Poor Pet Care at the Village Paw Spa

[tomkat]

I recently picked up my dogs from a two week stay at the Village Paw Spa on Rolling Acres Road and was horrified to find one of the dogs in terrible shape. I immediately rushed the dog to our Veterinarian who diagnosed him with a 103.5 degree fever, severely swollen and infected paws, and an extensive and painful skin infection - all of which the dog didn't have before being dropped off at the Village Paw Spa facility. It's my Vet's opinion, based on the dogs condition, that the dog was neglected. Additionally, I had given the Village Paw Spa very specific written instructions regarding the dogs care and authorization to coordinate with my Veterinarian if that need should arise. At no time during the two week stay - even when the dogs condition worsened to a point where it was obvious that there was something seriously wrong - did anyone from the Village Paw Spa contact the dogs Veterinarian for advice or treatment...nor did anyone call me to advise me that he was ill. I'm horrified by the care - or more specifically, the lack of care - that these dogs experienced while at the Village Paw Spa. I would not recommend this facility.

[tudacee]

Hope your dog feels better real soon, and glad you alerted us on this place as not satisfactory. I know how upset I'd feel if I came to pick up Romeo and found him like that...

[Bogie Shooter]

I recently picked up my dogs from a two week stay at the Village Paw Spa on Rolling Acres Road and was horrified to find one of the dogs in terrible shape. I immediately rushed the dog to our Veterinarian who diagnosed him with a 103.5 degree fever, severely swollen and infected paws, and an extensive and painful skin infection - all of which the dog didn't have before being dropped off at the Village Paw Spa facility. It's my Vet's opinion, based on the dogs condition, that the dog was neglected. Additionally, I had given the Village Paw Spa very specific written instructions regarding the dogs care and authorization to coordinate with my Veterinarian if that need should arise. At no time during the two week stay - even when the dogs condition worsened to a point where it was obvious that there was something seriously wrong - did anyone from the Village Paw Spa contact the dogs Veterinarian for advice or treatment...nor did anyone call me to advise me that he was ill. I'm horrified by the care - or more specifically, the lack of care - that these dogs experienced while at the Village Paw Spa. I would not recommend this facility.

How did the Village Paw Spa respond when you shared your concerns??

[graciegirl]

I recently picked up my dogs from a two week stay at the Village Paw Spa on Rolling Acres Road and was horrified to find one of the dogs in terrible shape. I immediately rushed the dog to our Veterinarian who diagnosed him with a 103.5 degree fever, severely swollen and infected paws, and an extensive and painful skin infection - all of which the dog didn't have before being dropped off at the Village Paw Spa facility. It's my Vet's opinion, based on the dogs condition, that the dog was neglected. Additionally, I had given the Village Paw Spa very specific written instructions regarding the dogs care and authorization to coordinate with my Veterinarian if that need should arise. At no time during the two week stay - even when the dogs condition worsened to a point where it was obvious that there was something seriously wrong - did anyone from the Village Paw Spa contact the dogs Veterinarian for advice or treatment...nor did anyone call me to advise me that he was ill. I'm horrified by the care - or more specifically, the lack of care - that these dogs experienced while at the Village Paw Spa. I would not recommend this facility.


I don't have dogs. But I do have cats and I understand your horror at finding your pup was so ill.

I thought that pets could get communicable diseases from another animal or fleas at a place that keeps animals while their owners are away. I don't know how a dog could get sore paws and have them infected unless he was fruitlessing digging at the wire cage with his forepaws because he wanted you.

Do you think that is what happened?

What did they say about this?

[duffysmom]

First off I'm so sorry that your dog had to experience this neglect and I appreciate the head's up. Hopefully, the word will spread and people's pets won't have to suffer this abuse. Yes, it's abuse to neglect a sick and suffering animal when a simple phone call would have helped to relieve his suffering; there is no excuse for this to happen. Hopefully you can get them to pay the Vet's bill.

