So Happy and Proud

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

Some of you may know that I have been searching for quite a while for a good doggie day care/boarding place that wasn't an hour's drive from us. Well I have hit the jackpot. I mentioned in passing to our groomer Becky that we really needed to have a day care place for Riley and Molly and she immediately gave me business card for Exile to Refuge owned by Suzann and Jim. They live just up the road from us and I didn't even know they existed.

Anyway, DH and I and the doodles went to visit earlier this past week. We stayed for over an hour chatting and letting the doodles check the place out. She had all NINE of her dogs/rescues in the house for this first visit as she didn't want to spook Riley and Molly. Suzann and Jim run a dog rescue operation out of their country farm house. It's a charming place that they have built up with three large dog runs, fully fenced in. One run is for dogs that can play together, one is for dogs that need to be segregated because they are aggressive and another whole large fenced in play area for small dogs.  She has two rooms in her house that are devoted time out places for the dogs to rest and sleep during the day when needed. She also takes them on leased walks in the "back forty" where Jim has cleared out and made marked trails. 

I can't believe my luck. We had a trail day care date yesterday as DH and I were going to a luncheon with some university pals and had to drive 2 hours each way to visit. We don't ever leave Riley and Molly for more than a few hours at a time at home. 

Here are some pics from there time at Suzann and Jim's place.

Mom and Dad left us, where are they going????

Molly making friends, while Riley's going for the water bowl.

Playing ball in the big yard with Jim,

Resting the shade waiting for Mom and Dad to come get them,

I got these pics from Suzann who sent them by email today along with this very lovely note about Riley and Molly,

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Suzann Hallman 
To: Andrea
Sent: Sunday, September 2, 2012 8:46:36 PM
Subject: Riley & Molly

 

Andrea & Phil.....We so enjoyed having Riley and Molly stay with us today. They're both so intelligent, well mannered and lovely dogs. We can tell they have a wonderful family who takes care of them and loves them. Believe me...we see so many dogs that never had a chance at that kind of life. We try to give them the best that we can and find good homes like yours for them. Riley and Molly are welcome anytime. It would be our pleasure and honor to have them visit us again.

 

Kind regards,

Exile To Refuge

Suzann & Jim

I am so proud of them for being such good dogs. We love them to bits but it's really nice to hear that they are so well behaved when we are not around. 

We really needed to find this place for Molly and Riley as we are facing some very difficult health issues. DH has been diagnosed recently with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. We have had the luxury of family being able to take the doods up to this point but not any more. The hospital is in a big university town about 1 1/4 hours from our home so every journey there means tacking on 2 1/2 hours of driving time on top of clinic time. So Suzann and Jim are a godsend. I couldn't be more pleased. Oh and they do overnight boarding as well so that's covered too. 

[Lynda Kamrath]

It  is so great that you have found this place for your dogs and that it is so close to your home.  They look very comfortable there and Suzann and Jim sound like perfect dog sitters.  Our very best wishes to Phil as he goes through his treatments.  It is definitely a stressful time for the two of you and it is great to have a comfortable place to leave your precious dogs.

[Candice & Bailey]

This sounds amazing and like an answer to your prayers. I'm so happy for you! Prayers to you and your hubby during this difficult time.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

So glad that you have found a place that works for you.  We need to do that as well.  I've never boarded and have no intentions of ever doing so, but do need to find at least someone that can come to our home when we need them.  Sorry to hear about your husband.  Hope that the treatments go smoothly and he makes a full recovery.  Will be keeping you in our thoughts during this time. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am very sorry to hear about your DH and hope for his full recovery. This place sound ideal and your dogs did you proud. I wish it were closer to me.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Such a relief to find good care for our dogs when we can't have them with us.  I know how you must feel-you hit the jackpot!  You need not to worry about the care of your dogs and focus on your husband's health.  Best wishes to you all

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm so glad you have found this place and can focus on your DH's health knowing Riley and Molly are getting good care and are safe and happy. Sending positive thoughts for your DH's recovery.  

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

It appears that you have found the perfect place for your doodles! Prayers to you and your DH as you travel the C-word winding road!

[Jennett Pulley]

WOW!  What a wonderful place for your babies.  I am so happy for you.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

That sounds great. Maybe I should use these guys on one of my trips to Toronto.

I'm sorry to hear about your DH. I hope all his treatments go smoothly and that he has a full recovery.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Sounds like an amazing place! Thinking good thoughts your way while your husband goes through treatment. :-)

[Karen and Bridget]

So happy to hear that you've found a great place for Riley & Molly!  It sounds wonderful!

My husband is a 5 year survivor of non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.  PM me & I would be happy to talk to you about it :)

[Ginny Nightingale]

How wonderful! I am glad you have one less thing to worry about--sounds like your "worry plate" is already full...good luck to you both.