Dogs Rule

At least, that's what they say at, yes, the doggie day care Howard now visits once a week.

Dogs Rule Daycare and School is a doggie day care located here in Midtown Memphis. You can even check 'em out yourself at dogsrulememphis "dot" com. (I've learned that putting links into your blog can lead to your blog being linked to on other sites; mine wound up on CNN! No thank you, not yet.)

I went to check the day care out over the summer, but there was a wait list, with about twenty names already on it. But being optimistic, and knowing eventually we'd get a call, I signed us up. And in late October, my phone finally rang.

But we weren't in yet! Howard had to have an interview. A few weeks ago, then, I took Howard down one morning, along with all of his vaccination records, and Howard got to meet the staff and some of the dogs who get free reign. He approached one dog, Molly, who apparently is always cranky. Molly gave a little "Grrrrrrrrr," and Howard promptly backed off. This told the staff that Howard was not aggressive and would unlikely start trouble. Well, no kidding---he's Howard! ;-)

The next week, Howard had his first all-day visit. The staff told me it was best for the first visit to be on a Monday, the slowest day, and it'd be best for Howard to get there early. So two weeks ago, we were there before 7:30. At that time, only a few dogs were already there in the small dog room, which was the ideal situation for introducing a new guy to the group. Howard went in, sniffed around, and promptly peed on the pole (where lots of other dogs had peed, and which was perfectly okay in this place). The staff said that was a great sign that Howard felt very comfortable; some dogs get there and shiver and shake and hold it for hours. No, not my Howard---Mr. Marker. (fortunately, never at home, and no, it's not led to any inappropriate marking.)

The dogs play all day until noon, when each dog is crated separately, given a treat, and has nap time for two hours. After that, it's back to group play! I picked Howard up around 4:30, and he looked happy as could be---to see me and to have had so much fun with his new doggie friends.

Indeed, he went to sleep early that night, and the next morning, Howard slept late---very late.

The next week, when we drove up to Dogs Rule, Howard got so excited when he recognized the place, and he had another great day. This morning when we pulled up, Howard knew exactly where we were, and he barely even looked back at me as he went into the small doggie play room; he was way too excited to see his friends.

Why go to doggie day care? It's great socialization for my pup, and it's a chance for Howard to play with other dogs without me doing the "keep the leashes untangled" gymnast dance. It also gives Howard something great to do, a new place to smell, other people to visit with---all things my doggie just loves. He does, after all, think everyone wants to be his best friend.

Sadly, Dogs Rule is daycare only, so Howard won't be able to stay overnight at Christmastime. My neighbors will be gone, so I needed a place. Although it's a bit of a drive, we've got a spot reserved already at PetsHotel. And of course, Howard had a couple of BizyBundle packages (special treats and group play sessions) scheduled as well as the last day set up as Doggie Day Kamp along with an exit bath. I won't be gone that long, so Sophie will stay home, happy not to be couped up.