This is always an issue in my home. My last daughter left for college so now its just me, hubby and 3 furkids (and parrot). My Parrot I board but I've never boarded the dogs. I do have a friend from work who will come and stay at my house if I need her. Over and above that, I really try and force the issue to include the dogs in our vacations, be it camping, or renting a place that accepts dogs (ie: cabin). We are actually in the process of checking out RVs to purchase that would accomodate my dogs. My golden is 11 so hard to say with her, but the little ones are young yet. I work for the airlines too, but its too hard to travel by air with a golden and two smaller dogs. I just kinda get in the mind set that they are like young children and they just go with us, unless i find a reliable sitter!!!
Kathy