Sunday, January 18, 2015

What I've Learned from Boarding Dogs

Warning:  This post is full of extremely cute photos.  When viewed in one sitting, these photos may cause ear-to-ear grinning, an overwhelming urge to "awww...", even spontaneous combustion from Cuteness Overload.  Please proceed with caution and prepare to smile.


I never expected to love this job so much.  Sure, I thought it would be fun - anyplace that pays you to spend time with animals is bound to be!  But I didn't know I would end up enjoying being at work just as much as being at home or with family.  I didn't know that although there certainly is quite a bit of poop-scooping, drool-mopping, and ear-plugging....there is also a happiness I have found in boarding dogs that I have never quite felt before.


I didn't know that these dogs would soon come to win my heart.


Instead of cold metal and cement, our boarding facility has suite-like rooms with cameras in each one.  There is no smell except a hint of Windex, and we give our pups baths in a whirlpool tub.  And rather than sitting behind bars alone all day, we play matchmaker, figuring out which dogs play well with others; the dogs run around and play to their heart's content.  These dogs have taught me that although time alone can be fun, life is always better when you have a friend.


They have taught me the importance of play, of taking time out of every day to just enjoy yourself.


Also, naps.  Naps are important, too. ;)


I have learned many things about many different breeds, and I've also learned that there are quite a few breed stereotypes that have some truth to them:  Beagles can often be found scavenging for food, Great Pyrenees can - it's true! - be quite stubborn, and little white dogs, yes, are sometimes rather yippy...but oh my gosh, are they cute:

 

Our doggie guests have taught me that a puppy kiss can cure nearly any ailment, and that no matter how fun a vacation is, you should still always be excited to return home.  I've learned that the shyest dogs who require a little time and patience are often the sweetest and the most cuddly.


And - though I've known this for a while now - I've learned that dogs are perhaps the most loyal, loving, and comforting companions a person can have.  I'm so thankful for all of our amazing guests;  I truly love them like they're my own <3


Which one of these dogs do you think is the most adorable? ;)  Hard to choose, right?!



11 comments:

  1. That's awesome you love your job and it sounds like a wonderful place to work! I had a really bad experience working at a daycare and I'm hesitant to go back to it, though if I found a place like your work I bet it would be more enjoyable!! Those pictures are SO cute!! <3

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  2. PAWsome job you've got there! Mum's green with jellyness!
    Loves and licky kisses
    Princess Leah xxx

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  3. Okay, I didn't explode from cuteness but I did come down with a huge case of the Awws. Thank you for what you do!

    --Wags (and purrs) from Life
    with Dogs and Cats
    .

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  4. Seems like you found your dream job!

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  5. They're all adorable! I love the bully underbites! And the puppy cut Shih Tzu! They're all so darn cute. Thanks for sharing!

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  6. I'm a Boxer lover, so I'll have to go with the Boxer pair to answer your question ~ however, I really enjoy all breeds! I'm lucky to be a dog walker & pet sitter, and to call walking trails & play rooms my office! I wouldn't have it any other way :-)

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  7. Great post!! :-) We've never done doggy boarding because we usually have family that can help us out, but it's nice to know that great places like yours exist!

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  8. I think the last one is my favorite! Mr. N hates boarding and daycare so he doesn't go anymore but I've seen some pretty nice facilities.

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  9. Hi Y'all!

    Oh that does look like a really, really fun place!

    Y'all come on by,
    Hawk aka BrownDog

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  10. This post really is a cuteness overload! I couldn't possibly pick just one as the cutest, they are ALL positively adorable! It's so nice to see your passion come through, clearly you love your work & it shows. Lucky customers, both dog and human!
    Love & Biscuits,
    Cathy, Isis & Phoebe
    www.dogsluvusandweluvthem.blogspot.com

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