With so many options to pick from, choosing a daycare or boarding facility for your dog can be intimidating. Below are a few things to look for when going through the selection process and some questions to ask potential facilities.
Individual Kennels or Cage-Free?

You first have to determine if you want your dog to be kenneled separately or have playtime with other dogs. If your dog is in an individual kennel, some facilities will take your dog out once or twice during the day, usually at an additional fee. This is a good thing to find out beforehand.

Location
The facility you choose should be in a location that is convenient to you, especially if you are considering daycare. Check the facility’s days and hours of operations. Drop off and pick up is often limited to specific days and/or times.

Determine how often your dog will attend daycare and whether or not you will have time to drop off your dog before work.

Daycare and boarding facilities may be closed for drop off and pick up around certain holidays, so make sure to check for this as well.

Cleanliness
The first thing you want to ask yourself when visiting any facility is: Does it look and smell clean? If the facility smells like animals, it may indicate poor cleaning procedures or ineffective air exchange. The facility should also look organized and uncluttered.

Trust
When you visit the facility, make sure you have a good feeling about the company and that they do not appear to be hiding anything.

• Does the person you speak to have any trouble answering any of your questions?
• Do they give you a full tour or are some areas off-limits to the public? If some areas are off-limits, find out why.
• Do they let you watch your dog being introduced to the other dogs or is this done behind the scenes?
• If you are unable to watch the introduction, do they give you a full report of your dog’s behavior?
Many facilities have cameras in their play yards or boarding suites so you can watch your dog remotely.

Health & Safety
For playgroups, a safe dog-to-handler ratio is ten dogs for every one worker. This ensures that if a conflict were to arise between the dogs, it would not be too much for the staff to manage.

Some great things to think about when choosing a cage-free facility:
• Do they separate large and small dogs? Predatory instinct of certain breeds and pack dynamics between groups of dogs can result in serious issues if dogs are not separated by size. Avoid any facility that does not do this. Most facilities will have at least one small dog area, one large dog area, and another area for dogs with high kinetic energy (the energetic and/or rough players).

• Ask to see at least one of the large dog playgroups. Are any dogs being bullied or chased, or do the dogs look content?

• Find out what the procedures are for breaking up a dogfight. Anytime dogs are housed together, fights are bound to break out. It is good to be aware of this before hand.

• In addition to this, find out what procedures they follow in case of illness or injury to your dog. Do they work with a local vet and where do they take an injured or sick dog when the vet is closed? How many, if any, of the staff are certified in Pet First Aid & CPR?

• What vaccinations are required of the dogs, and how are records kept of vaccinations being up to date?

• Do they house dogs that have shown aggression towards other dogs? If so, how do they ensure these dogs will not come in contact with your dog?

Assessment Process
Group play is great for dogs that are not dog aggressive and are comfortable around other dogs. Any facility that offers group play should have an assessment process for each dog to help determine this. Find out what is involved in that process and whether or not they charge a fee for the service.
Be cautious about using facilities that do not assess dogs before introducing them to a play group.

Procedures
If you are planning to take your dog to a cage-free facility, keep in mind that dogs can become exhausted much more quickly than normal when playing with other dogs. They need plenty of rest times away from the other dogs in order to keep from becoming irritable; this is especially true of boarding dogs who will be in play groups every day over an extended period. Fights often break out when dogs have had too much time together.

In regards to cage-free facilities, you will want to ask the following questions:
• Are dogs given a naptime? If so, are they separated from the other dogs and for how long?
• Are dogs separated at night and where do they sleep?
• Are dogs separated during feeding time? If not, how do they prevent arguments over food?
• Do they offer a practice day of daycare to see how your dog will do?
• If the dogs are outside, where do they go when it is very hot or very cold?

