Thanksgiving Boarding

The leaves were turning shades of gold and crimson, and a crispness filled the air. Thanksgiving was approaching, and with it came the annual family gathering. However, this year presented a challenge for Jennifer. Her energetic Beagle, Bailey, couldn’t tag along on the trip.

Leaving Bailey home alone for several days wasn’t an option. Without companionship and mental stimulation, Bailey could get into mischief due to boredom. Jennifer knew he thrived on companionship and worried he might howl all day from separation anxiety. Even with a pet sitter popping in, it wouldn’t be enough to meet Bailey’s needs.

Jennifer decided to explore dog boarding. She had heard that quality boarding facilities offered more than just a place to sleep; they provided a structured and enriching environment where dogs could socialize, exercise, and have fun.

Jennifer started her research, asking friends for recommendations, browsing online reviews, and carefully comparing different facilities. She learned that a good boarding facility should prioritize safety, offer enrichment activities, and have a well-trained staff. Ideally, the staff would have training in animal behavior and be able to recognize canine body language. Jennifer wanted to board Bailey at a facility that required proof of vaccinations to ensure all the dogs were healthy.

One name kept popping up in her search: Dogtopia of Cypress. Jennifer was impressed by Dogtopia’s marketing materials, which emphasized their commitment to the safety and well-being of the dogs in their care. Jennifer was intrigued when she saw that Dogtopia Cypress had events where the dogs could make Thanksgiving-themed art.

Jennifer visited the Dogtopia of Cypress website and was immediately drawn to the spacious playrooms with colorful play equipment. She loved the live webcams—being able to see Bailey throughout the day would give her tremendous peace of mind. The positive online reviews further solidified her interest.

She booked a tour of Dogtopia of Cypress. Jennifer was greeted by friendly staff who seemed passionate about dogs and were very knowledgeable about their services. Bailey, typically shy around strangers, warmed up to the staff immediately, tail wagging furiously.

During the tour, Jennifer learned that the dogs at Dogtopia are grouped by size and temperament to ensure their safety and comfort. She also learned that Dogtopia has a detailed process for introducing new dogs to the play group that includes a temperament assessment.

Jennifer was happy to learn that Dogtopia offered a variety of enrichment activities. She imagined Bailey bounding through ball pits, splashing in kiddie pools, and tackling puzzle toys. Jennifer knew that Bailey would be getting plenty of exercise at Dogtopia, which would tire him out and make him less likely to bark from boredom or frustration. **

Jennifer also learned about Dogtopia’s focus on routine. Bailey would have consistent feeding times, regular bathroom breaks, and structured playtime, closely mirroring his routine at home. She was pleased to learn that Dogtopia staff would encourage the dogs to rest to prevent them from getting overtired and stressed.

Jennifer left Dogtopia feeling confident and reassured. Dogtopia of Cypress, she realized, was more than just a place for Bailey to sleep; it was a place where he could socialize, play, and thrive while she was away.

Thanksgiving Day arrived, and Jennifer, though missing Bailey, enjoyed a delicious meal with her family. Throughout the day, she peeked at the webcams, watching Bailey romp and play with his new friends. He looked happy and carefree, a stark contrast to the anxious pup she would have left behind at home.

When Jennifer returned from her trip, Bailey greeted her with exuberant enthusiasm. He was tired but content, a testament to his fun-filled Thanksgiving adventure at Dogtopia.

Jennifer knew she had made the right choice. Dogtopia of Cypress had provided Bailey with a safe and enjoyable holiday experience, allowing her to enjoy her time with family guilt-free. From then on, she decided, Dogtopia would be Bailey’s home away from home, especially during the holidays.