Boarding Your Coton

by Lana
(USA)

Hi everyone. Our family is about to get a Coton and we are concerned about boarding him. Has anyone ever had to board their Coton and what was your experience? Unfortunately, we do not know of anyone who would be willing to take care of our dog in their home should we need to travel without him.

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Apr 18, 2014
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boarding
by: joyce/pierre

My dog has separation anxiety. I have not left him in a kennel. If I had to I would have my daughter stay with him at my house. It takes him half hour to calm down when I get back from the market and his heart is racing. I try to take him with me when ever possible. He has the run of the whole house when we are gone but he waits at the window upstairs for us to come home.

Mar 06, 2014
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Great help!
by: Anonymous

Thanks for all of your advice on boarding. This site is so helpful and nice to hear everyone's advice and experiences with their Coton.

Feb 25, 2014
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Boarding
by: Keeva's Mom

We leave Keeva at a boarding facility where she can play with the other little dogs during the day. It is a very nice place and we have boarded her since she was a puppy when we had to. We have left her as long as 10 nights with no ill affects. This summer we will have to leave her 3 weeks! I suggest you start slow and board your dog for a couple nights at a time to get her used to it. I think sometimes it is the owner that has the most anxiety:)

Feb 25, 2014
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Boarding Quinn in a private home
by: Chris

I left her at a nice home while I was on vacation last fall that I found on Dogvacay.com. In a couple of weeks, I'll leave her at another home closer to where I live through Rover.com. She was a little skittish at first, but after she got used to it, she did fine. I received pix and messages during the whole trip. Both homes have other dogs and cats to play with. Anyone else have any experiences with either?

Feb 24, 2014
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boarding
by: sherry cotton candie

We have never boarded our little coton. She is so devoted and full of anxiety I would never consider it. She is fine when left alone with her adoptive sister at home. If the need would ever be absolute necessary I would leave her home and have a dog sitter (friend) to come in and play and let them out. I would not trust anyone else.

She will stay at her human grandma's and be just fine until dark. Then she is running thru the house, up and down on the furniture and barking. She loves her granny but when dark its only mommy she wants.

This is not a good situation I know -- but she was 5 months when we got her and we never left her so she would be terrified. 10 minutes of being out of her sight and she acts like we have been gone for days. perhaps starting out when they are really young would be a great idea, I am just so protective of her. She was attacked last year at the dog park by another dog where we used to take her, we have not taken her back.

When we travel they go with us, I could not enjoy myself leaving them behind. Good luck with yours and I hope you find a safe place to board.

Feb 24, 2014
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Boarding
by: AndreaB

Separation anxiety is very common in cotons. My Izzy would have a total breakdown if boarded. I take her with me as much as possible. When left at home alone she is confined to my bedroom and she goes bezerk barking and scratching the door. She scratches the door over six feet high Cotons are smart, fun and great companion dogs, but they are bonded to their owner. I've had bichons and min poodles who never had this separation anxiety issues.

Feb 24, 2014
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boarding and day care
by: Iris

My dog has severe separation anxiety and when I took him to a doggy day care he was terrified. We could see him from a TV monitor in the lobby, he was fearful and hid under some play equipment.Hours later we came back for him and he was standing directly in front of the exit door waiting for me to get him. My dog was terrified, That was the end of that experiment, he's now six years old.(I have some anxiety issues myself) and I travel with him from CT to CA and have also taken him to CAN. and AZ. When we stay with family or friends he is okay for a while if they also have a small dog,or if an adult stays home while I go out. The longer I'm away, Tuffy worries about me and he freaks out and goes totally hysterical when I get back.I've tried all the advice regarding separation anxiety. ie:ignore him, etc. I try to take him with me everywhere I possibly can and he is well behaved and calm. He's got lots of air miles. When I have to buy groceries or go to the doctor he must stay home. I have learned to calm him down in a few minutes. I agree, a safe family environment would be the best to board your dog. I was offered that but was afraid my dog would get away and come searching for me. I cannot rest easily worry about my "boy".We are a team.

