I've been caring for dogs all my life. Over the past 45 years, I have bred and raised collies and train and work with them as therapy dogs for abused children. We are retired so home most of the time. When weather permits, the dogs and I go walking in our neighborhood, a 21/2 miles route, or go to a local trail area. They go with me everywhere if it is cool enough for them to stay in the car. I have worked in a grooming shop so do all my own bathing, trimming, toenail clipping, teeth cleaning and teeth brushing. I have several grankids from 17 to 5 so the dogs get lots of kid time. We have a big fenced backyard so their other job is keeping the property squirrel free. There's lots of shade, a clean escape-free pen under the deck and a sandbox for them to dig and lounge in. I've had experience working in a kennel and at a dog groomer. My husband and I are retired so we are busy but usually one of us is home most of the time. We come and go during a typical day but usually not more than a couple hours. We also have other arrangements to be sure the dogs are let out and fed in an emergency. We have now been working for DOG VACAY for 3 years and are completely sold on home boarding. The dogs are so much more relaxed and peaceful than kennel boarding and receive much more individual attention. They are not restrained and have access to indoor and outdoor "just like home" freedom. After the first few visits, they seem to accept us as their "home away from home" and most get over their first day stress. Having worked in both, we highly recommend home boarding over kenneling.