I have just found out that a neighbour has gone away on holiday for 2 weeks, both their dogs have been left alone, with the run of the house. A near neighbour is opening the back door for them & it's left like that all day, she is also feeding them. Someone else is walking them once a day, but I personally think it's disgusting! What does anyone else think? I know the RSPCA won't want to know, because they are being checked twice a day. I can just hear their owner's excuse, probably that they prefer to be 'home alone' rather than in kennels. What a way to treat your animals, I really don't know why some people get dogs at all. They don't bark thank goodness, but I hope someone breaks in, takes everything, including the dogs & give them a better home! Would serve them right, wouldn't it? Before anyone comments, no this neighbour is not approachable, he thinks he is perfect!:rolleyes::rolleyes:

I know of kennels where the setup isn't much different. And people pay to leave their dogs there.

I was going to say the same.  For the dogs it may be no different than their usual routine especially if the owners work.

"They don't bark thank goodness, but I hope someone breaks in, takes everything, including the dogs & give them a better home. Would serve them right,"

What a horrible thing to wish on anyone. The situation may not be perfect but as Jeangenie said, dogs in kennels at times get less attention than this. I sincerely hope that this persons home does not get broken into in any shape or form. The dogs have not been abandoned and provision is in place to make sure they are checked regularly/fed/watered and walked daily.

unfortunately there are plenty of dogs who live a similar life and thats when their owners are actually at home!!!

Yes, it's not ideal, but at least their physical needs will be met if not their emotional ones.

This would certainly not be my choice-  equally nor would some kennels!! It may well be the people providing the exercise and feeding these dogs are spending some 'quality' time with them too.
I sincerely hope the home isn't burgled and the dogs stolen.

Linda

When I was about 12 our friends and their parents used to go to Belgium camping for three weeks. We (older sister and I) would be in charge of their pets - dog, cat and various gerbils, hamsters (the parents were teachers). We would visit several times a day and feed the animals and walk the dog. Everybody thought it quite normal then - don't remember people using kennels except my aunt who was wealthy, but still had to travel quite a way to the kennels that she used for her dog (before she realised it was cheaper leaving him with us ) :D

Daisy

There are actually companies that you can pay to offer this service!

Whilst we may not always agree with the way other people choose to care for their animals i find it very harsh to wish them to be burgled!

Never wish ill on others; what goes around comes around.

No, it's not ideal; nothing is when you go on holiday, that's why I gladly stay at home.

On the other hand there is worse in some kennels. 

Some dogs absolutely hate kennels and would much prefer the set-up you describe.

At least this way, they are in their home environment and that can be lot less stressful for them than an alternative.

Sorry if I have upset anyone, but I have known these dog owners for years. They have hobbies which take them away every weekend, the dog walker does not come down when it's just weekends. The neighbour feels extremely 'used', the owners have been known to go away & actually NOT mention it to the neighbour who feeds them. All I wished was that the dogs were taken by someone who could give them a better life. The owners work full time, have 2 holiday homes & 1 of there last dogs was allowed to get pregnant at 16yrs old & it proved fatal for the poor little mite. When the owners are in, the dogs are allowed to roam & mess over everyones garden, they even leave them asleep in the middle of the road & expect cars to drive round them. Dog lovers NO, should they have dogs NO!

The home wouldn't have to be broken into, the back door is left open all day!

Its a shame the kind neighbour is chipping in because, if the dogs were just left, there may be something the RSPCA could do. In a lot of ways though, their hands are tied but maybe, with the new act, leaving the dogs alone all day when working and at a weekend would not be catering for their needs, so maybe if they just 'take off' and leave the dogs to fend for themselves something could be done. They certainly do not sound like kind, caring owners, so maybe a chat with the RSPCA outlining the details may evoke a visit from them, with some advice given.

Like you, I cannot understand why people like this own dogs, they seem no more than an inconvienence to them, even when they are home. I wouldnt want to leave my dogs to go off, but can understand why some people do, however there are many ways the dogs can be looked after in owners absence, including having someone actually stay at the house to look after them. These people certainly sound as if they can afford that.

I'd have a chat with the RSPCA, see what they can advise.

I dont see why people dont just take theyre dpgs on holiday with them.
Yeah its harder work to find somewhere which will take dogs, but theyre part of the family and a life long dedication, they shouldnt be left in kennles where theyre alone in a strange place with strange dogs and people and possibly could pick up kennel cough.
We always take our girl with us on holiday, we would never leave her behind.