[StarbuckSammy]

This is quite a disturbing story. Thanks for letting us know. Keep us posted on your dog's health. What did the owner say?

[tomkat]

I spoke with the owner the day after I picked up the dogs and she said she was sorry to hear that my dog was sick and asked that I keep her informed regarding his condition. She also said she would speak to her staff regarding the care the dogs received. I'll call her again after I receive the results of the blood work and skin culture from the Vet...the skin culture will take about seven days. The boarding fee for the two dogs for two weeks was $561 and the Vet's bill (so far) was $526.37.

[graciegirl]

What is the diagnosis? What disease are they culturing for?

Does stress lower an animals resistance to disease the way it does in humans?

I hate that we can't tell them so they understand that we will be back.

They could think we are gone forever.

[Pturner]

Tomkat,
Sorry to hear that your dog was poorly treated. Thanks for the heads up. Please keep us posted on how your dog is doing.

[English Ivy]

When we first moved to the area we arranged tours/inspections of several boarding facilities, so when the time came for us to be out of town we'd have a good place to leave our dog.

Village Paw Spa creeped me out. As we walked through, the dogs looked at us from their individual pens but did not bark or get excited. It was totally quiet. That's just not normal in a kennel environment when people walk through. Hopefully I am wrong, but it almost seemed as if the dogs were slightly sedated. They just stood there and looked at us.

Needless to say, did not ever consider leaving our dog there.

[walkr]

Our 12-pound poodle mixes have never been boarded, because up north we always had our kids to keep them. But now that we're in TV full time, after hearing horror stories like this, I don't ever want to board them. Has anyone else in TV made friends with someone else with dogs and then exchanged care for vacations? Now that we have the dog park on Bonita, that might be a possibility. But then, if we kept two dogs for someone else, would that get us in trouble with code enforcement for having four dogs in our house?

Tomkat, I'm so sorry that your dog had to go through this and hope he gets well soon.

walkr

[K9-Lovers]

tomcat, sorry to hear about your pup's problems.

Several things come to my mind from reading your post. The most probable cause of your dog's swollen/infected feet is standing in urine, which will burn the pads of a dog's feet. Walking in feces can cause infection. Another possibility is standing in the cleaning solution used to sanitize the kennel. Some kennels use a combination of water and bleach to sanitize, which is fine if the dog is removed from the kennel and it is allowed to dry before the dog is put back inside.

In any case, if your dogs were being cared for properly, the staff should have noticed a problem with your dog's feet and promptly contacted your vet.

Another poster said they took a tour of the place and none of the dogs in the runs were barking. That is most unusual, and yes that would creep me out, too. The dogs should have been barking loudly and excitedly if someone came through because they want to get out and are trying to communicate that (get me out).

Mr. K9 and I used to own and operate a dog boarding and cageless daycare facility before retiring and I speak from experience.

This was an old post of mine concerning boarding dogs:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Before you board your dog in a kennel, listen to see if they ask you for proof of vaccinations and other precautions (like worm tests) are required. Then, ask them how that is enforced and how they keep up-to-date records with their doggie clients.

Find out how many times a day the dog is taken out of the kennel/run and actually taken for a walk outside.

Will the establishment give your dog food that you provide in lieu of feeding their own brand? A change of food can upset a dog's stomach.

If you board your dog at a veterinarian, be sure that the boarding dogs are kept in separate rooms from the other dogs. You don't want your dog in the same room with dogs that are at the vet because they are sick.

Dogs get very bored, frustrated and nervous when they are in a kennel, especially for a long period. They don't understand that you will be returning for them. They are surrounded by other unhappy dogs that bark constantly trying to tell someone to let them out of "jail". Dogs that spend a long time in a kennel will often forget their housebreaking manners, and suffer emotional trauma for a long time after coming home. The emotional trauma could cause vomiting and diarrhea for several days.

