Balancing a busy schedule while caring for a beloved dog can be challenging for any pet owner. Work, errands, and household responsibilities often leave little time to ensure pets receive the attention and companionship they crave. For many, doggie daycare is the perfect solution—a place where their pups can socialize, play, and enjoy themselves while their owners handle their daily obligations. That’s exactly what one pet owner hoped for when she dropped off her dog, Dolly, at a daycare facility.
Confident that Dolly would enjoy the experience and make new friends, she left her in the capable hands of the daycare staff. However, things didn’t go as planned. Just two hours later, her phone rang. A staff member at the daycare explained that Dolly appeared unusually anxious as if she couldn’t wait to leave. Concerned, her owner picked her up immediately.
Reflecting on the situation, she believed Dolly’s anxiety might have been linked to her past. Dolly had been adopted from a shelter, and the daycare’s enclosed environment may have reminded her of that difficult time. Hoping to give it one more try, Dolly’s owner brought her back to the daycare on a different day, with the hope that meeting a friend or two might help her feel more comfortable.
Unfortunately, the outcome was much the same. Even after connecting with another pup, Dolly still appeared uneasy. Her worried expression and lingering discomfort made it clear that daycare simply wasn’t the right fit for her. Realizing this, her owner decided it was best not to bring her back.
To share Dolly’s story, her owner posted a few photos of her time at daycare and described the experience online. The post quickly gained attention, sparking a variety of reactions and thoughts from fellow pet lovers.
One person offered a perspective from experience: “After working at a dog daycare, most people don’t realize their pets would MUCH rather be at home than with us.” It’s a reminder that while daycare is ideal for some dogs, it’s not the best environment for all.
Another commenter suggested a potential alternative: “…At least they were honest about it. It can be too overstimulating for some dogs. Sometimes a calmer daycare that only takes a low amount of dogs can be better for confidence building.” This practical idea highlights that a smaller, quieter setting might work better for dogs who come from busy shelter environments, and the noisy, active daycare activated that uncomfortable memory.
Adding a touch of humor, one person wrote: “MAMA PLEASE. He really called home on [her] first sleep over…” The comment perfectly captured Dolly’s experience, likening it to a child calling home during their first overnight stay away from home.
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Ultimately, Dolly’s owner recognized what her pup needed most—a calm, familiar environment where she feels safe and happy. While daycare works well for many dogs, it’s not for everyone, and that’s okay. Dolly now spends her days at home, where she’s most at ease, knowing she doesn’t have to endure another stressful trip to daycare.
Toledo, United States.
