It was difficult to find the right kennel to leave Oscar in at first. I had searched the Internet and visited a few places, but wasn’t really impressed. Then I visited Normandale Kennels and I spoke to Pat (the owner,as I had done at other kennels). Whilst talking to her, she did not only tell me about her kennels, but she started talking about dogs. This was 4 years ago, but because of the experience I had I still remember it clearly. She started to tell me about all different dogs and showing me pictures of them on her phone and I could tell straight away that Pat loved her animals and would do anything for them and that this was the right place.
The first time I left Oscar in the kennels I was really nervous and thought he would hate it, as since I’d got him at 18 months he stayed in the bedroom at night (as had slept in a garage before) and was used to constant attention and cuddles. At first I left him in just for doggy day care and cried after I’d left him as thought that he would be really lonely there and be upset. When I went to collect him, he was excited to see me and then as soon as he’d said hello he went to go back towards the kennels. I was very happy that he’d liked it enough to want to go back although was a bit disappointed that he hadn’t really missed me!!
The first proper stay he was in there was for 2 weeks, he absolutely loved it and did the same when he was collected then, was ecstatic to see me as had been a couple of weeks, but still wanted to go back to the kennels! He gets well looked after when he’s there. Love getting cuddles from the staff and gets excited when I pull up outside, so this just proves that he’s obviously well cared for there because he wants to go.
Once when he was in there, he was unwell and wasn’t himself and as all the staff are caring and very attentive they picked up on this and kept an eye on him and took him to the vet to be checked. I also received at this stay a letter from them telling me exactly what had gone on and how Oscar had been. Pat and all her staff care dearly for the animals in their care and will do anything for them.
I have now moved out of the area and live 60 miles away, and there are kennels far closer to me, but I still use Normandale kennels as I know that Oscar receives excellent care there and he loves it which means a lot to me as he’s my baby and I would do anything for him to make sure he’s happy, so I don’t mind driving 60 miles to take him there as I know he is really well looked after and loved.
Lisa and Oscar xx