It is not good for a dog to be in a kennel for extended periods. That is why rescue groups find foster homes for dogs until a permanent home is found.

If you can find a "cageless" facility with a large play area that would be best. However, when the dogs are loose in a playgroup they must be monitored 100% of the time. Ask the ratio of "monitors" to dogs, it shouldn't be less than one person for 15 dogs. Dogs should be separated into playgroups according to size and temperment. (Old dogs and young puppies, even though the same size, are not good companions, and timid dogs with rambunctious dogs is not ideal, either. And, you never want your little dog in with big dogs -- accidents happen). The dogs should be put in separate kennels for sleeping and eating.

If you choose to keep your dog at home and use a pet sitter, the dog will be very lonely.

Instead, find someone who stays at home (doesn't work full time) and will take your dog into their own home. Before you take him to his new home-away-from-home, let him stay with that new person in their home a couple of times for 4 hour periods each (yes, you will be paying for that). This way, the dog learns that you will be coming back to pick them up, and they also get to know the person that will be caring for them. This way, you can be sure that your dog gets along with the caretaker and any other animals in that household. If your dog is not eager to return to the caretaker after a couple of 4-hour test visits, then find another caretaker.

When you finally leave your dog, take along their own bed and something that is familiar like a favorite toy, or their regular dog dish. Also take something that smells like you, like a t-shirt that hasn't been washed or a sock that needs laundering. Give the caretaker your dog's regular food, but don't just hand over a big bag of food. Separate each meal into small baggies. That way, the caretaker will know how much to feed your dog at mealtime.

Hope this is helpful. Let me know if you have any questions.

[swimdawg]

tomcat, sorry to hear about your pup's problems.

Several things come to my mind from reading your post. The most probable cause of your dog's swollen/infected feet is standing in urine, which will burn the pads of a dog's feet. Walking in feces can cause infection. Another possibility is standing in the cleaning solution used to sanitize the kennel. Some kennels use a combination of water and bleach to sanitize, which is fine if the dog is removed from the kennel and it is allowed to dry before the dog is put back inside.

In any case, if your dogs were being cared for properly, the staff should have noticed a problem with your dog's feet and promptly contacted your vet.

Another poster said they took a tour of the place and none of the dogs in the runs were barking. That is most unusual, and yes that would creep me out, too. The dogs should have been barking loudly and excitedly if someone came through because they want to get out and are trying to communicate that (get me out).

Mr. K9 and I used to own and operate a dog boarding and cageless daycare facility before retiring and I speak from experience.

This was an old post of mine concerning boarding dogs:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Before you board your dog in a kennel, listen to see if they ask you for proof of vaccinations and other precautions (like worm tests) are required. Then, ask them how that is enforced and how they keep up-to-date records with their doggie clients.

Find out how many times a day the dog is taken out of the kennel/run and actually taken for a walk outside.

Will the establishment give your dog food that you provide in lieu of feeding their own brand? A change of food can upset a dog's stomach.

If you board your dog at a veterinarian, be sure that the boarding dogs are kept in separate rooms from the other dogs. You don't want your dog in the same room with dogs that are at the vet because they are sick.

Dogs get very bored, frustrated and nervous when they are in a kennel, especially for a long period. They don't understand that you will be returning for them. They are surrounded by other unhappy dogs that bark constantly trying to tell someone to let them out of "jail". Dogs that spend a long time in a kennel will often forget their housebreaking manners, and suffer emotional trauma for a long time after coming home. The emotional trauma could cause vomiting and diarrhea for several days.

It is not good for a dog to be in a kennel for extended periods. That is why rescue groups find foster homes for dogs until a permanent home is found.