I dont see why people dont just take theyre dpgs on holiday with them.

Plenty wouldn't be suitable for dogs and it would be unfair on them.

Sorry I dont agree with that because theyre are thousands of cottages, B&B's Caravan parks and hotels who take dogs.
So whatever your style of holiday they could come with you, if you cant provide for a dog in every way including taking them on holiday with you then dont get a dog.
Or at least have the decency to find a relative or friend who will take the dog to their house and look after it properley in their own home.
These things should have all been thought about before even getting a puppy or dog.
Also Dog charitys have the numbers of travel orginaisers who specialise in dog hotels etc for that exact reason im talking about so they are in agreemewnt as well.
so there really isnt an excuse for not taking a dog with you, if you think it will hinder your expierance you should have thought about that before you even got one! 

whilst there may be thousands of cottages etc that take dogs, I've yet to find one that will take more than two. I have 3 large dogs - two stay at home, one comes with me. Finding suitable places to take them and fitting it into our budget is hard work come holiday time. The two are not left on their own, my daughter arranges time off work and then lives in my house for the week. I don't and wouldn't use kennels so if it was not possible for her to stay (have even left hubby at home to dogsit ;) ) then we don't go.

Years and years ago (about 14 I think) I had a spaniel that went into kennels for a week. When we picked him up he had lost his bark apparently he had barked himself hoarse all week :( After that whenever we went away we left him at home with my gran - who lived across the road - coming over early in the morning to let him out and then staying with him most of the day, only going home at night when he had been fed, watered and settled down for the night. She lived(s) on her own so it was company for her and she had use of my garden (she lived in a flat then) and I never once felt guilty about it, he was happier at home, my gran was happy about it and so was I.

I would still inform the RSPCA and when they are back off holiday the Inspector could go round for an informal chat. I reported someone once as they were leaving their overweight, old GR in the small double glazed porch while she took the children to school. As I pointed out, if she should break down or get side tracked and the sun came round while she was out the dog would literally roast. They sent an Inspector and had a brief chat with her to explain the dangers but also advised them about exercise and diet while they were there.

Life doesn't always work out that way Rach - I wish it did!  I'd lvoe to take all my dogs on holiday with me, but I simply can't.  I have done in the past, first when I only had Remy and last year when it was just Remy and Opi, but when Soli came along it all changed.

It's not a case of me not wanting to take them, but when I took Soli on I was unaware of her issues and the effect it would have on walking, training and so on; I have to walk her separately as she is not good with other dogs, and if I needed to go and retrieve one of the others or - dog forbid - help them out if they got in trouble with another dog - I couldn't do it with her there.  Luckily my last addition is fab and can go out with the others, but you can understand why taking all 4 dogs on a holiday is just impossible - there's no way I could manage them all, and there's very few cottages etc that would be happy for me to leave some there while I walked others.  I also wouldn't leave Soli with anyone else, as I don't feel anyone would get to know her signals and behaviours quick enough to handle her properly around strange dogs etc.

I'm not saying it's impossible for any owner to take their dog/s with them, but for some it is genuinely not an option.  Much as I sincerely hope I can work with Soli enough that I can take a trip with the 4 of them in the future, I am aware that it's a very remote possibility.  And that's if I can find a cottage that'll allow 4 large dogs.

ETA:  I did consider these problems when I first got dogs, and did have every intention of always holiday-ing with them - my point is that sometimes life throws a furry, dobe-shaped spanner in the works :D

I would love to take all three away with me, not sure the rest of the family would agree LOL but like you said its not always possible.

It just angers me when people get animals they cant care for properly, why get more dogs then you know you can care for comftably.
Who in theyre right mind would leave a dog alone unsupervised for one night let alone 2 weeks.

Fair do's if you have a relative come round to dogsit or the dogs go to families, but never should a dog be left alone for more then is absolutly needed, you have a dedication to them, it would break my heart to leave Mitz behind, and even when we have 2 SBTS we will still take them with us, took me 1 month of searching the internet to find our BB last time and I would do it all again.
And theyre places which take many dogs at a time, just got to look hard enough! :)
We used to dogsit before we got Mitz and now they have to find an alternate means as we cant do it anymore, but I dont feel guilty about not doing it anymore as they found suitable alternate accommadation with friends and the dog is their responsibility when they brought it, people seem to forget that nowadays.........

