Re: [pyrnet] Boarding Kennel Blues

["kdbooth" <kdbooth@mindspring.com>]

Hi Jan, Elaine, Emily, and Judith,

I was pretty angry when the attendant brought Daisy out but I didn't say
anything because I wasn't sure then or now if she was neglected or if she'd
just worked herself up into a state, as Jan and Judith suggested.  I chose
the kennel based on a recommendation from what is now the former vet.
(Since taking Badger to the new vet, I've decided to take all my pets there
because of the excellent care he's received.)  I didn't think to ask for a
tour of the facility ahead of time; I didn't do my homework.  This is the
first time I've used a boarding kennel and I think I've learned from the
experience. Thankfully, Daisy is now clean and relaxed, itch-free, stuffed
to gills after a feeding frenzy, and snoring happily.  In spite of a good
scrubbing, she's stained pink from her chin to her front toes but it'll grow
out with time and trimming.

I am completely awe-struck by the huge responsibility of having a dog, or
any pet.  I feel like I've had an epiphany!  Being a responsible dog owner
in that the dog is well cared for, groomed, vetted regularly, etc., is the
easy part.  Holding a dog's happiness and emotional well-being in your hands
is colossal.  It's scary.  I'm probably not making much sense.  I've never
thought of myself as a kooky animal fanatic but one thing I know for sure:
the phrase, "it's just a dog," is so utterly meaningless.

Kim, Daisy and Badger