Fancy having a few days away with hubby but not sure about leaving dogs at home with son, Scott who is 17, very sensible, but in 6th year at school, studying and busy with his life as a teenager!
Also not sure how the boys would take to being boarded, who to trust etc, etc, etc!
Any thoughts, guidance much appreciated as Im sure many have been through this quandry! Gx

I know how you feel. Last year we went to Ireland and Wales and couldn't take dogs with us, we left them at home with our 19 yr old and daughter also moved back in for the week, she is 21. I left her my estate car, so she could go off with the dogs, but generally, they don't seem to give them the care that I do. They're walks are ok, not my standard. Probably me being a worry, I worry about my son, he isn't sensible, perhaps I should get the dogs to look after him!
It is times like this that I would like an outdoor kennel again, at least the dogs could be outside and go to the toilet, I worry that they won't get home to let them out for a wee, that is when my Mum comes in handy. Apart from that, we stay at home, or I do, hubby takes son away golfing

I'm sure if you put the boys in kennels,it would bother you much more than them.Having worked in kennels,and seen it from the other side,I can assure you it's the owners not the dogs who are more upset.So long as their needs are catered for,regular meals,being let out,warmth,a walk and the occassional cuddle,the dogs adapt within a day.it's a bit like mums leaving their kids at nursery for the first time.They might have a tantrum and kick up a fuss,but as soon as mum is out of sight ,they're fine.
I put mine in the kennels where I used to work,and I know they're safe,I'd be much more worried if my own son was looking after them in case they got out on the road or were left hungry while he was engrosed on the computer.
Enjoy time away with your hubby,your boys will love you all the more when you come home to them.

Saying that Lynne, Deerhounds tend to sleep, sleep and sleep, so as long as they had a little walk and their tea, I am sure you are right, they would be fine. Murphy came to Southamtpon with me yesterday then after we went along to Portsmouth to see an old school friend, he found her house strange, puffing and panting and prancing up and down. Then he fell asleep and was fine, made himself right at home when it was time to go!!!
Perhas have a good look round some kennels unannounced to put your mind at ease!

I think they would be fine with your son. A brisk walk with the dogs would clear his head for his studies.

I should think your Scott, a sensible 17 as you say, would be perfectly capable of caring for his furry "siblings"! Just attach a post-it note to the edge of his computer screen reminding him of feeding times and potty breaks for the dogs. Enjoy your holiday!

Thanks guys!I am probably freaking for no reason, your words of wisdom are as always soothing!The time off is a wee while away yet but much needed! Still have not decided where to go, perhaps where the wind blows, who knows! Gx

My boy is off to kennels in about an hour along with his spaniel 'brother'. I have used the kennel for years and the owner has working gundogs, 3 lurchers and a wolfhound so he is well aware of the needs of my deerie - who he loves anyway.

Brice has suffered bloat and this gives me a bit of an extra worry but the kennel owner is bloat aware (and asks after Brice in this respect even before I remind him), I supply the dog food (as Brice is intolerant of wheat and rice) and most importantly Brice loves it there.

There are no 'walks' but a large enclosed paddock to play in, so exercise sessions in my DH's case can either be - chase the spaniel, lollop about, or sedate trot to large oak tree and a snooze in the shade while Piper does the frenetic spaniel thing.

In an ideal world I wouldn't kennel, but I am off abroad with my other dog and I prefer the safety of kennels to a house sitter (although now I have lost my welshie door opener I guess I could take another look at the house sitting option).

I found the kennel from an advert in a pet shop, went to look and was immediately impressed - not by the looks as it is basic but from the knowledge and rapport the owner had for the dogs. It is a small place run by him and his partner so I know the people looking after the boys.