[Kathy M]

I have two Shih Tsu's under 14 pounds each. They are really sweet but I'm afraid a kennel is too much for them. I tried it once and Mick didn't eat for 4 days. They don't need much just a loving home for an occasional vacation. My next trip will be a few days in September.

We are brand new to the Villages and are really feeling our way. We've found a great Vet and are looking for a groomer as well.

Thank you all for your help!!!

[Phanatic Luvr]

Hi Kathy, just sent you a private message.

[KARENNN]

Hi
I live in The Villages and work at an animal hospital nearby and also love to pet sit! My dog will not let me bring other doggies into his home, but I do make visits. I would be happy to come over to meet your little ones so you can keep me in mind for times when you may need to go away.

Karen
352-205-5697

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Kathy M

I have two Shih Tsu's under 14 pounds each. They are really sweet but I'm afraid a kennel is too much for them. I tried it once and Mick didn't eat for 4 days. They don't need much just a loving home for an occasional vacation. My next trip will be a few days in September. We are brand new to the Villages and are really feeling our way. We've found a great Vet and are looking for a groomer as well.
Thank you all for your help!!!

I do have information on some pet sitters. If you PM me, I'll send you some information.

[Phanatic Luvr]

Charlene and Steve from The VILLAGE SITTER. Will even stay overnight in your home if they are available. (352) 633-5063. Love animals and treat them as if they were their own.

[ActsOfKindness]

there are so many many dog sitters out there and some of them are listed in the daily sun newspaper classified...i have one..that is professional but have not used her as yet...her name is charlene if you want her number.but oh my gosh there are so many its endless.if its a new environment they are need time to adjust..and if you are going away right now(not trying to lay a guilt trip on you) but if you go away ..the moment you move into a new place..they will really be traumatized a bit i think. they need to get used to their new home. i have a beautiful 2 year old sheltie..and want to get away too..just for day trips...and for someone to come over and just let her out to go potty..she is so shy our new sheltie though i m afraid she will be really upset with a stranger in the house. i will tell you this from my heart...(that is if you havent gotten thoroughly disgusted with my note yet haha to you) and again no guilt trip here..am i laying on you..but they are family..our pets...and truth be told.....kennels are horrible..they get diseased there...thats where kennel cough comes from..sigh, and if its at all possible its just best to take them with you if you can. i realize thats not always feasible..but they ask so little from us...and give back so much in the love department. we are going away in march to myrtle beach. it was very difficult to find a nice pet friendly hotel..that takes dogs...i had so many nice condos..and they didnt take dogs. having a pet, having a dog...is not always convenient..but it is always rewarding. good luck and God bless.

[joycesmith2320]

We have 2 Shih Tzus and have found we cannot leave them at a kennel - they do not eat and become very depressed - We take them with us when we travel and have worked up a list of nice hotels that welcome pets -Even if you find a trustworthy person your dogs will miss you and they do not do well with change - Being a dog mom is work but really worth
it in the end -

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by joycesmith2320

We have 2 Shih Tzus and have found we cannot leave them at a kennel - they do not eat and become very depressed - We take them with us when we travel and have worked up a list of nice hotels that welcome pets -Even if you find a trustworthy person your dogs will miss you and they do not do well with change - Being a dog mom is work but really worth it in the end -

Red Roof Inns are consistently pet friendly with no pet fee. I agree that having fur babies is a lot of work, and also a lot of joy.

[CFrance]

If you decide to take them with you, Best Western, La Quinta (some) and Drury Inns accept pets. Some Holiday Inn Expresses do as well.

At least Drury will allow two pets to a room.

If you can't take them with you, having someone stay in the house is the next best, and I have experience with someone. PM me if the other suggestions by posters don't pan out.

[Kahuna32162]

We have used a site called Rover and had real good success with a young couple who will stay at our house when we are away, here in Ohio. I checked the site and found quite a few offering the same services in TV. I'm sure we'll be clients once we move full time this fall.

[bluedog103]

Originally Posted by Kathy M

I have two Shih Tsu's under 14 pounds each. They are really sweet but I'm afraid a kennel is too much for them. I tried it once and Mick didn't eat for 4 days. They don't need much just a loving home for an occasional vacation. My next trip will be a few days in September.

We are brand new to the Villages and are really feeling our way. We've found a great Vet and are looking for a groomer as well.
Thank you all for your help!!!

Hi Kathy,
We also have a little shih-Tzu as well as a shepherd mix.
For grooming of the little one we use Bone Crazy in Wildwood. They're on the right side of Rt. 466A just past the county building with the big dome going toward Wildwood. They do a great job and the place is spotless.
For dog watching we use Julie Nalley. I sent you a p.m. with her information.
Good luck, I think you'll be pleased with both the groomer and Julie.

[gardeniagirl]

When dogs are left with sitter, BE SURE leash and harness is on, or dog is secured in a crate before door is opened. I did some rescue and know many dog owners who have had the sad result of the dog bolting out (looking for "mom & dad") with heartbreaking results...one hit by a car this month, found 5 miles from vet's home who was keeping the dog. He opened his fence to go out himself, and "Eddie", the dashhound, bolted out, was found two days later, and had to be euthanized. Another was seen a few yrs. ago, being picked up (small maltese female), after bolting out while left with a friend. Witnesses later reported seeing her being picked up in her sweater and pink bow. Her owners looked without ceasing for a year....ads, rewards, etc. She was never returned.