[LafeSouthwestPilot]

I'm having a hard time trying to sort this out, so let me know if you guys have any ideas: (ole, you're a dependable resource, so I'm betting you'll chime in here)

I'm a single airline pilot with all my family in Ohio. I'm thinking of moving to Vegas because my seniority would be great = better schedule (besides that, I just can't hack the winter) . Problem is, I have an 8 year old black lab that is like my kid. Here's the conflict: I leave for three or four days at a time, so what do I do with "Speed", my lab, since there is no loving wife or children to tend to his care? I don't want to spend a thousand dollars a month on boarding, and besides that, I don't want to just throw him in a prison cell for 4 days until I get back. I'm sure I will make friends at church and such, and come to know good people that will be glad to keep him at their house while I'm gone, but that takes time, and friends with big yards.

And, how do I find a good rental with grass and a pool that Speed can swim in? I'm betting I'd ruffle a few feathers if I rented in a community and Speed was found swimming in the community pool.

Any quick ideas?

Thanks,
Lafe

[5kingsinvegas]

We have labs also and Las Vegas has been a hard move for them. We moved from Michigan and lake living to the desert. We love it, the dogs don't. It might be different for labs that are born here and don't know any different but ours really struggle with the heat in the summer and the lack of easy access water. We have a pool, we even invested in a special filter for the hair, but the dogs won't go in it. We think it is because of the steps and that they are almost immediately over their heads. In a lake they can casually stroll in and wander up and down the shore.

As far as finding a rental with a yard with grass AND a pool be ready to pay big bucks for that. As my children say, if you have a yard AND a pool in Las Vegas you must be RICH. You will most likely have to settle for one or the other.

I have no idea what you would do with your dog while you are away. We have a friendly neighbor who comes over and feeds and lets our dogs out on the few weekends we are out of town. I am sure there are dog sitters here also but probably pricey. It will be difficult for you to move away from what sounds like a lot of family. Everytime one of my children get sick and either my husband or I have to call in to work I remember the days in Michigan when I would just take them to grandmas or she would come to my house.

In my opinion, I think you will find it difficult to be away so much from home and find someone willing to take care of your dog for you.

[MomMom]

Very good advice given by 5Kings...I have to agree on this one.

That's a pretty tall order you're looking for there pilot, it's gonna be tough to get ALL your requirements fulfilled, and you might have to give up one or two. Like a big backyard with grass and pool...there aren't too many of those. Or even people that will keep your dog at their house for days while you are working...

Honest, brutal opinion? Stay where you are and tough out the bad weather. Your boy is 8, he's got perhaps 6 more years? Keep him comfortable, and with the people he knows and who take good care of him while you are at work.

Las Vegas will still be here when you are ready...

Peace to you,

[guinnessjim]

there is always doggie day care/boarding facilities. not so much jail....more like supervised play. there are several in town and i have used similar ones in reno when i have had sampling trips where i can't always get back in time to get them from the day care. dogs get to play w/ other dogs during the day (assuming they are socialized) and then get a kennel at night (or room if you want to splurge).

i never like leaving the boys, but they never seem upset about going (at the one in reno i can usually stop by in the am, take them for a walk and then drop them back off...the dogs don't seem to mind and usually seem happy to go butt-sniffing as soon as they get back inside). but it might be easier for me as i have two dogs and they get to be kenneled together (more expensive for two, but i know they have each other for security/companionship).

as for the house w/ yard and pool...the above peeps are right re: price, so it depends what you are willing to spend. if you are looking at a longer term move, you might look at buying. i have a friend who lives in the huntridge area w/ a nice 2bd/1ba, big grass yard and big pool. the yard is big enough that even w/ 4 big dogs playing back there it doesn't seem crowded. not sure what she paid for it.

i looked at several rental places that had both pool and yard, but they were a bit outta my rental price range ($300+/mo higher...then you have to factor in pool maintenance). my guess is that as a senior pilot, your budget might be a little more accommodating then mine was.

on a positive side, i have met most of my friends here in LV at the dog parks. and i have several people who have offered to watch the boys for me when i go out of town (have yet to take them up on it as my guys have a combined weight of around 220lbs, a combined age of <4yo, and sometimes the combined mentality of a largish rock ). with an older, well behaved dog i think you could be cautiously optimistic re: finding people to help on occasion (provided you could return the favors).

GL w/ your choice.

[olecapt]

There are such rentals. Figure 1500 upward. May be a few below that.

There are pet sitter circuit riders that charge about $20 a visit. Will clean up, play with pet, collect mail etc.

You might also consider a room mate. Give them a reduced rate for dog sitting while you are not around. Airline folk sometimes go for such arrangements...college students love them. You may have to sort through a few to find a good match.

Note that if the dog is a barker it is impractical. Barkers will inevitably bring down animal control and you will have to do something else. I don't mean the dog can't bark...merely that some dogs bark almost continuously if left alone. That is the problem.

If Speed is reasonably content with a little solitude it works well.

[Julia B.]

Pilot--

Per my e-mail, here is a picture of what I was trying to explain about outdoor space. Hope this works... Pic was taken from the master bedroom on the second floor.

[mmckenna]

This is what I would do...

Get a short term rental apt for about 6 months, many of the apt complexes in the southwest allow short term, and have your family take the dog for that time period. That way, you can look around to determine what will be best in terms of location and boarding/pet sitting. Then when everything is all set, bring him out! Assuming family members love him as much as you do

[BobKovacs]

Originally Posted by Julia B.

Pilot--

Per my e-mail, here is a picture of what I was trying to explain about outdoor space. Hope this works... Pic was taken from the master bedroom on the second floor.

Those are some funny looking dogs those guys are walking there, Julia

[LafeSouthwestPilot]

Thank you so much, everyone for your time and honesty here. All together, some excellent advice, and I appreciate each one...including/especially the brutal honesty. I knew I was asking a big [unrealistic] deal all at once here for ALL this to work out, but it's nice to bounce it around and hear all these great ideas. Not sure what I'll do, but leaving Speed at mom's for the short term might be the [undesirable] logical step.

Julia B., thanks for the picture of the neighbors "walking their dogs" , and I honor you for your selfless commitment to family. I will certainly consider taking over your house. I'm going to google maps right now to have a look.

Your friend,
Lafe

[Lola Granola]

You know, if we weren't maxed out on pets in our rental, I'd love to help you out. I love dogs, but we don't want one full time right now. A part time dog would be great! We just moved here six months ago, though, so we're renting for the time being, and we're only allowed two pets (we have two cats already).

Maybe you could throw an ad up on Craig's List, and see if you can find someone who would be interested in a part-time pet arrangement. You'd have to screen them fairly carefully to make sure they aren't nuts, wouldn't sell your dog or do something bizarre, etc. You might be able to find someone normal with dog envy (lol).