[Rand.]

I need to go inpatient but my parents are gone on vacation for another month. No one can take him that we know and spending $700 on boarding is not an option. I've looked around at shelters but none seem to offer anything that could help. Originally it wasn't a problem, I'd just wait until my parents got back, but I'm not sure I can wait... things are going downhill so to speak. Does anyone know of anything that I haven't thought of? Or am I just basically stuck?

Have you checked to see how much a house/pet sitter would cost? Sometimes a vet tech or other person experienced with animals will stay in your house and take care of your dog, just for the privilege of getting the privacy of your house and your tv and internet, if they live with roommates.

If that's not an option, you can check pet sitting and house/pet sitting sites. Generally, the more desirable an area you live in, the more likely you are to be able to find a low-cost house/pet sitter.

You can check for people locally (like through your vet) or you can use a web site like housecarers.com. There are several house/pet sitter sites, but I've listed this one because I know people who have used it and had a good experience.

A pet sitter who comes by your house two times per day to care for your dog is generally going to charge more than a person who actually stays in your house with your dog, in my experience.