I took 2 dogs camping 2 years ago to cornwall with my kids.
While it worked out well for that holiday it was no way ideal :(
When there were gail force winds and torrential rain, luckily the campsite owner let me put the dogs in the stable block for the day so I could take my children somewhere in doors. Otherwise me and a 6 yearold and 10yo would have been stuck in the tent ALL day.
Now I have 3 dogs it would be impossible.
I went camping last week, and put 2 dogs in kennels and my old girl stayed with my mum.
I was going to a wedding on the friday and if I had taken the dogs they would have had to be  a. Left in the car or b. left in the tent NEITHER I would do. It also chucked it down with rain most of the time so they would have been miserable.
Now Rach, I would say you are against peeople leaving dogs on their own in cars for any reason.
If I took the dogs on holiday, bearing in mind I cannot afford catered hotels and have to camp, what would I do with my dogs while I went into the supermarket on a hot day?????
I go on holiday on my own with my 2 children. There would be noone else to look after the dogs while I went into food shops and they would have to be left in a car.NOT an option.
I would far rather leave them in kennels where I know they are being looked after and kept cool and safe then take them with me and have the problems I have just said.
Lea

What I would say too you is why did you get a 3rd dog if you knew it would make life harder on your 2 you already have in term of travelling and living?
If it was hard enough with 2, why get another? so now the 2 who used to go with you, can no longer go and get stuck in kennels when they used to go with mum on holidays????

I would never have dogs outside my means and I know we can support 2 and would get no more then that.

In regards to the wedding you wouldnt go if it meant leaving your dogs out in the car, as they are your responsibility, no one elses thats just common sense..
And I travel to Newquay Cornwall plenty and they are more then happy most supermarkets to let dogs in, Cornwall is the most dog friendly holiday place in Britain, so you should have no problem catering for your dog there, just got to look harder for what you want. They are taken in pubs and everywhere in Cornwall so that isnt even a problem as we managed getting shopping with Mitz there with us, in one pub there was 2 newfoundlands sitting inside while the family had a meal. so the facilities are there, just got to be prepared to look for them.

The 2 that I took with me are NOT the 2 that I put in kenels.
I dont know why I am explaining myself to you but.
I have not got dogs outside my means.
I can cope with 3, the one I left with my mum is my old girl who could not cope with being trawled around here there and everywhere as she is now severally artheritic.
Why I got another dog. Beano cannot be left on his own without an other dog for company. I nearly lost Gemma twice in the last year. And that would mean I couldnt have even gone to the shops and left Beano at home as he would howl the place down. So I got Ebba so that when I do loose Gemma (and I am hoping not for a while but in reality it will probably be on the next year) Beano will have a playmate and not pine for Gemma as much.
As for Supermarkets leting dogs in, I have never found any.
I would say there is 2 adults iwhen you go on holiday?? Am I right???
That way if your dogs cant go in somewhere you can leave your other half to look after them. I DONNOT have that luxery.
I wish I lived in your world where everything is perfect for you and your dogs,
Unfortunatly I donnot.
I have dogs, I love them to pieces, so do my children. I can afford 3 dogs. I can look after 3 dogs.
And putting them in kennels for a few days a year is nNOT going to harm them.
As for the wedding. It was the wedding of my BEST MATE. No I wouldnt have gone if it meant leaving the dogs in the car, so I PAID someone to look after them for me so I could go to something I wouldnt have missed for the world. My dogs mean the world to me, and so do my FRIENDS. And had my mum look after my old girl as I donnot think it is fair to have her in kennels at her age Not selfish in my book. My dogs mean the world to me, and so do my FRIENDS.
I wonder how many people would have dogs if the only way they coould have them is living in your ideal world. Not many as most people dont live in an ideal world, and we have to manage the best way we can. That means giving yourself, your children and your dogs the happiest life possible and part of that is compromise.
Lea :)

I have NEVER heard of a supermarket (at least one selling food) allowing dogs in (unless they were guided dogs) :)

Daisy

I've never even come across a shopping centre that allows dogs other than guide dogs in, let alone into the shops. Maybe people can get away with Chihuahuas in shoulder bags, bu that would be about it.......

