Frequently Asked Questions

Ol' Dog Cabin? Bed Bowl and Biscuit? huh?

Uncle Dan's is a doggie daycare and overnight boarding arrangement that I run out of my home. When your dog stays with Uncle Dan, he/she becomes a "member of the family". Your dog is not confined to a separate cage all day and night, only to be let out once or twice. At other kennels, the dogs can often see each other, and bark across the aisle, but they can't sniff each other, socialize, and settle down. At Uncle Dan's, your dog is welcome up on the couch (if you approve) and to sleep on my bed. Holidays and weekends often feel like family reunions with all the cousins coming over or having a birthday/slumber party. My client list in Saint Paul, Minnesota was well over 100 total, with between three and six guests most nights, and about four regular daycare dogs, depending on which day of the week.

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Your card says you won some kind of award? What is it about?

Uncle Dan's "Bed Bowl and Biscuit" is really different from most kennels, but the readers of Twin Cities Dog magazine voted Uncle Dan's their favorite place for their dog(s) to stay overnight, as well as the runner-up favorite for doggie daycare. That's from 2003, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, but although my house is a little different here in Missouri, the complete dog care concept is the same--and Missouri dogs agree it's a winner!

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Will my (timid, alpha, big, little, geriatric) dog fit in?

My dogs have played host to puppies, "sisters", loud barkers, and creaky old dudes with special feedings and fistfuls of medicine to be taken daily. They've pretty much sniffed the gamut of dog breeds and personalities, and most everyone gets along just fine. I do insist that male guests be neutered (age appropriate), females highly encouraged to be spayed, and all dogs current on all their vaccinations. Your dog should also be licensed as appropriate for your home address. Before confirming your reservation, we'll also arrange a visit with you and your dogs--to meet me and my dogs, and "interview" each other here at Uncle Dan's.

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How would my little dog do with so many big dogs?

Just fine. And if they have an easier time with only dogs their own size, Uncle Dan will step in and group the dogs appropriately in separate sections of the house and yard.

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What do the dogs do there?

Each morning, I let out the dogs and start my coffee. About the time my eyes are open, I feed the dogs who have stayed overnight with me, and look at the list of dogs to be arriving for daycare. If their people need a cup of coffee, I provide that, too, but mainly just meet them at the gate and welcome them, taking down any notes for each guest dog. The dogs progress through a day of romping, playing chase, sniffing, napping, being let in or out, and whatever else they like to do. They get regular opportunities to watch me do housework, supervise as I clean up the yard, and "help" me with lunch, baking biscuits, or starting dinner. I also admit to dancing with dogs frequently, and yes, I converse with them a lot. When their people call to pick them up, I get their leashes on and home they go, usually ready for a long nap.

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I noticed a charge at other kennels for my dog to get a walk...

Extra? We don't charge no steenkeen' extra!!

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What about cats?

Sorry, but there are no feline guests at Uncle Dan's. However, perhaps if you bribe my brother Nathan with enough incentive, he might make a house call...?

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We don't want our dogs on the couch at home, and they sleep in their crates.

I can be more strict if you have stricter rules, but currently do not use crates or kennels, unless the dogs need them.

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Can I drop off (Dagmar, Bootsie, Brutus, Moo-moo, Max) this weekend?

No guarantees of an opening, but if your dog has already been to Uncle Dan's, it doesn't hurt to call about your last-minute needs--membership has its privileges! Other questions? call 417/592-9032

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