Last week Quinn had his first day at Barkley Manor which is a Doggy Daycare Centre. I know, I know, its bad enough that I have a handbag dog who has his own hoodies, but to send him to daycare too?

Believe me, it’s necessary. Quinn is a people dog, that is, he prefers people over other dogs and I’m fairly sure he’s convinced himself that he’s just a very small oddly shaped human. This is fine, usually. But when it means chasing him while he flees QUITE a long way from me and other dogs at the dog park something had to be done.

And with Sibling and I working more hours (I, for the moment, have TWO jobs now, oh joy) we just aren’t around enough anymore. Having the poor pup sit home alone four out of five weekdays isn’t good for him. And so, Barkley Manor.

Barkley Manor is a *fantastic* place – I was met with Krista (the owner, who is delightful and super enthusiastic) who talked through their philosophy and how they operated and whatnot. Apparently Tuesday was ‘Little Dog Day’, which was good for Quinn, and while he was introduced to the (HUGE) play area, and some of the dogs I got to watch through the camera system.

First thing he did was take a dump in the middle of the room (my dog is classy like that, see) but after he seemed pretty happy to be there. A little unsure of the other dogs, but being a people dog that’s how he rolls.

When I came back at the end of the day, I was delighted to discover he’d made a friend! I was so proud – he and a tiny little Dachshund named Woozle had been getting on so well together, and following each other round. I was quite glad my pup had made a friend!

That right there made it worth it, for me. That there was one dog that not only did Quinn not run from, he hung out with him! My dog was socialising with other dogs! I feel like a ridiculously proud puppy parent, so designer or not, Barkley Manor has worked out for us, and he’ll start going regularly now.

[edit]It appears Close Up has put a ‘designer’ and ‘elite’ spin on Barkley Manor in a piece they did. You can view the video at the Close Up Site. [/edit]

Tags: Quinn