My current apartment building doesn't allow dogs which is why I can't board one but I have found when watching friends dogs in vancouver that their pets are less anxious when they are in their own home versus having watched them in my last apartment. I recently moved back to Vancouver; for the last 2 years I was taking care of a 174lb Leonberger which was newly adopted by my dad. He was poorly trained when my dad got him so I spent a lot of time doing basic obedient training as well as a few tricks, going for walks and playing with him. Its only been a short time without him but I miss him a lot, he loved belly rubs and generally being in close proximity to me sit by my chair or by foot of the bed. I hope that I can keep someone else's furry friend company while their owner(s) are away. I also did house + cat(s) + dog sitting for a neighbour for a week or two when they went on vacation.