While we're not a dog kennel, many of our clients have asked if we would take in their pets whenever they had to leave town.

We've generally agreed to do this, provided that we had the room...we almost never take more than two or three, and only then if we know their background and temperament.

So far the result has proven extremely positive. We've had the fun of getting to know and love a wide assortment of pets and their owners have enjoyed the peace of mind that comes with knowing that their loved ones are being well taken cared of.

Our boarding service has become extremely popular, and since we only take a limited number of pets, we strongly encourage our clients to reserve as far ahead of time as possible.

If you think it might be traumatic for your pet to stay at a strange place while you're away, you might want to consider a trial overnight a week or two before your departure. Not only will this show us how well your pet will adopt to the new surroundings, but when you finally leave and drop him off he'll be entering familiar territory. (There is no charge for this.)

We don't have a big house, but it's neat and not far from Colwood Creek Park, Thetis Lake and other pet friendly locales where we take our furry guests on daily walks. We also have a securely fenced backyard where they can run in. (Note: We don't allow them to stay outside unless we're also at home.)