If you can find a "cageless" facility with a large play area that would be best. However, when the dogs are loose in a playgroup they must be monitored 100% of the time. Ask the ratio of "monitors" to dogs, it shouldn't be less than one person for 15 dogs. Dogs should be separated into playgroups according to size and temperment. (Old dogs and young puppies, even though the same size, are not good companions, and timid dogs with rambunctious dogs is not ideal, either. And, you never want your little dog in with big dogs -- accidents happen). The dogs should be put in separate kennels for sleeping and eating.

If you choose to keep your dog at home and use a pet sitter, the dog will be very lonely.

Instead, find someone who stays at home (doesn't work full time) and will take your dog into their own home. Before you take him to his new home-away-from-home, let him stay with that new person in their home a couple of times for 4 hour periods each (yes, you will be paying for that). This way, the dog learns that you will be coming back to pick them up, and they also get to know the person that will be caring for them. This way, you can be sure that your dog gets along with the caretaker and any other animals in that household. If your dog is not eager to return to the caretaker after a couple of 4-hour test visits, then find another caretaker.

When you finally leave your dog, take along their own bed and something that is familiar like a favorite toy, or their regular dog dish. Also take something that smells like you, like a t-shirt that hasn't been washed or a sock that needs laundering. Give the caretaker your dog's regular food, but don't just hand over a big bag of food. Separate each meal into small baggies. That way, the caretaker will know how much to feed your dog at mealtime.

Hope this is helpful. Let me know if you have any questions.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You're giving great advice, K-9. Would you have any recommendations for a kenel/spa in or near TV for "The Little Princess" to stay and/or be groomed when we move to TV? I have a wonderful place in WNY. Lexi loves to go to this kennel and almost hates to leave (because it's back to real world!). I would love a place similar in/near TV. When I picked her up last time, I said I was going to send her to Florida and I was going to stay at the kennel........it is so clean and all the dogs get wonderful care. Recommendations, please, of comparable places in TV. Thank you.

[getdul981]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You're giving great advice, K-9. Would you have any recommendations for a kenel/spa in or near TV for "The Little Princess" to stay and/or be groomed when we move to TV? I have a wonderful place in WNY. Lexi loves to go to this kennel and almost hates to leave (because it's back to real world!). I would love a place similar in/near TV. When I picked her up last time, I said I was going to send her to Florida and I was going to stay at the kennel........it is so clean and all the dogs get wonderful care. Recommendations, please, of comparable places in TV. Thank you.

I'm not K-9, but we have left our 2 dogs at Bed Time Tails and Pet Hotel several times. They have an ad listed under the Pet section. We're very satisfied with the care our girls get there and unless something better comes along, will continue to use them. Cathy, the owner, is an ex-vet-tech. Check them out.

[Texan]

So sorry to hear about what happened to your dogs. We live in TV and have a wonderful in home puppy sitter that takes fabulous care of ours when we are away. He also lives in TV. If you would like his info, email me at wefly737@embarqmail.com.

[graciegirl]

After hearing what our in house doggie information person has to say( K9lovers) ....NOW I am really upset. (As I said I don't have pups, and kitties use litter)

They should have to pay your vet bill.

Scratch their necks for me.

And add a kiss on their foreheads.

[Pturner]

After hearing what our in house doggie information person has to say( K9lovers) ....NOW I am really upset. (As I said I don't have pups, and kitties use litter)

They should have to pay your vet bill.

Scratch their necks for me.

And add a kiss on their foreheads.

And if they don't pay the vet bill, I guess GG, Red and I will have to go beat the crap out of them.

[Pturner]

Ooops. I forgot that crap doesn't automatically turn to **** on the forum. Guess I should have said ****.

My bad.:024:

[K9-Lovers]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You're giving great advice, K-9. Would you have any recommendations for a kenel/spa in or near TV for "The Little Princess" to stay and/or be groomed when we move to TV? I have a wonderful place in WNY. Lexi loves to go to this kennel and almost hates to leave (because it's back to real world!). I would love a place similar in/near TV. When I picked her up last time, I said I was going to send her to Florida and I was going to stay at the kennel........it is so clean and all the dogs get wonderful care. Recommendations, please, of comparable places in TV. Thank you.

