I certainly don't treat my dogs like humans, but they most definitely are part of the family and when I go on holiday I take them too. I wouldn't actually enjoy a holiday without them. If I do go somewhere where I can only take one or two (I have four) then I leave the others at home with my hubby and know they are happy, well cared for and exercised.

My biggest problem with leaving my dogs in commercial boarding kennels would be the lack of stimulation and exercise. My dogs are used to lots of freedom, play and exercise daily and, even with the best will in the world, a boarding kennels just could not provide that.

Yes in a way i'm am and no i don't think its a bit of a contradiction. If you cried dropping your kids off at school they would wonder why mummy was upset and in turn make them upset - in the same way as dogs react to there owners emotions when dropping off at kennels.

My dog Barney is a part of my family and he is def not treated as a human but is loved just as an much as any of the humans in the famliy sometimes even more. Barney comes on holiday as well (but can understand not being able to take all 4 of yours). But if he needed kenneling he would go in to a good kennel (only had him 5/6 months and not need to do yet).

Kennels are hard, in my opinion i serched for the best of the best kennels for my last dog Jess. We travelled over 40 miles to kennel her but it was a small family run kennel and they treated my dog like there dog she got 3 walks a day each were 30 mins or more and a free run area they also only boarded 10 dogs at a time. The service was impecable as they didn't over load themselves with dogs.

managed a little video clip of one otter today in the same place so i definately will be back in the next day or so with the good camera.

Excellent, as I can't watch video clips Have you ever seen a wildcat Phil?

Not in the wild no. There seems to be a wildcat conservation awareness thing going on up here at the moment.

Yes the dog's pick up on it this is why we dont allow owners to go any further than reception most of the time (on the very rare occasion we will let them into the kennel block), just because the dog's take longer to settle down when the owners take them to their kennel. And Kennel's isnt for everyone which up to them! And like everything else you get good one's and bad ones!

Kennel time - don't you feel happy !

Had a fab holiday and Breagh has had a great time.

Can't wait to get my boys back tomorrow though !

Excellent Phil. Lots of pics I hope? Did you see the otters again? Any other wildlife? How was the weather?

I don't think putting in a dog in kennels can be compared to taking a child to school...not even a little bit.
The child is in school for only 6 hours...with familiar people and is learning and mentally and physically stimulated. A dog in commercial kennels is often bored and in unfamiliar surroundings with unfamiliar people. Totally different.

I did see the otters again (managed a quick video for you) although every time I waited with my big camera and long lens they didn't show up.

I'll get some pictures up later on tonight.