Feb 23, 2014
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Boarding a coton
by: Sparkle's mom

Starting them the younger the better I my opinion so they become familiar w the place
I send sparkle to sandys a family run daycare for dogs they board and treat sparkle like it's their own fog

Feb 23, 2014
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Boarding my Coton, Rowan
by: Rowan's Mom

I've board my Coton, Rowan, twice and he got along well. I'm going to send him to Day Camp just to see how well he does there before I board him for the night again.

Feb 23, 2014
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Boarding your Coton
by: Mary

We interviewed several boarders and groomers and asked if they were familiar with the breed. If not, we kept looking. Found one that the owner has several rescued cotons. Our Bailey loves it there and we take hi there for play dates with his furiends. We travel a lot and feel he is being well taken care of there. Hope this helps. Enjoy your new baby.

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Need air travel suggestions

by Donna

We have a 21-pound Coton, who is 2 years old. We want to take him on vacations when we fly, but can't figure out the airline that is best and how to navigate that. Obviously, he can't fit under the airline seat. Any suggestions?

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Aug 30, 2013
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My last travel advice! LOL
by: Iris

I just remembered! LOL PEE PADS! All the airports have a designated area somewhere very far from where you need to be, outside of the airport. This only works for us when we have time to get to it at the end of our trip at destination. Even though my dog doesn't eat or drink and sleeps mostly,he can hold it only so long! We travel from East to West coasts mostly, and have at least one stopover. When we get off the plane between flights, I take Tuffy to the restroom with me into a larger handicapped stall and put down one of his pee pads( I carry at least two or three in my backpack with a baggie to dispose of it in the trash). I try to quietly encourage him to go pee. Sometimes he will,) sometimes not, because I have taken him out to pee and poop just before we leave for the airport, and then at the airport, if we find a spot to go before entering.)
I promise !!! No more P.S. unless I am asked! ;-)

Aug 30, 2013
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PPS !! It's me again!! travel to HI?
by: Iris

Before you plan your trip, check with the destination about bringing your dog there. Besides the obvious, finding pet friendly hotels, if you are traveling off the mainland or out of the country, there are other things to worry about. I wanted to take Tuffy to Hawaii with me.I didn't go, because your dog must be put into quarantine on Hawaii and it can be from a week to months. Each time can be different. Then, if your trip is to Maui or another island, you'll have to fly back to Hawaii the Big Island to retrieve your dog.No way can I put my dog in a crate somewhere and leave him! Then, who knows, at the time of your travel, what the specific Island (or Country ) you're traveling to, requires? It's really tough. If you can bear to be away from your dog and have a reliable pet sitter or family member to care for them at home, it's probably the best option, In my case, Tuffy and I both have separation anxiety. As much as it frustrates my family and friends, my pup and I won't be separated. We are miserable without each other.
PPPs! Make sure, if you do go "service dog", do NOT use the word "Companion" dog, because, by LAW, the airlines are not required to accept a Pet/Companion. They only need to comply to the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act: a dog that provides a service to a disabled person. All this needs to be research as the airlines frequently change their rules as do vacation destinations.

Aug 30, 2013
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More airline dog travel info
by: Iris

Hi here's a P.S. read the requirements carefully, you must have your dog's shot and tags and the documents on his health and shots from the Vet! They won't let you on without showing those, If you do go the service dog route, you must have a recent letter from your doctor to prove you have a health issue that requires a service dog.
Also, make sure you have your flea application applied as close to the trip to make sure no traveling cooties get him!
My dog will not eat or drink anything during the trip, he goes into hibernation.
On one trip, I had to be hospitalized before we traveled back home.My family watched Tuffy and apparently he got into their cat's food. I found that out because he puked all over his case in the plane, which got on himself and me. I am trying to put that memory out of my mind.
Buy a bottle of water in the airport, bring along a little bowl and a favorite treat to offer after you land. Keeping him hydrated, like yourself, is most important. bring along a small battery operated fan,for you and puppy, it can be very hot and stuffy especially before the air gets turned on until after take off.
As stated in my previous message, if you bring him onboard as a service animal you have a choice where to sit but they probably they would put you in the front seat where there is space for handicapped, plenty of leg room, no seats in front of you.but, because the crate could cause harm if it got tossed around in the plane, it is not allowed there. The dog has to sit on the floor. This year I chose two rows up so I could slip him under the seat in front of me. We also had a bit of trouble with an irate traveler who resented my dog. Trying hard to forget all that.

