Question about pet care in Houston (particularly anything close to MD Anderson Center)

[Rowdyboy]

I'm probably coming out to Anderson for cancer evaluation and maybe clinical trials very soon. We have a 15 year old dog who depends utterly on us for survival so either I go alone or we bring her with us. Left alone she'd starve. I've found a pet-friendly hotel (Candlewood Suites) with a hospital shuttle which is perfect but I'd still like somewhere to take her during the day.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated. (I know we could crate her during the day but she's never been in one and she'd probably kill herself trying to escape).

on edit: Found a Pet Smart nearby that will do at least temporarily. That's a huge relief.

[kentauros]

1. TMC is right on the southern border with Herman Park

and directly across from Rice University, both wonderful places to walk and take in the sights.

As far companies to care for your dog, I have no recommendations for the area. You may also be able to use the light-rail if you can carry your pet or "properly cage" her for the short trip north. This is their page for those guidelines:

http://www.ridemetro.org/services/rail.aspx

There is some greenspace within the medical center, but most is at Herman and Rice. And after looking at a map, there's a fair amount of greenspace near the cancer center, including Brays Bayou for its hike/bike trails

Good luck with the evaluation and possible clinical trials, too!

[Rowdyboy]

4. Thanks for the suggestions and support! I've just found a Pet Smart within 5 highway miles

which should be workable. As long as my partner can have her in the evenings we're okay.

[Gothmog]

2. Herman Park is a great place for dogs

We have a couple of dog parks in Houston and some great vets.

Good luck and you will be in our prayers.

I live in Fort Bend county but work in Houston. If you need help, there are some DUers in Houston who may be able to help.

[Rowdyboy]

5. Thanks for the prayers. Its gotten much more serious in the last couple of months but

I'm surrounded by love and that makes all the difference.

[Gothmog]

7. If you need help, PM me

I am dog lover also. You will be in our prayers. MD Anderson is a wonderful place

[Rowdyboy]

8. She's a Jack Russell mix, almost 15, half blind, a little deaf and her hips are weak....

About 2 weeks ago she quit eating dog food so we feed her chicken now. She had a hard life before coming to us and we're going to give her a good old age regardless. All plans revolve around her.

[Malraiders]

3. This one seems close to MD Anderson

But I have no personal knowledge of any of the kennels in Houston.



https://www.google.com/maps/place/Rover+Oaks+Pet+Resort/@29.6750966,-95.4126005,14z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x18369a7e35d90f8f

Rover Oaks Pet Resort
2550 W Bellfort St
Houston, TX 77054
Open today
7:00 am – 6:30 pm
Rover Oaks Pet Resort2550 W Bellfort StHouston, TX 77054
Directions
Save
roveroaks.com
[phone]

More kennels found on google here:

https://www.google.com/search?q=houston+pet+kennel&rlz=2C1CHMO_enUS0538US0538&oq=houston+pet+kennel&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l4.9063j0j8&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=122&ie=UTF-8

[Rowdyboy]

6. Thanks. I'll look into those. If nothing else we can do Pet Smart

[PDittie]

13. This is a wonderful resort-type boarding facility

with the prices to match. (River Oaks/Rover Oaks. Get it?)

One of my dogs had a bad experience there once however -- her temperament is tricky, and they mishandled her -- and we never used them again after that.

[TexasTowelie]

9. I can't help you out, but I wish you the best of luck on your evaluation and treatment.

We need all many great DUers in Texas as possible. I hope that things also work out so that you can visit with your dog if you are hospitalized.

[Rowdyboy]

10. At worst it'll likely only be for short periods=s week or two at most

if I'm even selected for any of the trials. I just need a plan in place in case we need to move fast.

Actually look forward to visiting Houston. Hope I get enough time to see a little of the city.

[MADem]

11. Hey, I found someone with dogs who had a similar issue....

http://mycorgi.com/profiles/blogs/doggie-day-care-short-term

Some folks offered them advice--I can't vouch as a really do not know the area, but this might be a starting point for you...

I don't know if you'd be willing to bring your dogs with you(might be tough with the great dane) but there are several options available for you in Houston.

http://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=doggie+day+care&ns=1&find_loc=Houston%2C+TX

I know friends who love the following places in Houston (look for them in the above link):

Deogi Dog Spa & Resort
Rover Oaks Pet Resort
20th Street Grooming & Doggie Daycare

Some of those look kinda promising. Also, you can check off the neighborhood where you will be staying and YELP will figure out which ones are closest--then you can check the reviews.

The other thing I would suggest to you is that you call the hospital and ask if they have a patient advocate who can help you with this matter--they may even know of places that give discounts to MD Anderson patients.

I can't say enough good things about that place. They really did right by my cousin's partner. Hope they can give you what you need as well.

[PDittie]

12. If it's the PetSmart on West Loop 610

then you made the best choice in the area. It's where we take our four when we travel out of town.

(We live in the area, as you have by now surmised.)

Doggie day care at something around 20 bucks a day for a well-socialized dog, one who won't bother or be bothered by other dogs her size -- they segregate them that way -- is perfect.

If she just wants to lie down and sleep, then boarding her in a small glass-walled kennel, not a cage, is 25-30 dollars a day. In both cases they should get food once, either morning or evening (ask).

Best to you as you make your recovery. We are 15 minutes away if you your family, or your pup need anything at all. If it is only a dinner recommendation... just ask. Will PM my phone number to you.

[Rowdyboy]

14. People like you are why DU is still going strong after 13 years....Thanks

[Gothmog]

15. Get Well

There are a number of DUers in Houston who can help if you need help PDittie knows how to find me. I work in the Galleria area and can help if you need help.

[Rowdyboy]

16. Thanks for the concern! My partner will be with me so we'll probably be okay....

Still its really nice to know that DUers have been and continue to be part of my "support group". I have no idea exactly what to expect once (if) we get there so I guess I'll just take it slowly and see what happens.

Again, many thanks and may see you guys soon.