Going on Vacation

[Stephanie and Ragley]

I am headed out of town (out of the country actually) tomorrow for a week long vacation in paradise. Worst part about the trip, however, is that my sweet little muppet cannot come with me. We have a pet/house sitter living at our house for the week to take care of everything, but it is my baby Ragley and my first time apart and, needless to say, I am a WRECK. She has a bit of separation anxiety (ok, we both do) so I was going to board her at a day care/boarding facility, but none that I visited really caught my attention. For one- Ragley is extremely people-oriented. She looovesss people! She enjoys playing with dogs as well, but she is always sure to make her rounds and check in with the humans. Even the most deluxe package ($$$) at one of these places had at the most 10-15 extra minutes of one-on-one love time a day.

Then one of Ragley's doodle friends suggested dogvacay.com and let me tell you- THIS is better. The dogs go stay with people in their own homes and you can sort by area and filter through various amenities (fenced yards, etc.) to find a good match. Then you contact the people to set up an introduction time and decide if it would be a good fit for you and your dog. The people have ratings, references, repeat customer statistics, and they send daily photos to you while you are away. Ragley and I went and met with a woman from there and sat in her home for more than an hour and I knew this was going to be a much better fit for us. She will have free roam of a house, a fenced in backyard, 24/7 supervision, she will get brushed and bathed if needed, walked occasionally, playtime with other dogs, and unlimited belly rubs and someone to talk to her and pet her all day. She will get fed and go to bed on her exact schedule from home. All this for less than what I would have paid at the boarding facility. It is genius!

One of the more heartbreaking things I've had to do is go drop off my sweet little angel at the sitter's. It was not nearly as heartbreaking for Ragley though! She was greeted by name and with loving pats and she just waltzed right in and made herself at home. The sitter was so nice and made sure to continue to reassure me that I would be picking up a very spoiled dog when I got back, confirmed my best contact information, and even asked when I would be going to sleep through the week so she could try to make sure to send pictures and updates before I went to bed each night. 

I had no idea services like this existed so I just thought I would share my experience with you guys! I haven't even left yet and I am already so happy with my choice! I'm a heartbroken doodle mommy without my little Ragamuffin, but I feel so much better knowing she is in the comfort of a home and under the care of a fellow dog lover!

I'm a dogvacay.com customer for life!

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

It sounds like you have found the right solution for you and Ragley.  We have a lady stay at our home and it works just great, but I still worry about them the whole time I am gone.  When we return, Charlie literally cries like a baby and Beau turns somersaults in the air!  I am sure Ragley will be wiggling like there is no tomorrow upon your return.  Enjoy your time away.    

[HrseMom]

I have a wonderful pet sitter. She's in home as well. Our doodle is spoiled by her. Sleeps in her bed. Would not have it any other way. :) Thank you for posting the info on dogvacay, nice to have a back up. But honestly, never had to use one. Our sitter is in business because she truly loves the animals you can tell. Her clients are a priority. Have a great trip. I am sure you doodle will be in good hands :)

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I can't wait til you come back and evaluate how this worked out.  It is genius!

[Emily, Bentley, & Maserati]

Sounds like Ragley is going to be in doggy heaven! :)