I’ve mentioned my pups informally a couple times here. I have to say, they are such a big part of my life!
Here are my sleepy little bears, Zephyr & King!
This may not directly coincide with being mindful per say- but knowing my dogs are in excellent care while I’m away really keeps my mind at ease and in the moment while I’m on vacation! Which is why I’m sharing it with you.
It is because they are so important to me I have to share this amazing resource I first came across earlier in the year. It’s called DogVacay! (www.dogvacay.com)
DogVacay is a website that connects you with animal lovers who watch your dogs for you. You can do daycare or overnight care depending on the person or family you meet up with. You get on the site and search for calendar availability, the size of the home or ranch, if you’d like other dogs to be there, and if they are certified in handling things like administering medication. The cost is anywhere from $15-75 a day or night and purely depends on the preference of the caretaker along with their level of expertise. The website doesn’t charge you!
I’ve personally used two families (both were retired couples) for a week each vacation and it was amazing. You get pictures, text or email updates and a lot of times you can find a home where your pets can sleep in their bed or on their couch.
Before you set up your vacation you have a meet and greet with them, your dog(s) and of course yourself to make sure everyone gets along and you feel great about it. It’s seriously like finding a second family for your dogs.
The first time we left Texas to go back home for a wedding we were really nervous and finding DogVacay really did feel like a lifesaver. Our flight back to Texas was cancelled (it was over a holiday) and we had to stay another day because all the other flights were booked. I flipped out and had no idea what to do. I called the couple King and Zephyr were with who calmed me down (ha!), luckily had space for them that evening and directed me to customer service to set everything up over the phone. They made everything so easy for me. I’m such a fan of impeccable customer service- the DogVacay office even gave us $10 off due to the “trouble” of us getting stuck in Arizona. Uh… what?! So unheard of. It was very sweet.
I’ve worked both in a kennel and as a dog caretaker before and I have to tell you- this is absolutely glorious! Long gone are the days of spending way too much on a kennel where dogs usually come home sad (it’s true!). They’re based in Santa Monica, CA but have caretakers all over the nation and Canada, too.
Cheers!
Taune Zephyr & King!
ZEN DEN 