I pretty much feel the same as some others, as far as it just wouldn't be a fun vacation for me without the dogs, so I try to make 'vacations' things like camping and so on where I can take the dogs with me.

Of course I agree not all kennels are bad, and not all pet sitters are good. I think people are really lucky if they have someone they trust to leave their dog with or to have come over.

When I was 15, I worked for awhile at a groom and board place, washing dogs for the groomer and other things. It was a nice place, with good play runs and I loved walking the dogs.

I know when Willie was hospitalized for a week or so after his spleen was taken out, my vet had an open door policy whenever I wanted to visit. I could even come after hours, just come and knock on the door in the back. They have blankets for all the dogs that they wash daily, but are always more than happy if owners bring their pet's own blanket, or a shirt or something for them to sleep with. I always got everything back freshly laundered even. I've seen all the kennels and they are immaculate. So I do trust my vet when my dogs have had to stay there.