soothie Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 Hi, I don't know that there is answer to my question but I have to ask. My little old teeny weeny mini jack russell/fox/ cross who weighs about 5.5kg and is about 12yo has very bad, wobbly back legs and can't do steps anymore. He has a ramp for the patio and a small doggie door to get in/out as needed although he struggles with that alittle as well. He also has alittle incontinence so not a pleasure to deal with, poor bub just can't get out fast enough. Other than that, he is a very happy and hungry little fella that sleeps most of the day and enjoys a 30 minute waddle to the park every day :D He still bosses the big dogs around too! My dilemma is that I am probably going away for 4 weeks in 12 months time, something very important for family reasons that can not be put off. I don't think that I can put him in his regular kennel with the other dogs. I feel that he needs to be cared for in someone's home that doesn't mind having to cleanup after him alittle but I doubt I can find a carer that does that and would also have a ramp for him to use. I am based around Wantirna, Victoria. Does anyone have any suggestions, recommendations for specialty care/carer while I am away? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pjrt Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 Would you feel comfortable having someone stay in your home with him? You have plenty of time to arrange someone & check them out thoroughly. Maybe even a weekend overnight trial to be sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soothie Posted September 1, 2013 Author Share Posted September 1, 2013 (edited) Would you feel comfortable having someone stay in your home with him? You have plenty of time to arrange someone & check them out thoroughly. Maybe even a weekend overnight trial to be sure. I hadn't considered that. It's a good suggestion. I wouldn't feel comfortable at all with a stranger in my home unfortunately. I would consider it though if the person was recommended by someone I trusted. cant see that happening though which is why I am in this dilemma. Edited September 1, 2013 by soothie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pjrt Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 Would you feel comfortable having someone stay in your home with him? You have plenty of time to arrange someone & check them out thoroughly. Maybe even a weekend overnight trial to be sure. I hadn't considered that. It's a good suggestion. I wouldn't feel comfortable at all with a stranger in my home unfortunately. I would consider it though if the person was recommended by someone I trusted. cant see that happening though which is why I am in this dilemma. I know it can be quite daunting the thought of someone staying in your house, but for your dogs sake, if you can find the right person, I reckon he would thank you for it! in 12 months time he may be doing it even tougher than he is now, and his senses may have declined further etc, and to not disrupt him from his familiar surroundings and regular routine would be the very best option for him surely. Another suggestion maybe to look around for a veterinary clinic that does boarding. They could be well suited to coping with his needs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pretty Miss Emma Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 I think Aquapaws and Woof, Purr, Nay do boarding of special needs dogs. It may be worth contacting them and discussing your needs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loving my Oldies Posted September 2, 2013 Share Posted September 2, 2013 Would you feel comfortable having someone stay in your home with him? You have plenty of time to arrange someone & check them out thoroughly. Maybe even a weekend overnight trial to be sure. Despite your reservations, I think you need to very seriously consider an arrangement such as skyefool has suggested. I would ask at your vets for a start as well as contacting those people who do it professionally. Vet nurses often house sit, but I would be wanting to ensure they were experienced and mature before I entrusted a special needs pet to someone. Good luck. Such a worry when we have to leave dogs who have needs over and above the everyday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jellyblush Posted September 2, 2013 Share Posted September 2, 2013 Hi there. I am having a house-sitter come to stay with Roo for two weeks next week. She also has special needs, very different to your situation, but requires a mix of medications and a precise set of steps to be followed prior to leaving the house. The house sitter is recommended, reference checked, and grew up on a farm. One of her references was a 20 yo cat minding position where there were lots of health issue and injections required daily. If you'd like her details then provided she works well for me I'd be happy to share via pm in 2 weeks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soothie Posted September 7, 2013 Author Share Posted September 7, 2013 Thankyou everyone for your suggestions. I am still pondering .......... I May ask my vet for recommendations too. Jellyblush, if all goes well with your sitter, please PM details just incase I decide to proceed with this. I am still not keen on having a stranger in my home though Cheers :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JulesP Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 Some kennels have 'suites' that have private runs. Perhaps that would work? I know this place has one as I spoke to them a couple of weeks ago - http://www.dogdayz.com.au/a/Contacting-Dogdayz-Boarding-Kennels. I spoke to the Silvan Kennel. Cottage Kennels also gets a good feedback and again you can have your dog by itself. http://www.cottagekennels.com.au/index.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soothie Posted September 20, 2013 Author Share Posted September 20, 2013 I like the look of Cottage Kennels, but my old boy can't walk on tiles anymore so I've put carpet pieces throughout the house. Although cottage kennels looks interesting, it's all tiled He would have to go to the shared pavillion to keep the costs as low as possible for a 4-5 week period. My other active dog will be going with a friends dog to shared care at Animal Aid Boarding Kennels. I feel their extra excerise programs will be good for the active boy. I wasn't happy with the last time at Homestead. Good for a short stay but that's all. I will also be following up recommendations from the vet. It's so hard to leave them when they are at this age and not feel incredible guilt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loving my Oldies Posted September 21, 2013 Share Posted September 21, 2013 I've just thought of someone who may be able to help you. Contact Rae at Rescued with Love. Her organision specialises in rescuing old and sick dogs and she may have someone who could take your little one for 4 weeks, or she may be able to recommend someone. Whatever you do, if you organise someone a fair way in advance of when you have to go away, make sure you have a back up plan as well. Arrangements can fall over at the last minute. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted September 21, 2013 Share Posted September 21, 2013 Hmmm.. this got me interested , so Mr.Google led me to THIS PLACE . No idea what it's like ..but their website is well done :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loving my Oldies Posted September 21, 2013 Share Posted September 21, 2013 Good find . I don't usually look at kennel sites because I don't use them, but as with you Persephone, soothie's problem interests and concerns me so I did look and was interested to read this: Special care to geriatric guests or guests with special medical needs such as diabetes, advanced arthritis, epilepsy etc. In soothie's situation, I would definitely be checking it out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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