Fees
Prices differ greatly among daycare and boarding facilities. These are a few things you may want to find out ahead of time:
• How are daycare rates determined? Do they offer half days of daycare?
• How are boarding rates determined, and after what time will you be charged for an additional day?
• Do they offer packages or discounts on daycare or boarding?
• Do the fees increase on weekends or holidays?
• Do they charge for feeding?
• Can you bring your dog’s own food? What happens if your dog runs out of food?
• Do they charge for administering medications or flea treatment to your dog?
• Are there any additional fees that you should know about?

Most, if not all, facilities will ask you to fill out an application, which you will either send to the facility ahead of time or bring with you to the initial interview. It is important to read this over very carefully; it may answer many of your own questions but may also prompt you to ask other questions.

Sometimes your best source of information about a dog daycare or boarding facility is through referrals from other people who have used the same facility, or from user reviews from websites like Yelp.

Written for Paws for the News by: Tricia Casper

Programs staying fit with your dog

Other programs that may offer classes in your area:

• Leash Your Fitness features a “Butts and Guts with Your Mutts” class that uses Bosu balls, TRX, and your own body weight to perform squats, step-ups, and shuffles. The class emphasizes fitness for people but also focuses on canine participation with constant commands and movements.
• Thank Dog Bootcamp combines fitness and obedience training for you and your dog. The class begins with a consultation to assess the fitness level of both you and your pup.
• Fit Dog Austin offers a bootcamp course that includes cardio-respiratory work, agility and speed work, muscular endurance, balance, and flexibility.
• Go Fetch Run offers a total-body conditioning program for you, and a stimulating experience for your dog. Their Cross-Training Fitness Circuit combines strength, agility, and cardio in a challenging class that includes circuit training, trail running, and an obstacle course.

If none of these offerings appeal to you or they aren’t available in your neck of the woods, you can still turn your pooch into your workout partner. Consider starting out with power walks, graduating slowly to prolonged aerobic exercise. When you’re short on time or the weather outside is nasty, you can take turns on the treadm

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Each year, Dog Fancy magazine polls its readers to build a list of the canine-friendliest U.S. cities. Then the magazine’s staff researches each suggested city to see how it measures up based on certain criteria, including dog-centered activities, dog-friendly businesses, dog parks, veterinary specialists, pro-dog legislation, and rescue programs.

From this information, the magazine whittles down the list to the top 5 cities, and awards 1 of the 5 the honor of “DogTown USA.”

2014’s Most Dog-Friendly Cities

Austin, Texas. Austin takes top honors as Dog Fancy’s 2014 DogTown USA. Austin is considered the nation’s largest no-kill city, meaning no animal is killed simply for being homeless. In fact, the city celebrated its three-year no-kill anniversary this year. To meet that goal, Austin’s residents volunteer in record numbers to keep the city’s homeless animals safe.

Austin offers 12 off-leash dog parks, which include 6 trekking trails, 4 open-space, and 2 fenced parks. Dogs are allowed to play and swim off-leash on Red Bud Isle and certain areas of Lady Bird Lake in the downtown area.

Several restaurants, coffee shops, and stores in Austin are pet-friendly, and for visitors to the city, there’s dog-friendly lodging available. There are also lots of animal activities and fundraisers held throughout the year, including organized dog walks and a pet parade and costume contest.

Leashed dogs are welcome at many popular venues across Austin, and a group called the RuffTail Runners makes sure several hundred shelter dogs get regular exercise and socialization opportunities.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. In this city rich with Civil War history, dogs get to accompany their guardians on many historical tours and outings, for example, a visit to the Gettysburg National Military Park.

Dog-friendly hotels and restaurants are plentiful, and in nearby Michaux State Forest, dogs can hike with their owners. Gettysburg also recently opened a dawn-to-dusk dog park with sections for small and large dogs, and has plans to add a dog washing area and agility equipment.

There are also a number of special dog-inclusive events held throughout the year, including the annual Loyalty Walk, which benefits the area’s homeless animals.

Minneapolis, Minnesota. Minneapolis re-homes over 75 percent of dogs that wind up at city shelters, and it also has the only public shelter in the state that provides no-cost kenneling for the dogs of victims of domestic violence.

