Scared to kennel my dog!! words of wisdom?

[MarleyPyr]

This might sound crazy to some of you but I am actually getting anxiety about the thought of sending Marley to a kennel for a week. I have done it once for two nights when we got married and he didn't eat the whole time he was there....I know I know...he didn't die either... Usually I can leave him at home and have someone come and look after him but this time I don't think that is going to work out. ergggg how do I make myself not go crazy with worry!!

advice please

[People Whisperer]

My heart is going on for you...every time I leave Lily she doesn't eat. The longest I left her was 10 days BUT I am leaving for three weeks in May and I am shaking already 
Sorry, I have no advice for you 

[MarleyPyr]

she didn't eat for the 10 days!!!

[faye]

have any friends the dog knows who could visit at the kennel for play or walks or to help feed?

[People Whisperer]

she didn't eat for the 10 days!!!

She ate the minimum that would allow for her to survive and lost 5 lbs in 10 days. When I travel for dog shows she never eat either 

[ZooCrew]

My dogs are the same.  Esp. Gunther.  He doesn't eat much of anything not only when boarded (with friends, haven't had to board him at a faciity yet) but also when we travel.  When we moved from Ca to IL (with a long layover in MN for 1.5 yrs) he lost 5 lbs.  He didn't eat hardly anything when traveling and didn't eat much the first few days we were at my folks......... .......and I was with him the entire time!

Of course you will be worried, he is your baby.  But you can always call and check up on him to see how he's doing.  I think having someone visit him would lift his spirits as well.  Having something familiar there for him, bed, toys, etc always helps.

[lins_saving_grace]

after a self inflicted hunger strike, he will eat.  he won't let himself starve and maybe the longer time frame will teach him it's ok.  try it...call the kennel nightly to check in on him...and they will call you if something goes wrong.  if you are in a position to, you can go get him if he's not doing well.  the person running the kennel will not let him stay if he's not adjusting well and i'm sure they have had a million dogs do and feel the same way.  he'll be ok. 
leave a blanket from home for him to sleep with. 

[ptkennel]

Julie had some great ideas.

We run a boarding kennel....the smells of home help a lot.
We have never had a dog not eat more then 2 days.
Another thought is, that if the boarding kennel has different water source, then you can bring a big jug from home, so he can get used to the water. (not usually a problem but some can be fussy)

Brad

[Newly Newfed]

I'm glad others had tips for you, because I had such anxiety over the thought of kenneling Sierra, I was losing sleep and having panic attacks.  Turns out I was able to talk Jeff into bringing her to Canada with us on vacation.  He tries to act like a tough guy, but it didn't take much convincing on my part.  Not much at all, actually...  LOL!

[NarniaMals]

I was really nervous when we left the pups at a kennel the first time.  I called each day and it made me feel a bit better.  Even when we leave now - and I have a great kiddo who lives 2 doors down and adores the pups - I call each day.  My guys are used to being crated while I work and they love to sleep in their crates so that isn't the problem - Its that quality we have when I get home.  Fortunately most kennels are able to give attention to the pups - at least the ones we have tried prior to the in home care.  We always checked with the vet and made sure they came highly recommended.  We were even lucky enough to have one of the vet techs take our husky last summer before we got the mals - and he is HIGH maintenance.  Checking with your vet for recommendation s might also be reassuring-

Good Luck and safe travels!

[Thelma]

oh wow...i feel for ya....if hubby and  I just go to the
mall for a couple hrs....we're hurrying home cause we miss
them.  We tried to go away for the weekend once(my
daughter staying with dogs) we only made it until Sat
night....