A Day in the Life of a Boarding Dog at Canine Crews.

Ding! Ding! Ding!  It’s breakfast time here at Canine Crews.  I just came in from my potty break in the yard but I haven’t met any of the other dogs because I came in late last night and they were all too tired for introductions.  I did sniff a few of their cages, though.

Chomp…chomp…mmmm….chomp…gulp…(burp).  Excuse me.  I just inhaled my food because I am ready to go PLAY!  The tall woman leashed me to go upstairs – I don’t know why because it’s just a huge dog play area we’re going to.  I already know my way because I got to see it last night when I came to stay.  They even let me play in there for a bit while they cleaned, up until they mopped.  So we are upstairs and I hear the pitter patter of little claws on the floor.  They let this cute dog into the holding area so I could get my sniff on.  She smells nice but she keeps barking in my ear so I am getting really excited to run after her.  Do a little tail-chasing, so to speak.

So in come Zella (she’s my new favorite).  She comes charging at me at full speed but I can tell she’s just telling me how to respect her.  I think she thinks she owns the place, whatever, as long as she lets me get a ball every once in a while then I’m happy.  She likes to run and run and we are already best friends.  I have a feeling I’m going to be worn out from Zella.  She’s a little bossy but so cute that I let her get away with it.  Women…they make me howl at the moon.

Next they bring in two more dogs and we get our sniffs on and they just go right into playing with me.    I’m playing in a small group, but I bet I graduate into the big pack soon.  They all seem to like me and I know they’ll love me once we chase a couple of balls together.  I think a couple of them don’t like it when I put my feet on their back or heads – they turn around and growl at me to back-off.  Don’t have to tell me twice!  Okay, maybe you have to tell me a few times but it’s hard to remember who likes what when you just want to PLAY!

I just finished my first potty break outside.  We played in the yard and ran around like crazy dogs!  I was SO relieved to go outside.  They have potty spots upstairs but my Dad taught me NEVER to go inside so I just can’t bring myself to use the spots.  Maybe I’ll get used to it but I heard we get to go outside a couple times during the day, so I’m not going to worry about it.  They seem to have a routine here so I hope to figure it out soon!  Did I mention the toys?  Boy, oh boy, they have lots of big rubber balls to chase as well as some other things for tug-o-war.  They also bring out this light that I never seem to catch no matter how long I chase it.  One lady even hid a couple of toys and we had to go find them (I found one under the cot).  Zella’s really good at that game – I like my girls smart!

I think it must be my naptime…they turned down the lights and put on some soft music.  It smells nice in here but I’m not that sleepy yet.  Okay, maybe I’ll just lie down for a bit and see what the other dogs are doing.  Hey, the lady even comes and sits down by us so we can get some special loving.  They took a few of the dogs downstairs – they must be eating or napping in the kennels.  Not me!  I’m a big boy and I don’t need a nap, maybe just chill out..phrump….(snore)….

…(stretch)…Wow, what a great nap!  We went outside for another potty break and some playtime and I’m ready to go for round two!  There are some new dogs in my group that just showed up.  They must not get the whole day to play like me, but they sure are nice.  I am chasing more balls with my girl, Zella, and my new girl, Bailey, and I can roughhouse with a few of the other dogs.  We also do a bit of school by sitting and staying while people come in and out of the doors.  We have to wait until everyone sits before we can go downstairs for a potty break.  Sometimes that takes a while because I think there are some ADD dogs in here, but eventually they get it and then we can go.  Every once & a while, I go take a look out a window to see what’s happening outside but I have too many friends to play with inside to really care.

Sorry, I didn’t write much for the last couple of hours.  I’ve been busy playing but now I’m getting a bit tired.  I can tell my friends are tired, too.  We take breaks and hang out on the cool beds they have here or I just sprawl out on the floor to take a breather.   Now they are taking me downstairs to eat and, boy, am I ever hungry!  I did my business outside like a good boy and now I’m back in my own kennel for the evening.