Aug 30, 2013
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Airline travel
by: Iris

My Coton Tuffy is less than ten pounds. I travel by air frequently with him. Check online with the airline you plan to travel with for their pet travel requirements. Some are better and kinder to you and your dog than others. The plus is, they all think your Coton is so cute! Cute helps! The three different airlines we flew with only allow up to 10 lbs. in weight per animal and they limit how many they will board per flight, and must be in a carrier that fits under the seat. It's a real struggle to do this because they require also that the dog must be able to stand up and move around under the seat. Since the emergency flotation jackets are now mounted in a box under the seats it takes up most of the space. The dog can only lie down,barely move, and not stand up, and the carry case is smashed in half. A couple of years ago my medical & mental issues magnified. I was able to get certification for my dog to be a service animal which has additional rules on flights. Since he is supposed to assist me, it is required I have him on the floor at my feet and not in a case or under the seat. They take away the case and store it in the overhead compartment as carry on luggage.This causes both mine and my dog's anxiety to be elevated. As uncomfortable as it may be smashed under the seat in his carrier, he feels safer in his "cave" than being tossed around in the open and not allowed to roam. I don't think your dog will be allowed onboard unless he is trained and certified as a service dog because of his weight. Now the good news, there IS an airline that caters ONLY to dogs (sorry, no people can go along)and the dogs don't go into the dangerous cargo area, they have a space in their own passenger plane. Other then that, there are also carriers who will drive and transport your pet with other animals in their van, and stop along the way to exercise and let them relieve themselves. Another option if you have time, is rent a motor home and drive with your dog on board. Other than that, unless you're rich and famous and own, or can lease a private plane, I don't know of any other options. I was wishing I could get a ride to the West Coast on John Travolta's plane.I hear he's an excellent pilot.(dream on Iris).
Good luck. I hope you find a way, and would love to hear how you and your dog did on your trip. My Tuffy is a good house guest, just getting their is rough.
blessings and love, Tuffy and Mom

Aug 30, 2013
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Air travel suggestions
by: Anonymous

You need to check with the airline on their requirements. They have specific measurements on the size of the carrier needed for your pet, you will need to take your dog to your vet 10 days prior of flying its a requirement to get a health certificate and have your pet up to date on vaccines. If you can get a letter from your physican stating your pet is a companion service dog most airline will allow your pet aboard as carry on luggage & be able to stay with you. You may have to get a seat up front where there are no seats in front of you this way you can keep your pet close to you while in his carrier.
This is what I did with my cotton when she traveled with me. Check with the airlines and they will tell you the procedures.
You also might goggle to check online airline carriers. Amazon is a good site to check.
Hope this helped good luck.
Suzan
Mesquite NV

Aug 29, 2013
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Traveling by air
by: Anne/Glenmoore Pa

Haven't traveled by air with our Coton. But I would think you could ask the airline for a bulkhead seat. At least you would have the room to put the crate. Might be tight - depending on what airline you fly and what service (first class, coach, etc). Tell them what you want to do. They may consider the crate an object that could become a projectile if the plane runs into turbulance etc. Or, buy him a seat next to you. I would think you have to keep him crated for his safety.

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Has your Coton ever been boarded? how long? was it positive or negative?

by Iris Miller
(Bristol, CT USA)

I will not be able to take Tuffy with me this time to California. I must be gone about three weeks and a trainer I trust knows my dog, and told me Tuffy will not do well left home alone all day and definitely do not medicate him (my son and his wife will care for him, but they work all day). She said he will be a disaster and so will I when I return, and it will take a long time to undo all the stress he will be under. Tuffy is used to me being with him all day and going out for brief outings frequently.

She highly recommends I board him in a doggy camp where he will get the care and attention he needs and have lots of fun.

I need help from all my Coton owner friends, opinions and advice please! Do you have a single dog, a Coton at home, does he have anxiety when you return?
love,
Iris

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Sep 08, 2010
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Pet sitter dilemma
by: Gale

Hi Iris - here's some suggestions

I actually just wrote about my recent experience finding a pet sitter here. I had a great experience finding a pet sitter for Luc while I was out of the country.

