for the dog

okay...we are official 'dog owners' now.  chewy has been with us since mother's day weekend and we've conquered potty training and 'sit.' ('come' on command...well...we're working.)  he knows who to sit by at supper to catch the most 'leftovers.'  he LOVES to go on walks and hunt down innocent little bunnies and squirrels. sprinklers and the baby pool are absolutely irrisistable and he has mastered the sweet, you-need-to-come-be-with-me puppy eyes.

we are headed to visit my sister soon and need to kennel him for two days.  i am dumbfounded as i have been researching boarding in our local area.

1.)  boarding is not cheap.  it costs almost as much as day care for children.

2.)  location, location, location--everything is about as far away as you can get from our house and still say that we live in the same town.  (there are some lovely acreages that offer lots of playspace for your pooch)

3.)  webcams--did you know that some kennels have webcams so you can check in on your sweet puppy?

4.)  it's all about the upgrades--you can pay for extra play time, special snacks, doggie suites for canines that have distinctive tastes (seriously), spa treatments--like special pedicures, massages and accupuncture.  i don't pay for lots of those services for me, let alone my dog! :)

i've narrowed it down to two kennels.  i'm waiting to hear back on availability...if my puppy will make the cut.  yes, i'm going to pay a small sum for them to love my dog for a few days, but i'm definitely skipping on the massage option.