Somerfield in Newquay have always allowed dogs on lead in there, its goes in theme with the town. hundreds of shops allow dogs, if there is no sign saying no dogs, then you can go in with one no matter what the shop:)

Ditto we used to take ours with us to the caravan but if the weather turned it was a nightmare.  We got the caravan to take them all with us and holiday several times a year. That was scraped. They now either go into kennels that my freind runs and knows my dogs or I get a family member to dog sit the whole holiday.

I found the caravanning and all the dogs so difficult personally for them and us.

I meant that a LOT of people go on holiday abroad to lie on the beach! Hardly suitabe for dogs........ :rolleyes:

Personally I don't go on holiday, simple as that.

Don't agree, I'm afraid :) For some people dogs may be as their children - but not for others. While my dogs play an important part in my life, I don't plan my holidays for their enjoyment :) While we have taken our older dog on a canal holiday with us - which was enjoyed by all, our other holidays have been for the humans to enjoy. My dogs are guarding types and not particularly people friendly - taking them on holiday would be stressful to all. I have no family that could/would look after them (apart from the odd weekend which my children will cover). My dogs are perfectly alright in kennels and we humans can enjoy our holiday knowing that :) It always upsets me to see people sitting on a beach etc in the height of summer with a dog alongside - are they really enjoying it ? We like visiting castles, museums etc - dogs are not allowed  and leaving them in a car in hot weather is not an option, so they would be left wherever we were staying. Most rented cottages require that dogs left alone are caged - is that better for them ?? Of course, some people manage fine taking their dogs with them - that is their choice and I respect that :)

Daisy

Lea theres is no need to explain yourself, you asked me a question and i answered it!
I do not live in a perfect world as you so delicatly put it, i simply think of my dog while I go away on holiday to the point where I believe you should, as you took the dog on.
You live your life the way you want, its no care of mine, I still think that dogs should have the right not to be shut away in kennels for our own satisfaction , but that is not what you believe obviously.
To get so wound up about it is pointless.

> To get so wound up about it is pointless.

You made a very provocative statement

> if you cant provide for a dog in every way including taking them on holiday with you then dont get a dog.

It's not surprising that people have taken offense to it :( As far as I am concerned my dogs are dogs. I take care of them to the best of my ability as dogs - not humans. Dogs don't need holidays IMO :)

Daisy

Daisy she was the one who started to CAPS everything, I simply stated my views and some people just have to have their own which is fair enough, but why challenge someone and then get wound up if they say something you dont like?

And i believe if you cant cater for a dogs every need then no you shouldne have one, but if you read the rest of the statement you have carefully edited a piece from then you will see I also back up the kennels to a degree.
People really feel the need to highlight and caps things to get a point across for some reason as well.
You cant bully your advice onto someone im afraid!

You cant bully your advice onto someone im afraid!

So why do you try yourself?

I never bully, I never use CAPS to get a point across. If someone asks me a question, and me being an honest person, I will answer truthfully. If someone doesnt like what i have to say in regards to their question, does that make me a bully???
Please explain to me how it does? As I may be missing something!

Who do you say has been bullying ???

I use caps for EMPHASIS - is that bullying ???

Daisy

Certainly using several question marks etc makes it all look/sound very provocative, as does your language eg. "stuck in kennels". Such as here:
so now the 2 who used to go with you, can no longer go and get stuck in kennels when they used to go with mum on holidays????

If someone is provocative with me am I not allowed to do the same?
It was not the way I intended it but someone has interpereted that way.

I'm pretty sure my dogs would not want to be dragged round Blackpool pleasure beach waiting while my daughter goes on the big one!!
You cannot put your life on hold because of a dog, that would be unreasonable nor would i drag them around on family days out either.. While the original post situation isnt ideal, my danes have been left alone at night on numerous occasions due to my husband working nights and i've gone away for a few days with my daughter.. It certainly hasnt killed them nor have they felt the need to seek therapy :D

> nor have they felt the need to seek therapy

LOLOL :D :D :D Please don't suggest that to my dogs :D :D :D

Daisy

> You cant bully your advice onto someone im afraid

LOL :D :D You're the one doing that :D You have stated that 'looking after' dogs properly means that you have to take your dogs on holiday with you - if you don't then you're not fit to have a dog - basically :D :D Lea is doing her best for her dogs in more ways than one. She isn't merely dragging them around everywhere (as some people do) without giving any thought for their welfare (as do most people on here give lots of thought). Everyone's opinion on what is best for their dogs depends on lots of factors, but I very much doubt that anyone else on here would be as critical of anyone's decision not to take their dog on holiday.