There are many businesses (including Care.com that I used) that provide dog walking services during the day. You could have them come over while your son is at work and walk Tuffy and spend some time with him. You can interview in advance and make sure Tuffy is happy with the sitter.

I have actually used a "doggy camp" for Luc on occasion. This is great if Tuffy is social and likes to hang out with other dogs. The place I went to had a webcam so I could log on any time and see how Luc was doing. It put my mind at ease just seeing him playing and having fun. The only down side is that the dogs never seem to get any rest during the day which can be a problem if he's there for a longer duration.

I would definitely pick a place with a webcam so you can view their site BEFORE leaving Tuffy there. You can see how the dogs interact, how the staff treats the dogs, etc.

Also, Cotons are so darn smart. I'm sure Tuffy can pick up on your anxiety over leaving him. I know it's hard, but try not to make a big deal out of it when you leave him. You want him to know that there's nothing for him to worry about so you don't want him to see you all emotional and upset - you can fall apart on the plane :)

Good luck and try to enjoy your trip!

Sep 08, 2010
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Tuffy
by: Joyce

I think the best for Tuffy would be a house sitter that has experience with dogs. I'm sure you area has some available, and have them come over to interview.

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How does your Coton travel?

by Iris Miller
(Bristol, CT USA)

Waiting to board a plane to CA

Here's Tuffy on our most recent trip to California. He was a bit confused watching all the people come off the plane, when we were actually waiting to get on that plane. Eventually, he turned the opposite way to see if their was a line starting for boarding. My dog is super smart!
love, Tuffy and Mom

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Aug 31, 2013
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p.s. margo NEW
by: iris

hi again Marge,
I hope you found the other thread of comments about travel.
since we are neighbors, if you want to communicate about getting together for a doggie play date or chatting I am also on facebook Iris Ellner-Miller.
regards,
Iris

Aug 31, 2013
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hi Margo and Sherri! NEW
by: Iris

Nice to hear from both of you! Margo there's another comment page about travel from yesterday, I have written extensive messages about traveling with Tuffy on that page that might help you with some of your questions. The airlines don't give you a lot of options, your dog must weigh no more than ten pounds, they give the dimensions of the size soft carrier allowed that must fit under the seat in front of you and the dog must stay secured in there the whole trip. My Tuffy is 5 1/2 yrs old, weighs less than 10 pounds, his weight varies from 8 to 9 pounds.At first when we flew I paid for his passage and still had to stuff him under the seat like a purse. The past year he is now certified as a service animal, I have documentation from my doctor, and he is supposed to sit at my feet, not move, (the whole flight time!) with me sitting in the front seat, no seats in front of you. I don't like that, he gets anxious, so ,I moved back a few rows and I stuff him under a seat in his carrier. It's not comfortable, but he's been doing it for five years so he knows the routine. The other pages has more information you might be interested in.
Sherri, thank you too, I still would not qualify for a professional status as a groomer. It takes me days, as I have written in the past, a snip here and there, comb and brush one day, maybe another brushing and a partial trim a week laster, I just keep feeling around every morning when we do out good morning routine.If I find a matted area it's time for a trim.
I'm glad to know I'm not alone in my separation anxiety. Shall we call it C,S.A. (Coton Separation Anxiety) from now on? Tuffy would love to meet both your dogs to play with, he gets so bored! My ankle did not heal properly, a new Surgeon wants to operate,undo the whole thing and do a new surgery. ARE THEY NUTS? No way! I have spent almost three years recovering from injuries and surgeries. I am using a special self healing technique, it takes time, but it will heal. I am very grateful for your concern,Thanks!
blessings and love,
Iris and Tuffy Coton.

Aug 31, 2013
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World class traveler.. NEW
by: Margo

Hi! I'm new to the Coton world and looking to travel with my 12 week old, Beau, once he's potty trained. Tuffy is one handsome guy and I'm glad to see he's such a great traveler. How old is he and what does he weigh? Can you take him in the cabin? BTW, I live about 40 minutes from you in Lyme, not far from the Chester-Hadlyme ferry.