If you choose a boarding kennel:

Everyone here seems to love Bedtime Tails, however, I've never visited. If you plan to leave your little one at a kennel, please go by yourself and ask for a tour. A reputable place should be able to accomodate you within a few minutes wait. A long wait before they show you every nook and cranny is not a good sign. And, my same advice goes: take your little princess for a couple of 4 hour visits before you actually board her, and she will tell you herself if it is a good or bad place.

The best solution for any dog:

My opinion is that someone who can take your dog into their own home is the best route. Someone who does not work and who may have another dog the same size would be the perfect solution. Again, the short 4-hour trial visits are a must.

Even though we had THE BEST OF THE BEST place to board, when we had dogs with special needs, or those who were a little nervous, I always took them home with me at night. A home atmosphere is always best.

[KARENNN]

Maybe that is why they are up for sale...
http://www.buybusiness.com/Businesses/10287/For-Sale-Village-Paw-Spa-Country-Club-for-Pets

[Barefoot]

I recently picked up my dogs from a two week stay at the Village Paw Spa on Rolling Acres Road and was horrified to find one of the dogs in terrible shape. I immediately rushed the dog to our Veterinarian who diagnosed him with a 103.5 degree fever, severely swollen and infected paws, and an extensive and painful skin infection - all of which the dog didn't have before being dropped off at the Village Paw Spa facility. It's my Vet's opinion, based on the dogs condition, that the dog was neglected. Additionally, I had given the Village Paw Spa very specific written instructions regarding the dogs care and authorization to coordinate with my Veterinarian if that need should arise. At no time during the two week stay - even when the dogs condition worsened to a point where it was obvious that there was something seriously wrong - did anyone from the Village Paw Spa contact the dogs Veterinarian for advice or treatment...nor did anyone call me to advise me that he was ill. I'm horrified by the care - or more specifically, the lack of care - that these dogs experienced while at the Village Paw Spa. I would not recommend this facility.

Usually when I read about a poster receiving unsatisfactory service, I think "there are two sides to every story". But not this time. In this case, I think that TomKat has every right to be upset and that his dogs were abused by Village Paw Spa. I would be beyond furious. I am so sorry TomKat, for you and for your dogs, that you had to endure this.

I am so glad that you posted this, so we can all warn our friends. I hope that Village Paw Spa pays your entire Vet bill. I feel so badly for you. Good luck to you and your dogs.

[tomkat]

I just saw the for sale notice on the www. Perhaps the Village Paw Spa should notify their customers that the facility is for sale. I didn't see any notice of sale when I dropped the dogs off.

My sincerest thanks to our Vet Dr. Amy Barnett, and her staff, for their professionalism and care while attending to our dogs needs. The boys are on the mend and improving with each passing day.

And thanks to everyone on Talk of The Villages for their support and suggestions.

[swimdawg]

It sounds like I may have a place for my little precious angel to stay on occasion.....or maybe I'll leave her home & I'll stay for a little pampering. :laugh: I will definitely check out your place. Thank you.
--------------------------
As a pet owner and lover it is very painfull to hear a story like this about a pet returning from boarding. As the owner of a luxury no-cage pet boarding facility in this area I am extremely disturbed. It was because of stories such as these that I decided to convert my pet sitting business of 16 years into a luxury facility that I have built on my property in Summerfield. Unfortunately the story is not a new one and only making the owners aware of the situation and letting other pet owners know of your experience will help to bring these issues to light. Often the pets owner does not make the facilty aware of any issues so in this case I was very pleased to see that tomkat reported his issues. I hope they do the right thing by him. K-9 gave great advice and I would also like to add that ideally we would never have to leave our pets anywhere but with ourselves, but finding the best alternative for the owners peace of mind and the pets safety and well being is key to enjoying your time away.
I have tried to build a facility that is a comfortable and safe alternative to being home with mom and dad. Our primary concern is pet safety and health with an emphasis on filling the needs of the concerned and caring parents leaving their pet in our care. Taking the responsibility for a pet in the owners absence is no different that leaving a child in the care of another. I would urge pet owners to take this into consideration when choosing a place to leave their pet whether it is with the neighbor, local vet, boarding kennel or pet hotel.
Cathy Coppini
Owner
Bedtime Tails Luxury Pet Hotel
352 347-7183
www.bedtimetailsluxurypethotel.com

