WWYD? Dog boarding

Littlejen22

We adopted our dog 8 1/2 years ago, she was likely around 3 so probably 11 or so now.  She's a great dog that loves other dogs, does not have as much energy as she used to because of weight and age but still loves to play with other dogs and people.  For the past 7 1/2 years we have boarded her at a doggie daycare place where she plays all day, they bring them back to their runs for lunch and then back to open play and then back to a run to sleep.  We love the place but it is about 35 to 40 minutes away so usually just under an hour and a half round trip.  Our closest friends are moving 2 1/2 hours away and we will likely be doing a few weekend trips, leaving first thing Saturday and coming home Sunday night. 

I am considering boarding her at a regular kennel around the corner from my house for the weekend trips, we would drop her off Friday evening and pick her up first thing Monday morning.  The plus is that it is less than a 5 minute drive and is about half the price, the minus would be that she would be in a run the majority of the day and could not play with other dogs.  Opinions?  I guess I am honestly posting her b/c I am cringing at the thought of her being in a run so much but I also hate having to drive her 3 hours (total drive time) for us to go away for 1 night.  Ugh.

hboo2011

When you leave her at the normal further away day care, I take it is typically longer than 1 night?

I don't know if I have a real opinion. I've never had to leave dogs for boarding before. But I would assume, even though you don't love the idea of a run, that if it's only for 1 night, it would be ok. My only concern would be is it wouldn't be what she is used to, if that's a concern for people who board their dogs. Again, I have no experience so I'm just thinking out loud.

Littlejen22

Actually I guess we have only been using the kennel for 5 years, my parents used to watch her but then my Dad got very sick and passed away and Mom moved to a new house without a yard and she cannot walk the dog. We have boarded her for anything from 2 nights to 9 nights usually twice a year. If we go away for the weeken she will have to stay 2 to 3 nights for us to spend 2 full days, either fri night or sat morning until likely mon morning...I hate that no matter where she stays. The more I type this the more I will likely to the long trip. Before we moved he 8 years ago she was boarded in a nice regular kennel but it has been forever. 

dexteroni

I would keep taking her to the place where she's comfortable.  But I would never board at a place where the dogs are alone in their run the whole time, *especially* since you have another option where she's already comfortable.  I would rather do the extra driving time.