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Going on vacation and thinking of what to do with your beloved pets
while away is a daunting decision; one which I face a lot with all my business
travel. I have two collies, Rosie, my rough coat collie who is an old lady
now and Scooby Doo the young, maniac smooth coat collie. My pets are
just like my children and I have found it difficult to find a place that I trust
enough to leave them with. I have had friends and neighbors look after
them in the past but feel that I am tying them down, besides the fact that
one of my dogs needs daily medication.
On my quests to find the right place I can remember walking into one
kennel that smelled bad and the owner would not let me look around. This
was a red flag to me that something was wrong. It was on one of my quests
to find the right place that I came across the Vacation Station Pet Resort
located just outside High Springs.
Scooby and Rosie start wagging their tails as soon as we turn down the
country road to this place. Scooby actually starts crying with joy and by the
time we arrive he bolts out the door to meet Mari Lu and Michael Desjardins,
owners of this wonderful kennel. Michael and Mari Lu have over 40 years
of combined experience caring for other people’s pets. The Vacation Station
also has the purrrfect place for cats.
Michael and Scooby have a definite connection as Scooby jumps up to
kiss him and I watch as Michael takes
Scooby off to play in the large outdoor fenced-in area. Michael always
knows which dogs get along with others the best and puts them out in play
groups. Rosie moves at a slower pace and loves the gentle touch of Mari
Lu.
The kennel is spotlessly clean, there is not a dirty spot to be found. Upon
check- in each pet is carefully inspected for fleas, Mari Lu goes over any
dietary concerns, shot records and medications that might be needed during
a stay. You can also have your animal bathed and groomed. I must say that
I have had many people groom Rosie and being a collie with all that hair we
have seen some terrible trim jobs but Mari Lu always makes Rosie look like
a princess.
The entire facility consists of 20 beautiful wooded acres. The actual
building is new and has every modern convenience a pampered pooch needs
including their own Kuranda bed which keeps the pets up off the floor for a
comfortable nights rest. If you have more than one pet they can be boarded
together. Dogs have large indoor, outdoor kennels which back up to large
shaded exercise areas that border O’leno State Park. Many times on my
trips out to the kennels I have seen deer and wild turkeys so of course my
dogs have too and love the excitement. Pets can be taken for nature walks
as well. My pets have a terrific time at the Vacation Station with their
canine friends and watching the wildlife that live in the bordering park.
When I pick the dogs up after my trips they get in the car and fall asleep,
just like kids that have been playing at a friend’s house for the
weekend…they are happily tired and I am happy to know my pets are in
such good hands.
For more information call (352) 538 9431
www.VacationStationPetResort.com
7 days a week by appointment |
