What do you do with your dogs during 3 7a-7p shifts???

[goofygreyhound]

I am a GN and will be working soon. I plan on my two greyhounds :redbeathe going to a kennel, during my second of three 7a-7p, but they don't open till 8a, and I have to be at work by 7a. My friends and family all are getting themselves to work at this hour and can't assist transport. Wondering if any of you have run into this situation and found a solution. I know there are house pet sitters out there, but I don't really want anyone that isn't a trusted friend or family member in my home. Only thing I have conjured up is putting them in the backyard at 6:15 when I leave, give someone I hire the combination to my gate lock, and have them transport them to the kennel, and maybe deposit them back in the yard that evening, as the kennel closes at 6p. Any other brilliant suggestion??? Please!!! Thank you in advance :bowingpur

[crb613, BSN, RN]

I work nights & my dog stays home. I have a Maltese & she is just fine w/food, water, & puppy pads. I leave the tv & a light on for her. She does like to play so she has toys available. When I get home I let her out for a while....then we snuggle up & go to bed......works for us.

[sissiesmama, ASN, RN]

Sounds like there is potential for a job that would consist of going to people's homes and taking care of their pets' needs throughout the day/evening. I think a lot of people would be willing to pay $15-20 for a visit that would include feeding, exercise, fussing over, and whatever else could be fit into, say, a 45-min time slot. Someone doing that throughout the day and into the evening could make a decent amount of money for doing something they enjoy and the pets and owners really need.

My thoughts exactly! I was just telling my dh that a few days ago when we started making plans to board Sissie, my mini weinie for a few days while I'm in the hospital. Definetly a potential, I wouldn't mind having a job like that sometimes, I love my doggiebabies!

Anne, RNC

[catlynLPN]

Actually, this is a common thought about greyhounds that doesn't really ring true. Greyhounds are the world's fastest couch potatoes. My dogs lay around and sleep 90% of the time. They spend another 8% eating, 1.9% using the bathroom and .1% exercising. Ok, ok, I'm kidding with the stats thing, kind of.

They really aren't more active or require anymore exercise than any other dog. Yes, when they run they run super fast; but those are just quick sprints in the backyard and then it's immediately back to the couch for a snooze.

I do want to add a comment about doggy doors. I would not feel comfortable having a doggy door with greyhounds; as I don't want them outside when I can't see them. For most dogs it's not really an "instant" death sentence if they break out of their fence, however, because greyhounds are sight hounds and seeing something small move in the distance triggers a sprint (squirrel, bird, etc.) depending on how high the prey drive is - it's pretty much thought that a loose greyhound is a dead greyhound. I also know my three would never, ever walk through a doggy door. With having a tramatic past on the track, there are a lot of things that just spook them unlike most dogs.

Well, I was only offering info about my own routines with my own dog. I wasn't insinuating that the OP should use a doggy door. Every pet owner has to know their own dog and be aware of what their particular type of dog needs. As I said, my dog and I have worked out our own system and routines, and I know that it might not be appropriate for everyone or every pet.

Thoughts given here have to be taken and considered before someone implements a particular suggestion..........that's being a responsible pet owner. A person has to know their pet. Take a suggestion if it is usable and discard the rest. I'm sure the OP poster would do that.