Aug 31, 2013
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TUFFY THE TRAVELER NEW
by: sherry cotton candie

What a cute pic of you Tuffy. You look totally relaxed and must be used to flying by now. We had talked of flying with Cotton but since getting Candie that is out of the question. She would never be comfortable in doing that and I believe at 14 lbs she would not fit into the small required seat carriers. We are doomed at car travel which both girls are wonderful and quiet.

Great job in trimming Tuffy, I know you were doing it yourself and he looks great. As with you and Tuffy ----Cotton and I both experience separation anxiety, I could never leave her behind as I would not enjoy myself and she would not eat.....They are meant to be our babies and what a joy to have them.

Good to see a pic of him again, hope you are totally healed and feeling great by now. Happy travels to you both.

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Crying and shaking on car rides.

by Sandra
(hamilton, Ontario)

My coton is almost five years old and is still terrible on car rides. He starts crying ,panting and pacing in the car. We have done many long distance drives with him and he does settle down after about 30 minutes. However even after all the long drives he still hates the car. We were hoping he would have out grown this behaviour but no such luck. Is there anything we can do or give him to make car rides more enjoyable?
Sandra

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Mar 14, 2015
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He's is happy if he can see NEW
by: Anonymous

Our little guy was terrified of car rides but we just keep going. We have found out that if he can see where we are going he is much more content. He loves to ride now. Maybe try a dog booster seat.

Mar 05, 2015
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car ride NEW
by: Amperage

I have a coton that at first didn't like car rides. He is getting more used to it but still cries, but way less than before. I find that having some clothing of mine for him to snuggle up to helps him feel secure. I guess the smell reminds him that it is safe.

Mar 03, 2015
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urgent to Truffles mom! NEW
by: Iris

If you haven't seen my previous postings about Tuffy's bladder surgery please find and read. The marking peeing all over could be the same signs that were Tuffy's. I got an email from AKC Newsletter about dog bladder health and realized this was a serious problem, and took Tuffy to the vet right away.by that time an xray showed he already had 26 stones blocking his urethra and was preventing his urine from coming out as hard as he was trying and had gotten to the point of uncontrollable urgency. They put a catheter in his penis and pushed the stones back into his bladder. The urine had to be drawn out of his distended bladder through the catheter and then subsequently he had to have bladder surgery to remove the stones and flush out the crystals that form the stones. He has calcium oxalate stones that can be reoccurring. , and is now on a prescription food for this problem. Please take truffles to the Veterinarian. God Bless.

Mar 03, 2015
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Shakes & crys in car NEW
by: Truffles Mom

Truffles shakes and cries in the car as well however, he loves to go "bye-bye in the car" LOVES IT.

He gets very excited when we tell him that's what we're doing, and he even jumps in the car. When I'm not the driver, I hold him on my lap with his harness close to me but he fights to get closer to the window, shaking & whining all the way.

He loves to be on daddy's lap, or whoever is driving, and stick his head out the window, all the while he is still shaking & whining.

He cries & yikes with excitement when we pull back into the neighborhood, almost as much as he does at a place he doesn't know, I'm not sure what he's nervous about but I think because the dogs have anxiety in general it's just the way it is?

He for sure hates the vet however he's too busy trying to snoop around and mark everywhere. As far as the groomer goes he's happy but yet nervous. He loves our groomer, she comes to the house, in a van and his tail wags all the way back to that van when she carries him out there.

For sure these little dogs are anxious and I looked into the thunder shirt but haven't bought one yet because I do have many clothes for him for when it gets cold here in Florida, and a few T-shirts and they don't seem to make much of a difference. One thing I found was that when I put his first Halloween costume on which has sleeves down each leg, he does act different. I didn't think much of it at first feeling it might just be the cooler weather but it seems that full body cotton hug tight coverage helped him in every way be less anxious. I can't say that it's good for his longer for right now however the option might be best to have shorter hair and wear the shirt.

So I'm looking for one that doesn't say prisoner, that I can keep on him full time :-). Now if I can just get him to stop marking all over the house at three years old! Recently, he even Peed on a fabric the hell of toys and the toys of his own!?!

