Sweet Shih-Tzu Makes a Bestie at Boarding and Our Hearts Can't Take It

It can be so nerve-wracking for dog parents to leave their fur baby at daycare or a dog boarding facility. Especially when your dog is reactive or shy. You never know if they will cower in the corner, bark their head off at all of the other dogs, or have an absolute miserable time.

That's why getting an update from your dog-sitting service showing that your fur baby is doing well is such a relief. That's exactly what happened to tiny Shih-Tzu Tito's mom while she was out of town!

Just look at his sweet little face! He's smiling! It's like he's posing for that photo to show off his new pal! The adorable snap was posted to MaryJHawk 's Instagram and I asked her how Tito usually likes his boarding facility.

Tito's mama replied, "Tito totally adores other dogs, and he's always so excited every time we pull up to Planet Bark . All the little pups in the playgroup rush to greet him when he comes in. I always miss him so much, so I love getting these updates from the owner. It's always so cute when he meets a new friend."

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Our dogs are our babies and it's always so reassuring when we can see them enjoying themselves when we have to be away from them, especially when we are out of town.

Related: Doggy Daycare Worker Showing Off Senior Pups’ ‘Powdered Sugar’ Faces Is Too Precious

If you're new to finding a dog daycare or pet sitter for your own fur baby, here are some things to keep in mind.

How To Pick a Doggy Daycare or Boarding Facility

One of the best ways of finding a sitter you can trust with your pets is to ask friends and family who they use. Ask on your social media page to find someone who people you know can vouch for.

Get references! If you hire people for a job, you get references —this is a job, and a very important job. It never hurts to check people's backgrounds out and make sure they are who they say they are and they know how to do what they say they know how to do.

Make sure you fully explain what you expect the pet sitter or person watching your dog to do, as far as walking, feeding and how many times per day they will visit and play with your pet. Discuss fees, payment methods, cancellation policies, and any additional charges for extra services or special requests.

Ask to see where your pup will be sleeping, how often they will be fed, if they will be playing with other dogs, and whether or not the dogs will be grouped by size and temperament.

Ask them what they will do in case of emergency, if your dog is lost, or if your animal gets sick. Make sure you have multiple ways of contacting them, and let them know how often you wish to be contacted and if you want photos of your pet texted to you.

Before leaving your pet in the care of a new pet sitter or boarder, consider arranging a trial visit or short-term pet-sitting session to evaluate their compatibility with your pet and their ability to follow instructions. Monitor your pet's behavior and well-being during the trial period and address any concerns or issues that arise. Trust your instinct! If your pet seems uncomfortable or if you feel the vibe is off with their interactions with your pet, keep looking.