[Murphys Dad]

Well, we decided that since Summer has never been home alone, we shouldn't start now. At least until we decide if another dog is the way to go.

I took her to a day care near us that she has been to before (when Murphy was in the hospital). Yesterday she cried and clawed at the gate as I left. Then, according to the staff, she sulked a while. A new puppy came in and immediately ran to her to play. She ignored the little pup. But puppies being what they are, was determined to play with her. They said once she broke down and played with the pup, she played and ran around all day. She came home and slept, exhausted.

This morning, she was shaking in the car going to day care, but went in willingly. A chocolate lab went in right after her and she immediately started playing. As I left she came to the gate. I told her I would get her later, and to go play. She did. I hope she is happy.

 

[PFR]

That sounds awesome! I know the heart ache you all are going through and keep wondering if its the right thing, but it really sounds like Summer is having fun! That was a great idea sending her to Day Care....

I'd love to see some pictures of her bouncing around...

 

[DaisysMom]

That sounds like a good plan. It's also good that she is playing and it does sound like she's having fun.

 

[Makaella's Mom]

Very cool.

I'm new here but have read Murphy's story and recently lost my own dog - a Malamute but a wonderful dog.

I left my corporate job a number of years ago to open a doggie day care and boarding facility called Happy Tails Doggie Day Care and Boarding - original, I know...(LOL)! I didn't in the end because the market crashed and my breakeven was waaaaay to high for me to risk on a single income. But I'm a big believer in them and from my experience, dogs will never want to leave for the day once they get used to it....

I hope it works for Summer (and you) to get through the devastation of losing a loved one. I believe it will.

From a newcomer,

B

 

[Murphys Dad]

Sending Summer to day care sounds like the right thing to do. I'd think it'd be much better for her than being at home alone at this time.

 

[jassy]

That sounds like a good solution for Summer. Like people it probably helps her to be busy and have some companionship. I'm glad she is having fun.

 

[Murphys Dad]

Yes

, a daycare sounds like an excellent solution (even if it's for now...).

 

[cobismom]

Dad: I used to teach kindergarten and first grade to little children with two legs....amazingly pups are not that much different than the two legged children. Summer's reaction, as you wrote it, sounded SO much like the first week of K and first grade to me. It's very hard, she has lost a great friend, a brother and now, you are leaving her, or so she thinks....yet, once she gets used to the routine, IF you decide to pull her out, she will be sad about not being able to go to play with friends who look somewhat like her. Hang in there, it's good for her to have a safe place to go, and good that you can take some time for you.

 

[janna]

I think it is a great idea for Summer to go to daycare and play with other dogs. You are being the wonderful responsible dog parents by realizing that she has to grieve as well and will do so in her own way and time.

 

[angelaH]

Hope it works out with Summer. She must wonder where Murphy is and other dogs will be a good distraction.

 

[Gingergoose]

When we used to board ours (years ago), the owner of the kennel told us that no matter how sad they looked or how guilty they made us feel when we left them, that all changed once we were gone.

She insists that they have fun around other dogs in spite of themselves.

Daycare for Summer sounds like it was the right idea.

 

[Murphys Dad]

Summer is going to go through the same sense of loss as you and Frani.. Summer also has to adjust and overcome her grief as well. It sounds like daycare is just the distraction to help her cope.

 

[ncdogstar]

Doggie day care sounds like it's a good solution to Summer not having to be alone at home. Coming home tired is probably a good thing for her.

 

[Spencer's Mum]

It is just as hard to leave a dog at daycare as it would be to leave a child at daycare. I am sure she will have a blast there, how could she not?

 

[Murphys Dad]

After speaking with the day care manager last night, I come to find out that Summer has become a staff favorite. I quote... She is the perfect front of house dog. She is always happy. She has the run of the place. She is allowed with the big dogs and small dogs, and is allowed in the grooming area while they are working so she can greet the dogs and owners coming in.

And I am paying them... go figure.

Afterwards she comes home, looks for Murphy a bit, then goes outside to patrol the yard. Comes back in, has dinner and crashes on the couch. She is out like a light. Frani asked me... When do we get to play with her? On the weekends... was my answer.

 

[PFR]

Looks like she has a new job and is taking it seriously. That sounds great that she is enjoying it...

 

[Toby & Lucky]

That is really great!! It sounds like day care is the perfect distraction for Summer in this difficult time. Of course, none of us are surprised to see a beagle be a staff favorite!! Especially Summer!!

 

[Murphys Dad]

I'm so glad that day care's going so well for Summer.

 

[Murphys Dad]

I was so glad to read that daycare and Summer have turned out to be the perfect match!

I am not surprised at all that she has become the daycare mascot and greeter. Maybe she will even convert some non-beagle lovers!

 

[Zookeeper]

How wonderful that you have found such a perfect solution for Summer. How very thoughtful and loving of you and Frani to do this for Summer.