Mar 02, 2015
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crying in the car NEW
by: Iris

I take Tuffy out on the leash. He knows the routine. He sees me take the car keys out so he knows he must go pee and poop before we go in the car and he does immediately, then heads for the car. This is because I finally figured that he was uncomfortable and stressing, the reason he cried in the car because he got nervous and had to go potty. Since then he only cries when he's afraid it's about him going to the vet or the groomer, both places he's terrified of.He looks out the window and When he realizes we are not going there he settles down. From the time he was a little puppy I kept him on the back seat in his soft travel carrier. He figured out how to unzip it from the inside, he liked having the flap down and stayed in his carrier. He finally outgrew it so now he sits on the back seat. On long trips I use a travel carrier. He's used to it on planes and in cars.i don't offer any food before we travel so he won't throw up.

Mar 02, 2015
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Motion sickness NEW
by: Sherry & Cinderella

Cinderella came up here (Alaska) on a plane at 13 weeks old. When I picked her up, I was shocked. She was petrified, and had drooled all over herself the entire way. Her coat was yellow down the front. It was from her saliva, not urine. I can see why some breeders will not ship their pups. After that she would cry and vomit every time she went in the car, even if it was only 1/2 mile ride. 2 years ago, we had to spend every weekend day fixing up a house 50 miles away from home, so we could sell it. It took about 4 months. I couldn't leave her at home alone so we took her with us, and she always wanted to go. She would start out crying and then she would vomit and then quiet down. I keep her in a kennel when she goes in the car. It took about a month, but she finally got used to it. I also have 2 toy poodles. Cindy will be 5 in April. She still gets very anxious, but she doesn't cry anymore. I just couldn't leave her at home. I would never take her on an airplane even if she could be on my lap.

I did talk with the vet about it and was told there was medication for motion sickness for them. She asked if I wanted a sample, so I got them, they were $1.00 each and had to be taken 1hr in advance. This was all too inconvenient and costly. And, knowing how long we would be taking this ride back and forth, I didn't want to keep her drugged up all weekend long. So, I didn't even try them. I'm sorry I don't know the name of the medication. I have since disposed of it. I don't know if this helps or not. With Cinderella, it took several long rides twice per week for 4 months. She has cried a couple of times since but hasn't vomited.

The poor little things are meant to run, not ride. Good luck with your pup!

Mar 01, 2015
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ours too! NEW
by: candilea

Our little coton, Sebastien never settles down in the car. He pants, cries, and tremors. We have tried everything and I have no advice. I think some dogs have certain phobias and personalities.

Mar 01, 2015
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car rides NEW
by: Lisa

Stormy is 5 and still cries and shakes every car ride but the weird thing is he also cries at the door for me to take him with me. Any suggestions would be helpful.

Mar 01, 2015
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Car rides NEW
by: Margie

My Coton is 5 as well and has the same problem. He has been in the car since a baby, it started when he was around 2. I tried everything, recently I was told it could be motion or car sickness. Any ideas would be helpful.

Mar 01, 2015
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CAR RIDES NEW
by: KATHY FROM PA

Triscuit is almost 7 now and she doesn't like to go in the car either. She shakes and whines...I put her in her small little soft cage and she seems better in that altho she still whines..I think she feels safer in there and it is better protection than sitting in a seat...Good luck Kathy and Triscuit

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How do you handle traveling without your Coton de Tulear?

by Susie

Gale, you mentioned in your newsletter that you have been traveling. I have a question. We have a Coton de Tulear that is coming up on 6 months old. My husband and I like to travel....not often...but there will be times when we will need to board Keeva. We have a nice boarding facility near us that I trust completely. Do you board Luc???

Just wondering about how others deal with traveling without their dogs. I want to be comfortable and I want my dog to be comfortable too....or heck, I wouldn't enjoy a vacation!!!

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May 09, 2012
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dogsitter
by: Coton mamma

We have two cotons, litter mates, that are now 16 months old. We tried board at a kennel that we had used before with other dogs. The problem is with cotons they need to be groomed so often that they came home looking HORRIBLE!

