I am visiting San Antonio on business, and had to fly out to DC on very short notice. I also could not take my service dog with me, so was desperate to find a safe and loving place for her for two days especially as I was flying in and out in what I hoped would be a consistent break in the weather but could not be sure so was really stressing.
I have also been a dog breeder, trainer, and show person for over 40 years, so I really do know my dog facilities, what they should be like, and how to spot a good one.
Rob Cary qualifies as GREAT. The atmosphere is welcoming, and the facility airy and clean. The staff could not have been more helpful nor friendlier, and the accommodations for my girl were high-end and above all SAFE. Everyone I met was wonderful. They even assured me that if I was storm-stayed a day or more that I need not worry, they would keep my girl safe with them until I got back, a real worry for me at the time. She had some meds to be given which was no problem, and she settled in well.
Her suite had a real bed - a big deal as she sleeps on mine, not in a kennel - a sofa, an easy chair, and a tv going to keep her company and muffle ambient noise which might upset her, which is what I do at home too.
She was also away from other dogs, great to keep her stress levels down, and to keep her from being hurt or from picking up any coughs or other illnesses. She had inside and outside access, and lots of room to play and stretch out. Service dogs are different from regular dogs, and Rob Cary was very sensitive to her (and my!) special needs and treated her like family.
Because of the quality of the facility and staff, I did not even feel guilty about leaving her, and was able to take care of business on my trip without being stressed about my girl. They fed her the food I brought, gave her her special treats, petted and played with her, even tucked her in at night and made sure she was fine at all times.
I even had the option of calling and speaking to her on the speaker phone in her suite, but elected not to as I knew that that would make her look for me and I didn't want her to think I was there when I was not! I have had other dogs that would have been great for though.
On picking her up, she was in amazingly good spirits, still liked the staff lol, and the bill was exactly what I had expected, no surprises.
I cannot recommend this place more highly, and strongly urge anyone with a special friend who needs a home away from home for a bit to try here FIRST. I just wished I lived in San Antonio so I could bring her in regularly for grooming, and for agility classes which she would just love. The dogs I saw in a training class while I was there all seemed very well behaved and really happy to be there.
Although they knew I would not be back nor become a long-term client, they took great care of us. We have only been back in the hotel for a little bit today, and she is calm and happy, and her tummy is NOT upset, yay!
So again, a big thank-you to the staff at Rob Cary for helping out a traveler with an emergency, and for your wonderful care of my most important friend and aide. Namaste!
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