Whoa…the tall lady just came and let us all out for another potty break before bedtime.  She played with us and made sure our beds are all snuggly and refreshed my water.  She also gave me a treat and scratched right behind my ears.  You know, that perfect spot that humans can reach that us dogs can’t?  It felt so good.  She talked to me like I’m a baby, but I don’t mind, she must not know I’m over a year old.  I’m a big boy…okay, I did roll over on my back for some more loving but you would too!  Now, off to bed because I am just pooped!

What a great day!  I cannot wait to do it all over again tomorrow!!  Canine Crews ROCKS!

Anthony

BARK BARK WOOF BARK WOOF WOOF WOOF…Oh, excuse me! I was just brushing up on my dog speak. My name is Anthony, but everyone knows me as TJ. I like to call myself a Canine Talker or Canine Communicator – I just haven’t decided which one to trademark yet. I have worked at Canine Crews since Catherine opened the business and your dogs are my life! I dedicate much of my time to learning them as animals, their breeds and knowing them as the individuals they are. I am an AnimalSense Academy Graduate & I am also Pet First Aid/CPR Certified through the American Red Cross. In my spare time I play semi-professional baseball, draw, write & watch a ton of movies. I also spend a lot of time with my friends & family. I hope you choose Canine Crews; I look forward to meeting you & I can’t wait to meet your dogs!

Darcy

I grew up here in the city, attending Mather High School and Oakton Community College. Before I became a part of the Canine Crew staff I would bring my dog Dexter here for daycare. Dexter is my life, he is the first dog I have owned and I couldn’t have ask for a better companion. I have to admit it is nice having a job where you are able to bring your dog to work every day. My job is very fulfilling as I am able watch and interact with dogs of all sizes and breeds. I have become certified by the American Red Cross in pet first aid. With that, I have the skills necessary to tend to unexpected emergencies as well as monitor the well-being of your pup. I am a big dog lover and if I could, I would try a take any dog in need home with me. Since that is unrealistic, I have channeled that energy into opening up my home and fostering dogs for Alive Rescue. When I am not at Canine Crews loving on your pups, I am playing some type of sport. I play semi profession TACKLE football for the Chicago Force in the spring, Rugby and Flag Football in the fall and Volleyball in the winter! Some people might call me crazy; I just think I am adventurous and I feel that teamwork is my honed skill that I bring to Canine Crews. It is a good thing that I have such a great boss that allows me to do the things that I love and will work around my crazy schedule. Oh, and my little sister work with me as well. She’s sometimes annoying like most little sisters are, but I do love being able to see her at work.

Can I have a tour?

You bet! We just ask that you make an appointment so we can give you the full attention you deserve.

My dog likes cuddles before bed, can you do that?

Baby talk, smooches, hugs and belly rubs are plentiful and FREE of charge. Just let us know if there is a special cuddle your dog prefers!

Do you have nap/rest time?

Yes, we can do as a group in the daycare rooms or if you prefer, your dog can have a private kennel with a raised cot from 12-2pm.

Do you require a reservation?

Yes, we do require reservations as we do have a capacity and a 1:15 staff to dog ratio that we adhere to. You can do it online from this website for daycare, if you are an existing customer.

Do you accept puppies?

Yes – not younger than 4 months as long as they have completed their full vaccination series.

What is Bark Park?

This is Canine Crews’ version of a Chicago dog park but without the Chicago weather. You bring your dog to play and you stay with them, just like you would at a park. This is an affordable way to keep your dog properly socialized in a clean, safe environment and expand your social network of other dog owners. Winter months only, please call or email for reservation. **Application, vaccinations & temperment testing are required.

You say you are eco-friendly, what does that mean?

We do everything we can to preserve our environment and lower our negative impact on the earth. We use non-toxic cleaners & disinfectants, biodegradable poop bags, non-toxic toys, sell natural food and treats, recycle and use recycled products wherever we can.