Minneapolis has 7 dog parks, miles of paved walking and jogging paths, and several dog-friendly trails, including the 63-mile Luce Line State Trail. One of the dog parks, Minnehaha, sits on 6 acres in the center of the city and has walking paths, beaches on the river, trails, climbing areas, and even a waterfall.

Many of the city’s hotels are pet-friendly, and there are several dog-friendly stores and boutiques. Annual activities include the Renaissance Festival Pet Fest, the Dog Day 5K, Pet-A-Palooza, and Woofstock. Several local dog-training facilities offer summer camps for kids and their dogs.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Runner-up for DogTown USA honors is the town of Eureka Springs, which has almost as many dogs (2,000) as people (2,200). The tiny village, nestled in the scenic Ozark Mountains, has dozens of dog-friendly lodgings, stores, and restaurants – including many in the downtown area.

Dogs and their humans can enjoy the trails and lake at Lake Leatherwood City Park, and also spend some time at the newly opened Bark Park, which features small and large dog sections, and future plans to add pools, agility equipment, and an area for adoption and fundraising events.

There’s also the annual Doggie Style Show, which benefits the Good Shepherd Humane Society and showcases adoptable shelter dogs. Good Shepherd found homes for 85 percent of their shelter dogs last year, including almost 60 dogs who found forever homes out-of-state, as far away as New York, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The shelter operates with a healthy annual budget, raised through memberships, fundraisers, donations, and thrift stores.

Charleston, South Carolina. In Charleston, James Island County Park offers dogs and their humans 4 acres of grass, a large lake, and a Yappy Hour summer music series. Like the other cities in the top 5, Charleston offers dog-friendly hotel accommodations, restaurants, and stores, including the local farmers market.

On warm days, you’ll likely see as many dogs as people in the Folly Beach restaurant district, including at the Lost Dog Café. Dogs with good manners are allowed on some scenic harbor cruises, and small dogs can join in on sailboat rides.

The town’s minor league baseball team has regular dog-friendly ballpark days, and there’s an annual two-day Pet Fest at the Palmetto Islands County Park. And don’t forget Dog Day Afternoon at the local waterpark, an event that invites dogs to play in the wave pool and other water attractions.

Feature:  The Healing Power Of Pets


Diane Pomerance Ph.D.

 

Do you often feel sad? Lonely? Alone? Depressed? As though you didn't
have a friend in the world? That the burdens of life rest upon your
shoulders? Are these feelings often accompanied by lethargy, lack of
energy or vitality, overall weakness or fatigue, physical unrest or
discomfort? Did you know that a pet might be able to help you to cope
with or even overcome these challenges and actually help "heal" you
mentally, physically and emotionally?

It's true! There is extensive scientific data and evidence indicating
that pets are natural born healers who not only improve the quality
of our lives but also increase our longevity. Animal companions
provide physical and emotional well being. In fact, the simple act
of petting an animal friend has proven to be of significant physical
and psychological benefit. His presence has a calming effect.
Heartbeat is improved. Blood pressure is reduced. Our resistance to
disease is heightened, and tension is decreased. Even cholesterol
levels are improved, and animal owners ("pet parents") pay fewer
visits to doctors and hospitals. Our animal companions reduce stress,
fear and anger. They also decrease loneliness, anxiety and depression.

According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS),
scientists have studied the pets-and-health bond for quite some time.
Rebecca Johnson, a Professor of Gerontological Nursing at the
University of Missouri has presented findings that suggest that
interaction with pets may minimize or even reverse some of the
damaging cell changes that occur naturally with aging. According to
Professor Johnson, levels of endorphins, serotonin and prolactin -
elements that can enhance feelings of well-being - increased in study
participants during interaction, while cortisol levels (stress hormones)
decreased.

