My 18-month-old pup Sasha is everything. One of the most important things I had to figure out…read morebefore moving to Hong Kong from the States was finding a trustworthy pet sitter, when traveling for business or on holiday. I spent more than a few hours Googling dog boarding facilities and as soon as I landed upon the Play with Des page, I was reasonably sure I had found 'the one'.
Play with Des offers kennel-free boarding at a family home in the New Territories, where it is incredibly green and peaceful and leafy. Unlike 99% of the boarding facilities in HK - Sasha gets to breathe in fresh air in the countryside, get taken on legitimate nature hikes, go outside 5-6 times per day, and romp around in a safe, fenced-in environment. While inside the house, he can make himself at home - and he often does, as sometimes I'll spy a photo of him relaxing on the sofa. Like a boss!
Sasha LOVES being around other dogs, and he can count on there always being several furry friends to play with and socialize. And I love Sasha staying at Play with Des, because no matter where I am in the world, I can wake up and see my dog happy and thriving via Play With Des' prolific Twitter stream. How awesome is that?
The couple that runs Play with Des - April and Robin - aren't just savvy business owners; they've become real-life friends whom I've shared a meal with and enjoy seeing when they pick-up and drop-off Sasha. They're warm, big-hearted, fun to chat up, and their love of animals is obvious to anyone they meet. Their business' name - Play with Des - is named after April's rescue dog, a sweet and gentle boy named Desmond. I completely trust Sasha in their care, and I've never seen Sasha more sad to leave a boarding facility. And when they pick him up? He's jumping up all over them, ecstatic to know he'll soon be spending a few days (or weeks) in doggy paradise! Now that's one hell of a terrific testimonial, coming directly from Sasha.
Here's what you need to know:
+ Get acquainted with Play with Des rates and info via their detailed website (http://www.playwithdes.com/)
+ Email April with dates of care needed and vaccination records (the site specifies which ones are required)
+ Prepare your dog's food and also pack a bed or favorite toy, if desired
+ Someone from the Play with Des family will pick up your pup at your home
+ Stay off the internet during your holiday except to check out the photos of your dog looking blissfully content
+ Settle back in at home after your trip, and wait for your dog to be dropped off!
Play with Des is such a life-changer. And for the record, their rates are completely reasonable for the comprehensive care and unlimited love your furry friend is receiving. So happy I've found Sasha's home away from home!