You know my sister and BIL used to have to board their ShepX Caiphais when they traveled if I couldn't take care of him for them. He was very dog aggressive and people aggressive outside of family or people he knew. The one boarding kennel they had him at spent a great deal of time getting to know him before they boarded him.

When they would come home from a trip he would act all pouty and miserable. They always felt so guilty about having to leave him. One time after a trip they came to pick him up and peeked into the window and saw him having the time of his life with one of the care givers there. The minute they walked in the door - he acted all pouty and miserable again.

I know Lefty will be in the best of hands while you are gone. The fact that you did your homework and found a place recommended by friends assures that. Of course that doesn't help the fact that you are going to miss him like crazy.