Not only does interaction with pets decrease stress and related
cardiovascular illnesses, but caring for a pet has practical daily
benefits. For example, having a dog increases the likelihood of
regular outdoor exercise. Daily walking provides well-known benefits
for cardiovascular health and fitness. Walking a dog may also offer
socialization with other dog or pet owners. Also, the opportunity to
nurture and serve as a caregiver to another living creature offer the
pet parenthood a sense of fulfillment and may even provide a reason
for getting up in the morning. Indoor pets also provide significant
benefits. A study published in the Journal of the American geriatrics
Society reported that senior citizens who own pets are less likely
to be depressed, are better able to tolerate social isolation and are
more active than those who do not own pets, regardless of the type
of pet owned.

Our animal companions also serve as a link to Nature and through
Nature our spirits are elevated. We receive comfort, solace and
renewal through the natural world of which our animal companions, are,
of course ambassadors. They remind us of the beauty, power, complexity
and wonder of the natural world. Sadly, too many of us have lost
awareness of this relationship- our connectedness to all living
beings. We are, instead, bombarded and overwhelmed by technology.
Our lives are too often detached from one another, and our relationships
are too often impersonal. We can get close with our pets who accept
us just as we are and without judgment. We can let down our guard,
share our secrets and allow ourselves to trust our pets. We can be
genuinely who we are without facade or pretension. Our animal
companions offer us unconditional love, loyalty and affection and
keep us "grounded" helping us to reassess our priorities and to put
matters in perspective.

Pets, through their playfulness, joie de vivre and spontaneity, have
a soothing and therapeutic effect on their owners. Their presence and
very essence reveal the life force, the creative force, the energy
and vitality that exist in all of us. Even if we are unable to find
inspiring relationships among other people, we find genuine love,
friendship companionship, loyalty and camaraderie through the animals
we adopt.

Through our animal companions we learn many invaluable lessons about
life and death and the aging process. They serve as teachers, guides,
helpers and healers. They accompany us on our life journey and through
life's triumphs and defeats as well as our joys and sorrows. Perhaps
it is time for you to consider adopting one of life's greatest sources
of love and happiness.

DIANE POMERANCE received her Ph.D. in Communications in 1979 from
the University of Michigan, and has written the highly acclaimed
children's nonfiction book on pet loss, "When Your Pet Dies" which
teaches children how to cope with and recover from the loss of a
beloved companion animal as well as those inevitable losses in life.
She is also the author of "Animal Companions: Your Friends, Teachers
& Guides", "Animal Companions: In Our Hearts, Our Lives & Our World.",
Animal Elders: Caring About Our Aging Animal Companions", "Finding
Peace After the Loss of a Loved Animal Companion", and her most
recent book "Pet Parenthood: Adopting the Right Animal Companion for
You." Dr. Pomerance counsels those mourning the loss of a beloved
companion animal. As a writer, teacher, counselor and animal lover,
she recognizes that the loss of a pet can be devastating to adults
as well as children. For over 25 years, she has also worked in a wide
variety of capacities in the entertainment industry both in New York
and Los Angeles, including production work with such programs as NBC's
Sports shows "NFL Live" and "Grandstand", PBS' "MacNeill/Lehrer
Report", and "Bill Moyer's Journal."

Founder Bios, purpose and vision, beliefs updated for BTN

Founder, Donna Curtis brings years of “First Hand” rescue experience and multiple business platform experience to the BOSTON TERRIER NETWORK (BTN). Curtis has been working in all aspects of rescue since 2010 as an intake group foster home for Boston Terriers. Working through a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Curtis experienced firsthand the joy and trials of fostering; from newborn pups to those who graced Curtis with sharing their last walk to the rainbow.

Through fostering; the sick, helping rehab those undergoing long-term medical treatments, providing a long-term home for the hard to place, and many seniors; much knowledge has been gained.  Not stopping with just fostering, there were many miles of transportation, working with other rescue organizations, fundraising events, working with many Veterinarians and Vet techs and hours researching how to train, feed and care for behavior challenged Boston Terriers at the group home.

