Dog Lovers

[jennyjoan]

I haven't been away from 2008 and I told you before I would like to go to London in a few weeks time. I am loathing putting Maxie into kennels cos I knew Harvey was always sorta unhappy when he came out.

Last year I got Harvey with a girl called XXXXXX recommended by 3 vets and even this morning rang another vet and he recommended this same girl.

Well I have to say when she looked after Harvey for 3 days last year to let me get to a wedding what she didn't say about him on the Monday wasn't normal. He was a bold dog, he wouldnt come back for her and this and that. Now I was taken aback cos I thought a dog lover definitely would have great control over dogs. Never would I get XXXXX again.

I have no dog lovers among my friends only one and bless her she said she would take him but it could run to 4-5 days and while she says she is not sick - she is. She is only 66 but believe me would pass for 86 - has copd and other personal sicknesses. I am finding it hard here in Belfast to get anybody to take him into their home (Maxie) that is. I did tell these vets how I felt about XXXXXX. Not a good dog lover to me if you ask me.

Now for all of us dog lovers - no matter where we place them on hols - how do we genuinely know they are being cared for well when are we are away.

Is kennels the only way for him cos I do need a break not from him but from many other issues.

[mccfluff]

my dad looks after dogs for people when they are away, some dogs are harder to control than others, depends on how well trained they are/temperament etc. Same with people everyone is different some are total nutjobs, some are sane.

If 4 vets are recommending this girl, that suggests she knows what she is doing and maybe she was just telling you that harvey was hard to control

you could have a look at these sites

https://housemydog.com/?gclid=CM_6i5Cj1sgCFVEYGwodrGAGSQ

https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/house-and-pet-sitters/united-kingdom/northern-ireland/

[jennyjoan]

mcfluff - her attitude to me that morning was awful - Harvey was not bad oul thing - he would have run off ok I accept that - but she ran him and other dogs in a dog run - so he couldn't have got that far.

[mccfluff]

what was your attitude to her like?

[jennyjoan]

As I said taken aback cos she picked him early on the Monday - I had just arrived home - I am going to tell you I was lost for words cos I didn't expect it so - just paid her and let her go. I was very annoyed when she left cos I knew Harvey was not a bad vicious bad tempered dog - just excitable and loved exercise too.

[jennyjoan]

mcfluff would your dad take Maxie - like just asking

[mccfluff]

sorry jj but 4 vets are not going to recommend anyone who is not competent enough to look after dogs, i suggest the problem lay with you/harvey

you have posted many times about harvey's naughtiness, we all look at our pets through rose coloured specs - especially when they have died and you are looking back. take murph for example, she is a lovely sweet fluffy thing with a wonderful friendly temperament... in my head.... in reality shes old, bad tempered and very handy with her claws

if you are unable to look after maxie maybe you should think about returning him to the shelter

[mccfluff]

my dad lives in the uk - he would though

[Retrochic]

Mcfluff -return the dog to the shelter? that's a bit harsh isn't it -the OP is just going away for a few days , she did not say she couldn't look after her dog -I think she's doing a jolly good job of it to be honest and everyone needs a break now and again.

[Baldric]

Vets put their own reputations on the line when they recommend people to look after Pets which suggests to me the Girl is ok.

[jennyjoan]

are you suggesting sending maxie back to the shelter for good which is where I did not get him. I got him from a lady in Newry who had badly treated him and he has turned out a fantastic wee dog.

No I will do without my holiday.

[jennyjoan]

when my friend called up yesterday she couldn't believe the massive change from a frightened little dog to really the loveliest personality any dog could have. Disappointed in you McFluff -

[EcclesCake]

As has been suggested numerous times before get Maxie and yourself off to some classes to get some training into him and give you some techniques to control him better.

Once he is better disciplined the dog sitter may be more amenable.

[jennyjoan]

I agree with you Baldric - vets do put themselves on the line - but for God's sake how do they know what happens when the dogs go to her. Her attitude was dreadful that morning. Yes I tipped her more for minding Harvey and I must say she sent me a Thank You card the following day. What do you take out of that.

[Prudie]

Countless people put their dogs in kennels, just because Harvey didn't like it doesn't mean Maxie won't either. Ask the vet for a reputable kennels, ask around (if you don't want to use the girl). I don't like putting my cats in kennels but at least i know they're totally safe and secure. They ignore me when I pick them up for a day and then it's back to normal.

[Retrochic]

try reading the post eccles before you comment - the previous dog sitter had issues with jenny's dog Harvey, not the one she has at the moment.

[ummmm]

You did say that Harvey used to bark a lot.

A dog sitter can only control a dog to the point of which it's been trained.

[mccfluff]

you said

"Is kennels the only way for him cos I do need a break not from him but from many other issues."

maybe your many other issues are too much for you, it was a only a suggestion

[EcclesCake]

My point about training still stands.

[mccfluff]

if you paid her more than her going rate and she had the courtesy to send you a thank you card, seems like she is a nice thoughtful person....

i really think the problem lies with you

[jennyjoan]

my friend of 66 simply went wild about him ( I mean that ) - she has a shiatzu of her own. but she went mad about him that day and the following day rang me and said to me if I had to go like into hospital (god forbid) she would willingly take him. Even my sista has warmed to him big time. She loves him and he loves her - but thanks for all your advice. Have to take the bad with the good advice. Have to go now and get his eyes done. bye for now