I have just come back from putting my dog in the dog kennels before I go away on a week’s holiday. What a traumatic experience - for me not my dog !!

My little Yorkie loves going to the dog kennels as she is welcomed with open arms by the caring owners of the kennels who know her well and treat her like royalty. It’s me who leaves feeling bereft of my little furry friend and feeling that I’ve abandoned her !!

The dog kennels or boarding kennels I have chosen to leave her with are great - a family run business all of whom are fastidious about the welfare of the dogs in their care. It is a small business - 25 boarding kennels in total with underfloor heating and with an office bang in the middle of the kennels so that they can keep a watchful eye on all their canine boarders. The dogs are walked twice daily and they are also (with their owner’s consent) allowed to play together in the fenced off garden or the run area if the weather permits.

When we arrived, Daisy ran up the drive and was greeted 3 times by family members who she remembers well and who remember her. Admittedly, she wasn’t keen on being placed in the dog kennel with her toys and her bed from home, with me making a hasty retreat and not looking back for fear of her seeing me cry!! But I know from experience, that once I’ve gone she gets lots of attention and loves to be with the other dogs watching things happening and playing out in the sunshine.

When we pick her up again next week I know she’ll be bouncing with health and she’ll be over the moon to see me again, but whilst we’re away I also know she’ll be cared for and this helps the holiday go well for us.

At home she’s a little lap dog, but many dogs are kept in kennels outside on a daily basis and provided the dog kennel provided is the right size for your dog and is draught free and there is a large area for your dog to have daily exercise, then what better environment can you provide?

You can go to work or to the shops knowing that your dog is in the fresh air, is safe from running off and has shelter from the sun or the rain so you can rest assured your dog will be happy whilst you are away.

Just remember how important it is to leave your dog plenty of fresh, clean water (especially if the weather is hot), some quality food if you are away for some time and some toys to occupy his mind.