I am taking OH away for his 40th in November and I really don't want to leave Archie in kennels. The thought of him in a crate or a small space all alone all day just makes me want to cry.

He's never been in a crate and he always has the run of the house - plus he can be a bit insecure because we adopted him and it took him a while to feel happy that we weren't going to leave him all the time.

Does anyone have any ideas? I live in Hampshire and would be willing to pay more to make sure he had a lovely week in a loving safe environment.

Thanks everyone! (and hope you're all enjoying the sunny weather!)

I wish we didn't have to leave him - we deliberately didn't book anything for the summer so we didn't have to leave him!

I've booked a big trip somewhere he's always wanted to go (rather not say in case he reads this! - the destination's a surprise!) and it involves a long flight!

Thanks for your help. I'll start doing some research.

It's a shame the people on this site couldn't set up a network where we could take care of each other's dogs!

Your only option would probably be to see if a friend or member of the family can take care of him for you, or you could ask a friend to come and live at your house for the time you are away, and then they can look after Archie and the house at the same time! 

I found this for you,  www.bestdoghotel.co.uk it's a hotel for your dog while your away, sounds & looks nice.

It is good that you are taking the time to find out how you can get the best for archie.

Finding accomodation that could suit you and archie would be the best alternative but failing that i would advise finding a pet sitter to look after archie and your home whilst you are away.

My partner and I operate A Dog Called Wander Pet Services in Lincolnshire but often go out and about around the country caring for other peoples pets in their own homes.

There is a a great need to find the right kind of care for loved one so please visit www.adogcalledwander.co.uk and have a look to see if we can help. We do also take in specialised boarding cases in to our own home for dogs who can become stressed and ill whilst in kennels.

I know we appear a long way away but if nothing else we can give you advise on finding the perfect pet sitter in your region and what to look out for as some are not so good.

All the best

Steve & Sara

Maybe pop into your local vets and see if they can recommend a good pet sitter.....I pet sit and have recently been swamped with calls as people are not wanting to use kennels, the local vets recommend me as I know my local vets very well, I groom for them and look after the staff pets when they are on holiday....and my mam is the head nurse I also take all our rescue dogs back for their holidays.
Im also a nurse but work a little further out

Only problem is I have not had a holiday for yonks...LOL