. Yes your should have a contract to protect both of you. I always say, "good agreements make for good relationships" and I make them with my best friends about everything. Also, I (meaning you) will take full responsibility for any vet bills that may be incurred while you are caring for Trevor.

The line that is most appreciated by the caretaker is
I know that you will do your very best to care for my dog as you would your own. However, if an accident should happen, you are relieved of all responsibility.
Here are some of the clauses in my guardian agreeement.
You may want to choose some other clauses from my guardianship agreement & add some of your own.
The next thing I would do is do a careful inspection of the yard. look for holes in the fence & especially pieces of wire, metal & glass. Check metal sheds that the metal has not come away from the door & can cut the dog. Tell them as part of the trade, you will do a clean up of their yard for them before you go. Make sure the yard is safe so you will feel safe. It doesn't matter if you tell them that will make you feel safe. Its a win win for both of you. You may also request that you set up a camcorder with speakers so you can see & talk to Trevor every day. Camcorders are only about $50. Give it to them as a gift. Tell them, it will make you feel better to be able to see & talk to Trevor which is absolutely true.
Clauses to choose from & add to:
14. Guardians obligations:
a. Guardian is responsible for properly containing and protecting the dog by methods approved by breeder
b. The guardian must provide regular exercise to the dog
c. Guardian pays for food related expenses
d. If breeder wants the dog fed supplements for reasons having to do with breeding, the breeder will pay for the supplements.
e. Guardian is responsible for grooming costs or maintaining the grooming to a reasonable standard . This is especially important in poodle breeds.
f. Guardian is responsible for sick visit costs to vet as well as regular checkups, rabies, shots, medication for illness or injury unless the condition is a result of breeding in which case the breeder is responsible for costs having to do with breeding.
g. Breeder approves the vet used by Guardian .
h. Guardian will deliver dog to breeder when requested for breeding, delivery & vet visits unless other arrangements are agreed to at the time which are mutually convenient to both parties
i. Guardian must notify breeder of any vacations or planned absences that could affect breeding
j. Guardian must always protect the dog and must live within 40 miles from the breeder
k. If guardian moves a distance of more than 50 miles from the breeder, guardian must return dog to breeder before moving unless other arrangements are agreed to in writing.
l. Guardian must notify breeder of any changes in personal information such as phone number, address, email etc.
12. Death of dog while in guardian’s possession – should the dog die in the care of the guardian due to negligence, the guardian will owe the breeder $2,000. If it is accidental, the guardian owes the breeder nothing. In both cases once the matter is resolved this agreement is ended.
13. If the dog dies during whelping, the breeder will give a puppy to the guardian at no charge.
14. Return of dog – The guardian can return dog at any time for any reason and this agreement will terminate and the guardian relationship is over.
15. If the guardian spays/neuters the dog without written permission of the breeder, or leaves the designated area for more than one month with or without notification of the breeder but without a prior agreement with the breeder in writing, the guardian will owe breeder $5,000.
16. If the guardian causes injury to the dog, or allows others to injure the dog while in the care of the guardian, the guardian will owe the breeder $2,500.
17. The guardian gives lifetime support to the guardian on the chat site www.GiantSchnoodles.com chat forum.
18. The Breeder gives the guardian full health guarantee and will replace the dog with another dog if the dog has any genetic defects which affect the functioning of the dog.
19. If, for some reason, the dog cannot be bred, the guardian will be given full ownership of the dog after the dog is desexed at the guardian’s expense and the agreement will end with the guardian having full ownership of the dog.
20. Removal of the dog. The dog will be removed from the guardian if any of the terms of this agreement are breached or if the following happens:
a. Dog is transported in an open truck bed
b. Dog is neglected
c. Medical attention is not given in an appropriate and timely manner
d. Guardian is moving out of agreed upon area
e. The dog may never be left outside in an unsecured area when the family leaves. Never be in public without being on a leash unless in a designated off leash area
Pls let me know if you use any of this & if it makes you feel better. Puppy love from Joy & furry folk