I don’t think of myself as one of those obsessive pet owners who are regularly mocked in The New Yorker. I don’t think of myself as a “parent” to them, though I recognize the important part they play in my happiness and can not imagine life without the companionship of my animals. PETA is too radical for me though I do believe in fair treatment and am a serial rescuer. My introduction to the world of Doggie Day Care was carefully considered from both a financial and an intellectual standpoint.
If you follow my posts, you know I recently performed the most humane act a pet owner can bestow and said good-bye to three of my pets. With two beings remaining, there is a lot more of me to go around. It has been a long, deep winter and we have become very attuned to each other’s rhythms. While I staunchly avoid humanizing them, Alice and Skeedles do help to keep me sane. The lack of “pack” has brought their peculiar traits to the forefront. I noticed Alice put up more of a fuss when I left for work and she seemed listless. In the summer the back door stays open and she has her fenced acre of woodlands, birds and neighborhood happenings, not to mention the occasional squirrel to occupy her. Winter days of being locked in the house, regardless of how roomy, was obviously not a lot of fun.
Her first visit to day care was terrifying for both of us. At the door, she cowered between my legs and the staff took her into a quieter area to become acclimated. Like a preschooler’s parent, I called mid-way through the day to check on her and arrived promptly after work to pick her up. They reassured me she did fine with the swirling pack I threw her into for eight hours. She came home, ate and was so tired she barely got up for two days. The kennel suggested she would adjust better if I could bring her for several days a week. At $15 a day I was scrounging to give her one day out.
After a couple of weeks she hopped out of the car and joined the din happily. Her tail was up and she was strutting around to greet her fellow canines. Proud parent that I am, I was thrilled to hear she was “high up in the pack” and the staff loved her because just looking at her made them laugh. She is a strange little being.
It would appear she has her favorites. She and a large, reddish Bloodhound share the sunny window seat, I’m told. Ms. Bloodhound doesn’t tolerate anyone else on her throne, so I’m proud she gets a nod from the “popular kids”. She is impatient with the puppies and has a special play-bow for the massive, drooling Newfoundland. (He is a gorgeous giant!). Dogs are pack animals just as horses need a herd. I rationalize the expense as her mental health day with exercise.
Therapeutic Misadventures 
Love this blog! Glad Alice is enjoying day care!
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Thanks Annie. I thought of you when I first saw the Newf! Hope all is well and thanks for commenting!
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A few years ago I would have laughed at people paying to let their dogs play, but rescued Molly almost did us in with her nervous (for good reason) manic destructive behavior. Deciding she needed socializing, we researched, visited, and found a small place with huge fenced fields. She managed to pass their behavior screening for the large dog pack. Best thing we ever did. Malamutes need to run – run a lot – and us without a sled. She also needed a pack of big friends to bump and crash into. Huge difference in her behavior and at home. Less anxious and stopped eating most everything. Molly only goes half a day as she was just too exhausted and a bit stiff with full day. (and it gets expensive) We try to let her play twice a week depending on weather – she can sleep on rainy days here as easily as there. Dogs need to run and play. So glad Alice is found her place! (It is worth the money)
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OK so I’m not going soft if Molly gets to go to play with the pack too. I just wish it was cheaper! I fully agree single dogs need to socialize. We are too rural for dog parks so this gets her out and about. Thanks for tossing over a comment!
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What mom wouldn’t sacrifice to make her kids happy?
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Horses need herds, dogs need packs. Cats don’t seem to need much! Hope all is well with you! Thanks for dropping by.
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So glad for you and Alice.
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Thanks Susan, it seems to be a good thing at least until summer finally gets here!
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Have a Great Weekend!
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Great story. There are two types of people in this world, pet people, and non pet people. They become so much a part of your family, and our last dog Daisy who died last year watched our children grow up and they will tell you that she raised them. You can’t replace that. Well, you can by getting another pet, which we did and it has started all over again with “Rosie”, same make and model (female black labrador), now 15 weeks old and beautiful. I agree that socialising your dog with day care is allowing it to “be a dog”, and you’re happier that it’s happier. Good for you!
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Thanks Mark. I was wondering if maybe I was getting a little soft in the head but it seems to have made her a happier dog. Love Labs. I was very involved in Lab Rescue back when my kids were young. They are lovely loyal companions.
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I’ll have to tell my son to check into this. He has a year old German Shepherd that likes to chew while he’s at work, and he doesn’t chew just any old thing-he chews laptops and I-pads.
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Alice didn’t have any destructive behaviors but she just seemed very clingy and lost after our other pets left. As Phil commented, it can be a good solution for a young dog who lives alone and exhibits those tendencies. Thanks for stopping by!
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I dint think we have anything like that here. We do have dog walkers though. I’m glad Alice settled in so well.
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Thanks Marie, We are too rural for walkers or dog parks so this is the next best thing.
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