[Pturner]

I just saw the for sale notice on the www. Perhaps the Village Paw Spa should notify their customers that the facility is for sale. I didn't see any notice of sale when I dropped the dogs off.

My sincerest thanks to our Vet Dr. Amy Barnett, and her staff, for their professionalism and care while attending to our dogs needs. The boys are on the mend and improving with each passing day.

And thanks to everyone on Talk of The Villages for their support and suggestions.

Thanks for the update. I'm relieved to know they are getting well.

[joelyn]

We have kenneled our three "babies" many, many times at the Village Pet Spa and we have NEVER had anything but praise for the owners/helpers.
Our pets are well taken care of; groomed and loved by all of the staff.
Sorry you had a bad experience with them but sometimes pets work themselves into illness because they miss their owners so much. Our dog Biskit is a nervous dog but she loves going back there. As do Sophie and Molly. We just wanted to write and tell others their dogs are safe going there. And yes to comments about their place being for sale-Nancy has been doing this for over 40 yrs-maybe she'd like to retire like the rest of us. :wave:

[joelyn]

Our dogs are treated with the utmost care at The Village Pet Spa. And they always come back, healthy and happy. Some pets are like children-if the parents are away they work themselves into being sick, even scratching themselves sore, losing hair, etc. Village Pet Spa should not be given such a bad rap. We love that place-Biskit, Sophie and Molly

[newvillagegirl]

I am horrified about the poor care of your dog at Village Paw.

We just made it to TV this week and are settling in.

Where is a good place to take a dog for boarding and/or doggie daycare.

Also, who has a good service to visit the home when you need to leave your dog during a long day.

We have a bulldog and he needs to be protected from the heat so we want to find the best place for him when he can not go with us.

Thanks,
SUSAN

[Tweety Bird]

I never said anything about this boarding place, but now I will. After leaving my little dog there for two weeks, he came home and had diarhea and vomiting. I took him to the vet and he had many ticks and a condition that needed medication. The bill was $400+ at the vet. I never said anything to the owners because I knew I would never use their facility again. It's too late now. I've had to repeatedly go back to the vet to remove more ticks. At one time, they found 30. I will never leave my dog in a facility again.

[red tail]

I never said anything about this boarding place, but now I will. After leaving my little dog there for two weeks, he came home and had diarhea and vomiting. I took him to the vet and he had many ticks and a condition that needed medication. The bill was $400+ at the vet. I never said anything to the owners because I knew I would never use their facility again. It's too late now. I've had to repeatedly go back to the vet to remove more ticks. At one time, they found 30. I will never leave my dog in a facility again.

you should look into a product like revolution or frontline.

[tomkat]

We have kenneled our three "babies" many, many times at the Village Pet Spa and we have NEVER had anything but praise for the owners/helpers.
Our pets are well taken care of; groomed and loved by all of the staff.
Sorry you had a bad experience with them but sometimes pets work themselves into illness because they miss their owners so much. Our dog Biskit is a nervous dog but she loves going back there. As do Sophie and Molly. We just wanted to write and tell others their dogs are safe going there. And yes to comments about their place being for sale-Nancy has been doing this for over 40 yrs-maybe she'd like to retire like the rest of us. :wave:

