Comments on: Home Away from Home Testimonials

By: Pam

Pam — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 04:16:55 +0000

I found Meg on the internet. I called her and she invited me to bring Pollyanna to visit. Polly is a Yorkie-poo and was intimidated by all the dogs and activity when we went to visit after spending all of her time with my husband and me. Meg kept saying she would take care of her and help her become part of the group. Now Polly is so excited everyday when I drop her off she can’t wait to be part of all the activity. And what a great environment! The yard is big, safe and secure. And the dogs have the run of the house! One day Polly ran from my car to the house and Dennis met her at the porch, picked her up and loved on her like she was their most special dog. What a good feeling that was!

We left Polly with Meg and Dennis for five days while we were out of town. I called to check on her and Meg gave us the update on Polly who was clearly happy to be with them. It made me so happy to know how well she was doing while we were out of town.

Thanks so much Meg and Dennis for everything you do! You have been wonderful for our family and our happy puppy!

By: Jill

Jill — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:32:58 +0000

I have a very playful year old maltese. She absolutely loves home away from home. Meg and Dennis are fabulous with her. I am very picky about where I bring my dog and I trust Meg and Dennis completely. She almost jumps out of her carseat when she sees we are pulling up to HAFH. Thank you Meg and Dennis! Lola will see you this week!

By: Lauren W

Lauren W — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:02:46 +0000

When Millie was a puppy I took her to another doggie daycare facility in Austin. I left her there for a few hours thinking she would get socialization and have some fun. When I went to pick her up from this large well known facility, Millie was visibly shaking and they made me go back to the kennel and get her. They just threw her in a cage with all these other dogs around her going crazy and barking in other cages. When I went in to grab her she actually snapped at me.. she has never done that before or since. I felt so bad and vowed never to put her in a place like that again. I look for options like pet sitters, family members, friends etc. but one day I realized I was going to have to come up with a real option. I searched and searched and by pure luck found Meg’s website.
When I took Millie for the first day I was so nervous. After meeting Meg and taking a look at the wonderful dog paradise they have set up, I felt confident enough to leave Millie, but was hoping it wouldn’t be like the other daycare. When I picked up Millie after the first day she didn’t seem to be at all bothered by the experience. Meg told me that Millie wasn’t really playing with the other dogs but that she would get there at some point. I continued to take Millie to daycare and then did my first overnight. Millie is like my child and so I had not left her in the care of anyone but family or friends for an overnight before, but that is how much I had grown to trust Meg. After the overnight and Millie seemed like she was fine with daycare and I began to realize that Meg has provided me with the greatest gift of all… A life. Now I feel so confident leaving Millie, she has started to play with the other dogs and now when I drop her off her tail is wagging and she is ready to go play. This has been the best thing I have ever done. Thank you so much Meg and Dennis!! I cannot express how much this has meant to myself and Millie. If you care about your dog and basically consider it your child, look no further than Home Away from Home for daycare or boarding.

By: Nancy

Nancy — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:12:07 +0000

I saw Meg’s card at my vet’s office, and decided to give her a call. I had an upcoming overnight trip and had never boarded my dogs, and after doing a lot of research and visiting, I discovered that the “best” places kept the dogs in crates all day. This would NOT do for my babies! Walter is a Yorkie, and Susie is a Basenji/Chihuahua mix, and they have a lot of energy that I didn’t want to see wasted (along with my money)! I called Meg and had a nice conversation, and arranged a visit. Imagine my delight to discover that they’re located only a couple of blocks from my office!

That was almost a year ago, and I’m happy to report that I’m STILL a satisfied customer. Meg’s rates are in line with most other boarding facilities, and instead of hours in crates, Walter and Susie get to PLAY! Walter never really liked men all that much, but he LOVES Dennis and looks around for him as soon as we get to Meg’s. Susie loves everyone, and loves having all those doggies around. Even though she’s 18 pounds, she’s usually one of the smaller dog-park dogs; she feels like a confident Amazon with Meg and Dennis.

I don’t travel too much, but the times I’ve had to go away for business Meg had NO problems dealing with weird drop times due to flight schedules. Even on short notice, Meg is always willing to take my babies. And when it comes to dogs…she “parents” them the same ways that I do: A lot of patience, a lot of laughter, and a BIG squirt bottle.

In the year I’ve been using HAFH, I’ve noticed that they behave better around other dogs, which is a huge plus. Also, it’s a lot easier to get them in the car. All I have to ask is, “Wanna go to Miss Meg’s house?” and I have to be careful that they don’t run over me to get to the door!

I know this went long, but when I find something (or in this case, someONE) that becomes such a great part of my life, I want to just spread the word all over!

By: Norma Seelig

Norma Seelig — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:11:39 +0000

My Patti is a 13 yr old Maltese rescue who is now starting to lose her sight. Dante is a miniature toy poodle that I rescued last year. He is 5-7 yrs old. I have made every effort possible to keep them with me as they are very leary of other humans. Both are very sweet, but afraid of being left behind. Meg welcomed them into her home and they were so happy that they will be back again and again. I can’t say enough to all of my family and friends about Meg. I am thrilled to have met Meg and know that she is available to offer this service.

By: Kayla

Kayla — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:11:25 +0000

I was really nervous about leaving my dog with someone for the weekend. However, after talking to Meg, I felt a lot more comfortable about leaving him. Cagle had never been around other dogs and I was worried how he’d react. I expected Meg to call me an hour after I dropped him off and have me come get him since he’s so spoiled! She didn’t though. She knows what she’s doing and she does it well. The minute I stepped into her home, I knew Cagle would be well taken care of.

Thank you so much!

By: Lauren

Lauren — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:10:54 +0000

Meg and her husband truly care about their own animals and all of the animals in their care. I leave my dog with them everyday of the work week with the total and utter confidence that he will be well cared for and totally worn out from playing all day! Finding their business was such a stroke of luck- I wish I had found them sooner!

By: Ruth Beckett

Ruth Beckett — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:10:08 +0000

I cannot express enough my gratitude to Meg for Home Away from Home. I travel with work often and knowing that my 2 year old rat terrier, Miles is cared for and loved is such a relief! I happened (thank God!)upon Meg’s website after a horrible experience with a boarding facility in South Austin. The “other” facility had Miles in a cage most of the day and when I came to pick him up, he was shaking and alone in the corner of the cemented “play area”. NEVER was I going to bring him back there. When I came to Meg, Miles not only was a happy dog after the first day, but now as I drive through the neighborhood to drop him off, he starts yelping because I can’t get to her house fast enough. Now, whenever I leave town or just want him to be able to play with friends in a loving environment, I will not hesitate to bring him to Home Away from Home.

Thank you Meg for all you do for my boy!

If you are looking for a place for your dog, this is THE BEST in Austin.

By: Beth

Beth — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:09:04 +0000

Through research, I was able to locate Home Away From Home, and I’m so glad that I did! I had traveled recently and as a “paranoid mom”, I was apprehensive about leaving my spoiled little guy behind. He could not have been in better hands! Each dog is loved and pampered by Meg and Dennis as if it were one of their own. The expressions on these little faces says it all, as they are each waiting for their moments of individual attention. I would definitely recommend bringing your best friend here!

By: Patrick

Patrick — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:08:27 +0000

My dog Tango is an 7.5 year old Shiba Inu. I am always very careful who I select to take care of him. 2 weeks ago Tango spent about 12 days with Meg at her house. I felt that Meg was very good with Tango and I could tell he had a good stay. He was well cared for, safe, and best of all had the run of the house along with Meg’s dogs. This is important for Tango, because he is accustomed to being social and active. I plan on using this service again.