We have now found a sitter that comes to our house and it is LESS expensive than the kennel. She is GREAT and now the 'kids' don't have to leave their home. It has been a perfect solution for all of us.

May 08, 2012
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Guess I am different....
by: Susie

Thank you again, first of all, for your comments about traveling without your pup. I feel confident that the place I have found will be very good for my dog. It has heated flooring, separate inside and outside kennels and in my puppy's case the owner said she would just board her right in her office. And...I like her, she seems very good with all the dogs. There is a puppy play area too and she only charges $16.00 a night. When we got our dog my husband and I talked at great lengths about whether getting a puppy would stifle us and our traveling. We don't travel all that much but it is overseas and we are gone for as long as 3 weeks (but usually only 2). We give our pup a wonderful home and since we are retired she gets tons of attention. I would think if I were told I could never travel (or do other things) because I have a dog then I would grow to resent her. I don't think having a dog should mean that you don't have a life! Am I weird or what? Don't get me wrong either because I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my pup and we have tons of fun together. She stays in her kennel (which is huge) when we go golfing and never a complaint. She is always napping when we return. So.....I don't think I am a bad dog mom.....I just feel that my every moment doesn't need to be focused on my dog.
What do you all think???

May 08, 2012
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Travel w/ur Coton
by: Vicky & Jonah (Az)

I think I would get a new vet starting out. Have u checked out places like Petsmart or Petco which are national chains. I know many from the dog park they speak very highly of the service they received. The cost is based on weather u would like them to attend doggie play area. The sleeping quarters are roomy where u can take their beds, blankets, toys or dishes if u like yet do not have to. When the people received their blankets & such back they had all been laundered. They supply Science Diet dog food or u can bring ur own.

May 08, 2012
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Traveling without my Coton
by: gafita

I haven't travel over seas since 2009 because I haven't found a good trusting place to leave him. The last time I left him with my vet just around the corner, they kept him in cage for my 9 days trip. When I came back he had scratched his nose against the gate and pulled all his hair from his tail. The vet still charged me without discount for his stay. He just offered me treatment for the tail.

A couple of years later saw a good place that doesn't keep him caged but since he is not fixed the did not allowed him there.

Since then I just vacations to places I can take him with me. I just wish I could travel over seas again.

Apr 15, 2012
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Thank you
by: Susie

Thank you for all your kind responses. I think I need to get over my guilt feelings. Keeva had to stay overnight at the vets after getting spayed and you know what......she survived and so did I!
Love the little bugger and just wanted to know what others do when they need to leave......
thanks again!

Apr 12, 2012
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dogvacay.com
by: Gale

I just received an email about this very subject that you may want to check out. It allows you to find a home for your dog to stay while you're away. Sounds like this may be an option that's also affordable. Somewhat similar to care.com (but free to join).

If anyone has used this service, please share your experience with us ....

http://dogvacay.com/how-it-works/

I just put in my city and most of the prices were higher than the $15/night quoted on the web site, but I guess every area's average costs will be different. There were a lot of people to choose from though.

Apr 12, 2012
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traveling
by: Vicky & Jonah (Az)

Isn't it funny how our separation anxiety is worse then our beloved pets? If u have complete confidence in where u board u have already answered ur own fears. Enjoy ur travels.

Apr 12, 2012
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Find the right boarding place
by: Cheryl

Millions of people board their pet every year so there are many many choices for most of us. Years ago my dogs had to be boarded in cages and I'd pick them up and they'd be hoarse from barking so much.

Now I never go to a place that uses cages - tney have nice rooms with nice beds. Like Gale, I only pick places that allow video cameras so I can check on my dog any time.

In a perfect world we'd all be able to take our dogs with us every where we go, but that's just not possible for most of us. I just suggest doing your homework, visiting the place, asking lots of questions and get referrals from friends and relatives if possible.

It sounds like you really trust the place you're thinking about and that's all you can ask for. You can always try it for one night as a trial to see how it goes before committing to longer trips.

