Evening star., 1939-06-18
Pet Vacation
Problem Is
SOlvable
Boarding for
Vacations of
Owners Advised
Ry r. r. TAYNTON.

BY r. r. TAYNTON.
What to do with the family dog
or cat during the annual vacation
period is recurrent problem that
may be solved in a number of ways
Probably the simplest and most
satisfactory solution for all con-
cerned, with the possible exception
of the dog if he happens to be
sensitive animal of the "one- man"
kind. is to board the pet in a re-
liable kennel or cattery.
In following this course, due eau
ton should be exercised to pick
boarding kennel that is run by ami
NAL lovers, one that presents neat,
clean appearance, and one in which
the animals are obviously well fed,
well groomed and happy. A ken
mel wherein the dogs look abject,
unkempt and cover at the approach
of the attendant is no place in
which to leave house pet.
Cats are better off in catteries,
where cat nature is understood and
where there are specially con-
structed cages and runs, than they
are in the occasional dog kennels
that will accept cats to board. 1t
is we'll to remember that good,
wholesome food and plenty of it,
careful attention to sanitation and
comfort, and individual care of the
animals in charge cost money and
one should expect to pay a reason
able fee for these services.
Another alternative to leaving
ones pet in a boarding house is to
leave it with friends or neighbors.
Occasionally this works out salts
factorily Generally it does not.
The friend or neighbor may become
so enamored of the pet that he is
loath to relinquish it to its rightful
owners at the end of the vacation
period. Often he becomes bored
with the whole business after a day
or two, and the poor pet has to
forage for himself Having no real
interest, either sentimental or finan-
cial, in the matter, he soon grows to
look on the care-taking as an i'm
position. Generally, having very
little knowledge of the subject, he
is not alert to possible danger sig
nails of illness or other eventualities.
X X
AS far as most dogs are concerned,
and this applies especially to the
sensitive "one-man" dog mentioned
above, he would rather undergo any
hardships than be separated from
his master. Travelling by automo-
bile with a dog, especially with a
well-trained dog, is a very simple
matter. 1t requires no especial
paraphernalia or equipment. 1t is
wise to carry the dogs own water
dish, a few cans of a reliable dog
food and can opener
The safest food to give dog en-
route is raw meat, which may be pur-
fresh daily when one stops to
get ones own meals. The canned
food should be used only in emer-
gencies. If the car is too heavily
loaded to accommodate dog inside,
or if the dog is not properly car
broken and drools over everything,
well ventilated dog crate may be car
ried on the rear luggage carrier or
a specially constructed dog palace"
which fastens either to the running
board or to luggage rack may be
purchased. In either of these one
or two dogs may travel in perfect
comfort and safety. No dog should
be permitted to ride on running
board, unprotected, however.
Tourist camps, most of the better
class hotels and restaurants and
many country inns welcome dogs.
Some hotels have kennels in base
ment or on the roof where dogs may
be left. assured of good care. House
trained dogs may be. kept in ones
room in many places. A few hotels
make slight additional charges for
dogs, most of them do not.
In travelling by train it. is Gus
tomary to take ones dog in the bag
gage car, where he is billed as ex-
cess baggage. Generally the dog will
be more comfortable if he is we'll
Grated in light, well ventilated
shipping crate of adequate size. If
he is not in crate, he should be
provided with collar or harness, q
stout leash or chain, and most rail-
road companies require a muzzle. On
the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad one
may take small or medium sized
dogs on leash into the coaches with
one, provided these dogs do not in
terfere with the comfort Of the other
\ X X X
A tie-out stake, which is a metal
rod with an eyelet in a swivel top,
Is handy gadget to take with one
when one has a dog. 1t may be
driven into the ground anywhere,
the dog attached to it and left in
comparative safety while one at
tends to other business. This elimi-
mates tedious walking the dog"
and allows one to make arrange
ments for more permanent quarters
for the pup.
The best assurance your dog can
have of happy vacation and a well
come back the following year is to
start his training in puppyhood.
Failing that, an intensive course in
manners should be started several
weeks before the contemplated trip.
These lessons should include fire.
quent rides in automobiles, lessons
In coming promptly when called, in
staying put, in staying down. which
means off furniture and off people,
and, of course, in cleanliness In the
house.