We checked out the kennel at the Feed Barn per the recommendation of a friend. Considering the few choices available in this area, the best I can say is that at least the poor dogs are out of the rain.
It was the middle of the afternoon in February. The kennel was cold, dark - no lights on, and drafty - outside doors left open. Great for fresh air admittedly, but my elderly dog wouldn't cope well. They provide individual concrete runs where the dog eats, sleeps, pees and poops. The dogs are not walked, per the employee who gave us the tour, because they don't have a secure fence surrounding the property.
I specifically asked if I left my dog there for a week if she would be confined in that run for the entire week without a walk, and the employee said yes, that's right.
You may provide your own blanket if you want your dog to sleep on something other than the cold concrete floor according to the employee. They don't provide anything.
They had smaller outside kennel runs, but those were used by their groomed dogs - this is also a grooming business - waiting for pickup according to the employee.
I had no idea how spoiled I was by my city kennel. I paid $1 extra for a cot to raise my dog's bed off the cold, hard concrete floor. My dog was walked Outside everyday so that she could relieve herself away from her bed and her food. I also had the option to pay $1 for extra playtime everyday outside the run enclosure.
Maybe this is the best they can do here, but I was just heartsick when I thought of leaving my elderly dog here. It will never happen. A week in a cage with no sunshine. A week of peeing on the floor of her house - she'd probably nearly pop her bladder first, waiting to be let out. If I have to drive to Bakersfield, so be it. Surely you don't have to live in the South to find a Happy place for your Sweeie Pie's vacation.
Note to Entrepreneurs - Open a Bright, Clean, Caring Doggie Country Club here - Please! read more
