We've known it's going to be inevitable. We know it's going to be anxiety-provoking. And we also know it's for his good that we do it soon.
So we bit our lips and did it today. Bryson is officially enrolled with Happy Hound Doggie Day care as a day and overnight boarder! I know, I know, what's the big deal, right?
Well, we don't have kids but I think we can imagine now what sending your kids off to kindergarten on the first day is like. You're so used to having them around and be utterly dependent on you for every little thing, it's difficult to imagine they could be just as happy and viable without you. I know it's silly but it makes us proud but also a little sad at the same time.
But with summer approaching and vacations and more business trips coming up, we just need to know that there's a safe place where he can hang out with his buddies and chill while we're gone. Plus he can use some regular exposure to doggie social interactions since he's our "only child". Happy Hound is literally 3 minutes from our home, comes highly recommended and they "interview" all their potential clients. So off to Happy Hound we go!
Bryson on the other hand wasn't quite fond of the idea of daycare or boarding ("what do you mean no treats all day and hanging out with strangers who all smell funny??") So here he is this morning in a last ditch effort to persuade us it's not a good idea to leave him there.
Mommy, quick! Look the OTHER WAY!
Do we HAVE to go in? Don't be deceived by the colorful front, I swear I smell bullies...
I guess I've crossed the point of no return. Goodbye...
So far Happy Hound lives up to what we had hoped for. The handlers greeted Bryson warmly by name this morning when we arrived (even though today's his first day). The building used to be some sort of a warehouse/factory that is now divided into 3 play areas for big, medium and small-sized dogs (with some fenced-in outdoor area) and the overnight "hotel" area. Each area is supervised by at least one handler at all times, and they even have a live webcam that allow you to watch your doggie in daycare action! (For Bryson the "action" right now is limited to running away from other dogs). One unfortunate thing is that it's close to a sewage treatment plan, and no matter how well this place is ventilated, it still smells funky.
And when we came to pick him up, the supervisor came out without us asking and gave us almost a play-by-play of his experience today, and reassured us that even though he was reserved and mostly kept to himself (when he's not running away), that's normal and he should do fine in a few more days. It's quite wonderful to have someone address your concerns and questions before you even raise them.
Supervisor Don handing us Bryson back with some parting words of wisdom ("don't run and they'll stop chasing") Bryson: Mmm-kay....
We'll be heading back to HH this Sunday for some more "practice" daycare before boarding him on Monday evening when I'll be gone in Vegas and Jacques working the evening shift. We hope he'll pass the real test then.