Daisy

Earlier this year I went away for a few days to Butlins. It had been planned for a long time, it had to be as so many of us went (big family) mums, dads, sisters and many nephews etc etc. There was no way I could have taken the dogs!!! So they went into a kennels that is owned by a good friend of mine and they were fine and came out happy and healthy. I don't believe because I have dogs that I shouldn't have gone, or had to explain to my 7 year old that he couldn't go to this fun place because we own dogs!! Nor could I/would I try and make the entire family go somewhere else dog friendly (I'm the only dog owner).
I certainly didn't think I'd best not get my dogs in case I want to go away in the future, you just make sure they are cared properly for if/when you do.

My dogs are very important members of our family but they are not the sole reason for my existence.

Although I would leavemy dogs in kennels if we go on holiday, if my daughter was not able to look after them,  I have never, and never would, leave my dogs crated for 7 hours a day as you yourself Rach have said you do on a regular basis. What suits one owner and their dogs is not necessarily what suits another as this so clearly shows :)

Harley im in complete agreement with you.
Daisy you have no grounds to call me a bully and the whole piece you just placed on here is technically bullying, as bullying terms mean to single out a person and concentrate on battering them with verbal of physical abuse, exactly what you are doing.
I will have my views and you will have yours, if you cant live with someone elses views then dont come to a discussion forum where people wont always agree same with  Lea.
Seems the topic is now me rather then what this thread was actully intended to be when theres no reason for it and Im in no way saying your unfit if you cant take a dog, thats rubbish you just cant understand as you wont take on my views.

Rach - if you have problems with what I have said please report me to Admin :)

Daisy

Im in no way saying your unfit if you cant take a dog, thats rubbish you just cant understand as you wont take on my views.

What does this below mean then? I certainly read it as saying you should not have a dog unless you will take it on holiday with you.
So whatever your style of holiday they could come with you, if you cant provide for a dog in every way including taking them on holiday with you then dont get a dog.

Daisy I am an adult and dont see the need to run to admin if I have a disagrement with someone.
And yes I do think you should take your dogs on holiday with you, but I also said if you have family the dog can go too that is also fine, its all there to read!

Rach i find you very naive, we live in a holiday village and while mine are safetly tucked into a well ventilated dog run with fresh running water as and when they need it for a few hours a day whilst we go to the markets, i see plenty of uncomfortable holiday makers dogs getting dragged round the markets no thought for their well being..

mygirl please dont insult me verbally, i dont call names so neither should you.I find you narrowminded for only having one view but i dont feel the need to call you it do I?

lol i'd be a pretty boring person if i only had one view narrowminded isnt that an insult too? although i'm not a touchy person so it didnt offend :)
Why dont you just go and walk your dog and take a breather i have just done that works wonders..

Runs off to get therapy :D

>if you cant provide for a dog in every way including taking them on holiday with you then dont get a dog. <

I too took that personally but chose to ignore it. I have 3 (could be 4 next year) and I provide and care for them 24/7
I would love to take my lot with me, but there will be times when they can't go where the rest of us can. Taking one leonberger is hard enough, I like - no Love - shopping :) and most holiday gift shops are crowded at the best of times, and I wouldn't be able to afford to pay for all the damaged stock my dogs tail would knock off the shelves. Who do I leave her outside with? The boys just aint strong enough to hold on tight. So ok, I don't do the shops. Boring :rolleyes: As for going on the beach? again impossible sometimes as you have to go so far up the beach and the boys don't want the 'trek' with towels, bags etc. Aside from the fact it would (hopefully) be sunny and that wouldn't do for the dog(s) to lie in the sun, they don't need a tan. Again going into food bars is a pain, unless we can squash ourselves in a corner somewhere as they are just too big to lie at yr feet and no one would get past. We don't do castles or fun parks when the dog(s) are with us, too many people see the dog as an attraction and we don't get very far :rolleyes: Went to a holiday car boot/market once, took me 3 hours to get round it and I never got to buy much as too many people wanted to 'pet' her and ask loads of questions that I never had the time :)
So, why do I take one with me? ....Because its easier than all three :P
I love my dogs, they are at my side all day/night. I also love my kids. (please don't ask who I prefer ;) ) :D Seriously though I do plan my  holidays to fit a dog in but its not much of a holiday for me really, just a change of scenery :)