Curtis came up with the idea of the BOSTON TERRIER NETWORK when it became apparent that many supporters of the rescue community were having a hard time staying motivated and in finding needed information in a timely manner. Moreover, these members of the rescue community need more recognition for many of their efforts to rescue, foster, and sharing of needed information. Curtis understands that each person, regardless of level or experience, has something important to offer the rescue community.

Co-Founder, Lori Mullane provides years of technical knowledge and skills along with rescue experience creating a balanced team. Mullane's vision and knowledge of working with Bulldogs adds much to the background of our growing team. Through Mullane's efforts and , many of BTN's goals are seeing realization in an amazingly short time. 

Editor-In-Chief Jan Mitchell rounds out our founders team. Mitchell provides organizational control of BTNs articles

The purpose of the BOSTON TERRIER NETWORK (BTN) is to provide quality information, in response to current questions, concerning best practices in the rescue community while focusing on the Boston Terrier.

Moreover, by helping the Boston Terrier Rescue Community identify unsafe practices and by sharing the best practices of solid rescue organizations, it provides a balanced approach for new and upcoming members of our Boston Terrier rescue community.

Curtis believes that there should not be any competition between proven "old school" methods that work, and new ideas that are in solid developmental stages. Therefore, encouraging those "on the ground" year after year to continue to produce more of the astonishing results. Showing that rescue, although not easy, should be as pleasurable and rewarding to all involved as possible.

Through the BTN, Curtis sees an exciting future to accomplish several other goals:

1. To provide fun Annual events free to those who support the rescue community Nationwide, by hosting several events online throughout the year.

November - December

The Annual Christmas donations to specific Bostons in foster with 501(c)3s, aimed at helping to raise money for their expensive medical treatments.

January

The Annual “We Have Not Forgotten You” donations, aimed to help Bostons in foster care by providing coats, blankets, and other winter items.

The Annual “Our First Bostons” slide show of photos of the Bostons that influenced our rescue volunteers and supporters to become involved in rescue.

February

Gracie Mae’s Annual Valentine Event: A collection of Bostons from across the nation that display a red valentine, then with three of the top “liked” photos receive gifts as winners.

March

Random Winds: Ten names selected randomly to receive gifts donated by BTN just for being a supporter and participator of the network, i.e., guest-writer, donator, editor, graphics, video, supplier, or other supporter from previous year.

April

Easter –Bunny Trails- top transporter (gift should be something for transporting).

May

Celebrating our favorite VET/TECH/CLINIC.

June

Bragging about our most valuable VOLUNTEER.

July

Thanking one of our most beloved and favorite foster home/family.

August

Acknowledging one of our most respected TRAINER, PET SITTER, DOG WALKER.

September

Random acts of kindness, 5 names of supporters selected to send gifts to.

October

To be announced.

 

2. Using the BTN SHOP; raise funds for the first major project, the establishment of a special medical fund. The purpose is to provide a yearly medical grant to a board-selected, rescued, adopted Boston Terrier whose owner cannot provide all of the funding needed to support specific medical treatment. The funds would go direct to the vet not to the owner.

 

3. Develop a special group of individuals:
 As we grow we will be adding several other major projects, one of which will be to develop our own lists of approved independent individuals willing to be certified through BTN to, on occasion, help with transportation, home visits, fostering short term (over night emergency of Bostons in transport). Once developed we see this program ideal for those who do not or cannot stay committed to a rescue, but might on special occasions volunteer to assist a known rescue group.

4. Another major project we see in our future is one that is very dear to several of our founders. Identifying rescued Boston Terriers that would make wonderful companion dogs, for first responders and military veterans. We would aim to not only identify these special dogs, but also providing full vetting, fostering, and training on a one at a time, one on one basis. Working with appropriate pre-existing support groups, this will be a very expensive project, but the rewards will be so great for all that help us with this…