Thank goodness I found this place!
We all love our dogs, but, from the perspective of being a "dog person"...I'm a physician and well-known agility handler. One of these dogs I boarded has had tremendous national attention...I'm into dogs as an owner, trainer, and exhibitor up to my neck. So, I think I have some perspective on what's important for dogs and what's realistic for their care.
I have had beagles continuously for more than 20 years and have never boarded them in a kennel situation. I have always either had a dog sitter either sleep in or have them keep my dogs in their home, or there's been a family member stay with them. Because I am a part-time resident of Napa, I don't have that network of people yet (and the dog sitters I've met have not impressed me) so I needed to find someplace for my two boys for 3 nights. My challenge with my older dog is that he has recurrent colitis and can't be in with the general population of dogs, lest he "treat" himself (yes, eat poop) and become sick. One "snack" and he can be sick for days. When I went to visit BDK for the first time, I was encouraged to bring my boys along. The entire place only smell lightly of bleach, no doggy smells. I was shown the entire facility and when I started to explain to Rhonda what my concerns were about the poop thing, she promptly said, "Don't worry, I have one, too" and then proceeded to tell me how they would manage the situation. Yes, the kennels are...kennels, but more than large enough for my two dogs. They have good air circulation, access to the outside. The food bowls are sanitized after each meal. The runs that my guys used were plenty big.
They were happy when I dropped them off and hard to get to come to me when I went to pick them up. "Boys, it's Mom! Boys...boys!" They obviously were happy there.
I waited to do this review until I could tell my older boy was OK from a digestive standpoint and he was.
I had planned on washing my dogs once I got home, expecting them to be a little grubby after "summer camp" and, I gotta tell you, they don't smell the least little bit (and these are beagles, they stink on a good day!). So I don't get the complaints from the other reviewers at all.
I want my dogs safe, in a clean environment, and to have their care individualized. BDK did all three they were obviously were taken care of. I'm very particular about who cares for my dogs---
Now for the one-star folks: Cassie, you obviously don't understand cleanliness. Kennels have to have non-porous floors, otherwise, they could not be kept clean. What would you think if your dog came home with a parasite? Lynn, my best friend is a mini aussie breeder and in her dogs that have nervous issues, she shaves their butts. As long as they aren't getting ready for the breed ring, then shave it. If you're going to board your dog, then you have to have to anticipate these things and, yes, make it a little easier on the kennel crew.
My one thing...is that I would have liked to fill out the forms before we came in that morning for drop-off.
I will entrust BDK and Rhonda with my dogs in the future. read more