| When the Smith family went on vacation last | | | | Pets need love just as much as they need food and |
| summer, they left Ralph the cat and Maxine the dog | | | | water. Sure, the caretaker isn't the same as you, but |
| at home. A friend stopped by each day to replenish | | | | pets enjoy affection from almost anyone who takes |
| their food and water and spend a little play time with | | | | a sincere interest in them. |
| them. One would think the pets would have faired | | | | * Check in advance that the location keeping your |
| just fine, but that was not the case. | | | | pet is safe. Fences should be secure and your pet |
| For days Ralph continuously meowed at the door | | | | shouldn't be in the same area as other animals who |
| while Maxine moped in the garage waiting for the car | | | | could harm him or her. |
| to arrive, unable to understand why their owners | | | | * Plan to call or email your pet's caretaker while |
| weren't responding. By the time the Smiths finally | | | | you're away. Just hearing how your pet is doing can |
| returned, Ralph had hardly any voice left, looked thin | | | | take a load off your mind and relieve stress you feel |
| and unhealthy and Maxine was clingy and despondent | | | | over your absence. |
| for days. | | | | In recent years pet day camps have started to |
| We take steps to insure our pets are safe and fed | | | | appear around the country. These services, operated |
| while we're away, but sadly their emotional needs are | | | | by devoted professionals, gives your pet pampered |
| left to chance. Even leaving your pet with an | | | | care and treatment while you are away. Care not |
| expensive boarding kennel can be like going to jail | | | | only meets the nutritional and safety needs of your |
| from your pet's perspective. | | | | pet, but caretakers pet, play, and even teach your |
| Meanwhile, you are so worried about your pet back | | | | pet new skills. |
| home that you can hardly enjoy your trip. It can spoil | | | | Pets can sometimes be boarded with specially trained |
| a long awaited vacation or hamper your | | | | host families. Such services can let you leave your |
| effectiveness on a business trip. | | | | pet in a "home like" environment complete with all the |
| Here are some ways you can leave your pet in good | | | | fun and love a caring family can give. |
| hands while feeling confident he or she is having just | | | | Why should your pet go to jail when you go on |
| as much fun as you are. | | | | vacation? By following these simple tips, you can |
| * See to it that whoever it taking care of your pet | | | | ensure your pet is safe, well taken care of, and has |
| also takes time to pet, play with, and walk your pet. | | | | just as much fun as you do. |