I understand that there are many things that can affect the health of our pets but none are as devastating as the gross negelct that, in my opinion, my dog experienced at this facility. Please look at the attached pictures...the extent of the infection is so evident that even the most inexperienced person would know that something was seriously wrong. I cannot understand why an experienced and responsible facility wouldn't take immediate action to address something of this nature...especially when I had provided them with written authorization to provide medical attention up to, and including, contacting my vet (who was aware that the dogs were being boarded and was willing to treat them anywhere). I disagree with your statement that "dogs are safe going there"...I think one look at the attached pictures are self explanatory - a responsible facility does not allow a dogs health to deteriorate without taking some type of corrective action. Please keep in mind that not only was no medical attention provided but I was never notified that there was any problem.

Our vet is still treating my dog and he is steadily improving...but not yet completely recovered. And the expense is just off the charts!

[billmar]

TomKat: sorry, to see your Bullie in this condition. I'm glad you posted these pics, we were considering taking our Bullie there (after reading positive reviews). How could any caretaker not realize this condition needed medical attention? or at the very least, why didn't they contact you about the situation? :sad:

[shortsaler]

What an unfortunate experience you had. Next time consider using Yvonne for care of your dog in your home. She stays overnight and has been working in the Villages with an impeccable reputation for over 5 years now. Her webside www.thevillagesgalfriday.com has testimonials on it. Her # is 352-250-1560. I hope your baby is doing better!!

[lawatha]

Thank you for the info on how to contact Yvonne- I just sent her a message. We're new here, and will be needing somebody to watch our golden retriever and cairn terrier for a week to ten days while we fly back to Spokane, WA to pick up our furniture and other belongings sometime in the next month or so. I don't want to put them in a boarding facility where they'd be caged for a week to ten days- that's just too long. Hopefully I can find somebody reliable to watch them in my home or theirs.

Thanks so much- you find the best information here on Talk of the Villages!

[lawatha]

I didn't have any luck with the bedtime tails website- bad link? Thank you for the info on how to contact Yvonne- I just sent her a message. We're new here, and will be needing somebody to watch our golden retriever and cairn terrier for a week to ten days while we fly back to Spokane, WA to pick up our furniture and other belongings sometime in the next month or so. I don't want to put them in a boarding facility where they'd be caged for a week to ten days- that's just too long. Hopefully I can find somebody reliable to watch them in my home or theirs.

Thanks so much- you find the best information here on Talk of the Villages!

[lawatha]

I didn't have any luck with the bedtime tails website- bad link? Thank you for the info on how to contact Yvonne- I just sent her a message. We're new here, and will be needing somebody to watch our golden retriever and cairn terrier for a week to ten days while we fly back to Spokane, WA to pick up our furniture and other belongings sometime in the next month or so. I don't want to put them in a boarding facility where they'd be caged for a week to ten days- that's just too long. Hopefully I can find somebody reliable to watch them in my home or theirs. Thanks so much- you find the best information here on Talk of the Villages!

[KARENNN]

I went to visit the Paw Spa. First thing I saw when I pulled up was a young man kicking a statue in the front yard in anger. I later saw him inside the kennel. He is one of the caretakers. I was told that the dogs are brought outside during the day, but not in the nice grassy front yard, but out back. I was not allowed to go out back as part of the tour. I am, however tall enough to see out the back door window. Their were large runs in the open sun (no shade at all) with stones and rocks on the floor for the dogs to walk on. No wonder the dogs have swollen paws after staying there!!

[Lil Chief]

I just read about the horrible experience you had at Rolling Acres Spa... I was looking for a recommendation for a pet salon to get my 10 week old bichon groomed. Does anyone have good recommendations?

Thank you.
Lil Chief

[RVRoadie]

We have been very happy with Bone Crazy on 466a, towards Wildwood. Our dog has stayed there several times, from a few day to seven weeks. He always has a good experience there, and we have peace of mind.

[annettecruz]

Exceptional animal care and grooming, this is by far the cutest place I have ever boarded my pets.