The manager Steve seemed very pleasant over e-mail and reassured me that they would be able to board my two pitbulls last minute during Memorial Day weekend. However, upon check-in, the kennel attendant explained that the dogs at the facility were all within view of each other as they are separated by transparent walls/windows. At this point, I became worried that they were going to be restless their entire stay as I know how reactive they can be, especially my older dog who is canine-aggressive. But, the kennel attendant told me she could send pictures/videos of them, so this (kinda) put me at ease.
As for their feeding instructions - when I initially booked their stay online, the website asked what/when to feed the dogs. They literally gave the option of listing AM and PM meals, and any specific meds. (My dogs are on a very strict prescription diet and should be fed 1 cup kibble + 1/2 can wet food TWICE a day, with a calming probiotic added to their AM meals and CBD oil to their PM meals to help ease any anxiety and combat joint issues.) But when we reviewed these instructions, the kennel attendant had listed 2 cups kibble + 1 can wet food ONCE a day, and no mention of the probiotic or CBD oil.
She explained that the dogs are normally only fed once a day in the mornings, due to the high volume of guests and to allow time for cleaning. Perhaps they don't have any late evening/overnight staff, and thus have to try to feed the dogs all at once so they can move on to other activities/tasks and close up by a certain time.
Anyway, I went ahead and corrected the instructions, and she ensured me that they would feed their second meal as instructed and add in their probiotics and CBD oil. (The only reason I am so strict with their diet is because of all the trial and error it took to regulate their stools/metabolism. When they are fed too much at once, they develop diarrhea; and if Blanca is not fed enough or by a certain time, she tends to elicit bilious vomiting. On the other hand, the calming probiotic and CBD oil has made all the difference with Kyra, helping to reduce the stiffness in her limbs as well as her agitation in the presence of other dogs).
When I picked them up, I found that half of their prescription wet food cans they were supposed to receive were unopened - meaning they weren't getting their appropriate daily calorie intake if they were only eating the kibble. I had confirmed their feeding instructions in person, over the phone, and emailed their office directly, so I'm not sure how they still got this wrong.
When I was finally able to get in touch over the phone, the staff member claimed they were "mostly being quiet, just curious of their surroundings". I know for a fact my dogs are rambunctious beings and will bark nonstop in new environments, especially where they can see other dogs. Furthermore, when they both got home, they were so exhausted they both just ktfo and have stayed asleep since then - barely only getting up to eat dinner. They didn't even want to get out of bed when I got their leashes, alerting them it was time for walk. So, I'm a little skeptical that they were being "quiet" most of their stay. LOL
Regardless, I was just glad I didn't have to hear about any incidents. What was more surprising was that, at check-out, Steve told me they actually didn't give any of the CBD oil at all because they "didn't need it". They also tried slowly introducing Kyra to other dogs - and apparently, she didn't show any signs of aggression. I guess I'm happy to hear that they were fairly well behaved during their stay, but I still would have preferred providing the CBD oil for extra support, or at least got a heads up before making that decision. (Again, the CBD oil also works to combat joint issues and I noticed that Kyra seemed a bit stiff in her hind end when we got back home).
I kept hearing about all these photos/videos that would be sent to me... so hopefully I will be able to get those soon. I felt more relief when I picked them up and spoke to Steve in person about their stay, but it would have been nice to feel that same relief while I was actually away from them too.
I was shocked yet grateful they even attempted to work with Kyra to socialize with other dogs. Perhaps this place would be better for daycare only or training for my dogs, as opposed to boarding/longer stays. Would definitely like to give this place another chance since it is so close to home and more affordable. read more