Hi,
We are going away on the 14th June for a week and i need someone to look aftrer our 8 month old cocker spaniel bitch. I could put her in kennels but im sure it will really stress her out and im really worried about it. I live in Essex and i will pay the right person, she loves kids and is very loving, shes also had all of her injections. Im running out of time PLEASE HELP

Thanks
Michelle

You have left it really late to find someone reputable to look after your Cocker Michelle - things like this are best sorted out months in advance. You say you don't want to put your pup in kennels which is fair enough but how could you trust someone who contacts you out of the blue & offers to help? You haven't got enough time to check them out & get to know them. Sorry to sound so negative. You could try one of the reputable pet sitting agencies (who will supply someone to stay in your home & look after your dog) but again it's short notice. Most of the agencies have websites so have a look at a few - Animal Aunts, Minders Keepers spring to mind but there are others too.

Good Luck!

if things come to the worst you could always put her in kennels. the longest weve ever been away is two weeks and regrettably we had to put her in kennels but she loved it! shes a cocker too and they looked after her extremely well, the pepole who run it are a man and wife team and are obviously very dedicated, the first time we took her they showed us round everywhere and we never worry about leaving her there as they treat her very well. as long as you find a good kennel im sure she will be fine, i think molly was about 8 months when we left her for the first time and have never had any problems.
Liz

Hi Michelle

You may have given enough information in your post for someone to identify you and when you will be away - Might be an idea to remove your phone number and just leave email address.

It would probably be better to leave her in secure kennels rather than with someone you don't know - is there any chance you could take her with you if it is UK

Christine

Hi everyone,
Thanks for your advice, i am going away to haven which doesnt accept dogs which is a shame. Im off out now to look at a couple of kennels in Basildon, if they look nice enough a may have to leave her their, i hope she doesnt go downhill and forget all her training etc...

Michelle

sure she wont forget anything. just explain to the person who owns the kennels that it is her first time and im sure theyll keep an eye on her. i always take molly's food and water bowls as well as a familar blanket or toy to comfort her. whoever runs the kennel is usually very experienced and you could let them know that you are worried about her forgetting her training and im sure they will make sure that she remains obedient or whatever for you. good luck

Have you contacted her breeder, who may be able to board her for you. I know that I prefer the pup to come back to me if they are under a year old (except for the boys if there are bitches in season). Also they may know a good boarding kennels they can recomend.

haven as in haven holidays all over the uk?this haven does accept dogs as long as you stay in the older accomadation.hope you find someone you can trust,i take my boys to the groomer who is also a friend
b.o.l
mel :)

remember to get her jabbed for kennel cough if you go to kennels...it is wise, and they may insist on it. make the vet appointment quickly!

look up the association for registered pet sitters as they will be able to help you, i live in essex and i think there are quite a few in essex, i am lucky as i know the people at my local kennels as i used to work there so i dont mind leaving my dogs if i have to , but my cuurent boss also looks after them for me, one stays in the house (my lab tess) shes a better guard dog than their rotti she wouldnt let my boss in to his own house when she first went he had to bribe her, the other two stay in the kennels, but as mine regulary go there or have regularly stayed in kennelsa they dont mind
tanya

Hi All,
Update, thanks for all your great advice. At the moment im checking local kennels in the Basildon area, they are very sad places and im sure i am going to have a breakdown when i leave her. I dont want anyone to stay in my house and ive booked up in a chalet at haven so they wont accept dogs worst luck!!!!!!
Im running out of time!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'll let you all know the outcome.

Michelle