Good luck

Apr 12, 2012
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Tuffy Coton, frequent flyer
by: Iris Miller

My Tuffy goes with me when I travel. It's like having a perpetual toddler. Only once did he stay home for a weekend with my daughter in law who lives in the same house(I live in a separate apartment in the house). He did okay with her. Then with my daughter when I ended up in the hospital while visiting her. I notice Tuffy lost weight both times. He only weighs 8 to 9 lbs, so if his collar gets looser I know he's losing weight(I keep it at the two finger tension, so if I can fit more than two fingers between his collar and neck I know he's lost weight). I am not surprised, because of his separation anxiety, when I am away he does not eat of drink until I return.

Apr 12, 2012
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Pet boarding
by: Gale

Having someone I trust take care of Luc when I’m gone is very important to me and I’ve had success with several different options. It’s always best if you have family or friends who can help, but that’s not an option I can count on very often so for short trips (2-4 days) I have a couple of great boarding facilities to choose from. These places gave me peace of mind because they have video cameras set up so I can watch any time from any computer. They also have separate play areas for little dogs and big dogs. The dogs play together all day and then go to their own rooms at night. The staff is amazing and Luc seems happy and that’s all that matters. I never worry that Luc doesn’t get the attention he needs.

If I have to be gone longer than that, I have used Care.com to find local sitters in my area. When I went to London for 10 days, I found a family who took Luc in who had a big beautiful house, a big fenced in yard, and kids who played with him. I was afraid he wouldn’t want to come home because he loved it so much. They sent me pictures and videos while I was gone which also let me relax and enjoy myself knowing he was in good hands. I was surprised that the cost wasn’t any higher than boarding at a kennel or vet. Services like Care.com (there are others like it) do background checks and provide references and you get to interview prospective pet sitters.

If you have found a place with people you trust, just do it and leave the guilt at home (I know, easier said than done).

Apr 12, 2012
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boarding
by: SHERRY/COTTON

It sure can be a problem in deciding what to do, however -- I would never ever board Cotton. I know alot of places are good, dogs are excercised and feed, but they simply cannot duplicate their normal living conditions. They do not have the manpower or time to do so. Would it be possible to let a relative, friend or neighbor that you trust and your dog knows to keep her for you??

Apr 12, 2012
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traveling without my Heidi
by: Anonymous

I have been fortunate to have extended family both willing and wanting to keep my Heidi when I travel or need medical care. I have been gone as long as three weeks. Their dog gets along and is big friends with my Heidi. I have a "baby book" which is a three ring binder containing all of Heidi's health history and medical records that goes with Heidi. The "baby book" is kept where ever Heidi is staying.

In case of any emergency, they have her medical records and heath history if needed for vet care. I also give my permission for them to obtain any care that Heidi might need while I am gone. Should the extended family have their own emergency, they can notify me when they are able. I would then pay or reimburse them for any boarding care until my return or the emergency is over. Fortunately, we have had no major emergencies. I have Heidi up-to-date vet care and she is micro chipped and she is in good hands so I feel very comfortable taking a vacation. This summer, I am taking my 92 year old Mom back to her home state for one last trip (bucket list trip) while my Heidi will be in good hands with extended family or (if need be) boarded until my return.

Apr 12, 2012
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Thank you!
by: Anonymous

Thank you for your suggestions. Unfortunately we don't have an RV and can't really afford an in-home caregiver/pet-sitter. We take Keeva to this boarding facility for an occasional daycare mainly for socialization with other dogs. The woman who runs it is so great with her and lets her hang out with her while she does her office work. She said if/when we board her she will board her right in the office instead of the bigger kennels with the big dogs. I guess I was just hoping someone would say "yes, sometimes you do have to board your pet and that it is O.K. as long as you have a good facility." I guess I will still feel guilty..............but I appreciate your responses.

Apr 11, 2012
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vacations
by: Anonymous

There are good people who will house sit and pet sit. If you get lucky, you will find one. And if you can afford it, it is so worth the price. Peace of mind is so important.

Apr 11, 2012
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traveling
by: Laura

We have two cotons. We have boarded them, in a nice place, but I still felt bad. So we bought them an RV and take them anywhere they want to go. We have found a wonderful senior woman, with a yorkie, and she stays at our house...a few days or a few weeks. The dogs love each other and I am comfortable that they are loved and taken good care of.

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