day/night care

Holiday time brings special anxiety for any dog owner who wants to travel. What to do with the pet during this busy time of the year? A quick check of Craigslist shows that there are plenty of people out there willing to come into your home, either to feed and walk the dog, or even to stay overnight. But only the most desperate are going to turn over an animal (who can't tell you what went on) or a house to a perfect stranger.

There may be kennels in the Greenwich area, but I have yet to meet someone who's willing to recommend one. More often, people ask me who I use, since they know I have multiple animals. More recently, I've been lucky enough to have a close friend stay with them, but since he moved to CA, my only experience is with Kristin, owner of the Canine Athletic Club. Two years ago, when I had only one dog and 4 outdoor cats, she (or someone from her team) came to the house to walk and feed Chessie, taking her to her "day camp" from midmorning to late afternoon. This year, when I thought I would need her services for several days, including Christmas, I contacted her again, and she was very prompt to reply, via email, that she could indeed do the job. She requires extensive documentation, and information about the animal, its habits, its vet, to convince me that she knows how to deal with any emergency. And when I cancelled, she was equally polite. For my money, and for my sanity, I would feel quite comfortable hiring someone who has been in business for at least two years. I would NOT feel the same about someone who is new at the game.