Better Dog

I wish there was a 7 star option!
We have an epileptic Keeshond that suffers from cluster seizures. They can strike at any time (3 – 4 times per month), and without treatment he could go into «status» which is a nonstop seizure that could kill him.
My wife and I are both educators. Needless to say, we are not wealthy people. The emergency vet offers medical boarding at $ 30/​day… that is $ 600/​month. No way we could afford that.
We contacted A Better Dog Kennel and explained our situation. They were very compassionate and NOT intimidated by his needs. We made an appointment to visit and tour the facility. TOP NOTCH. They also arranged to have our veterinarian visit. She gave them high marks. We were very comfortable signing our boy up to attend.
They have a 30 days for $ 400 package. This breaks down to about $ 13/​day… less than half than medical boarding. They will administer his regular meds and treat his seizures should they occur. All this at no additional charge. Also, our dog spends the day playing with other pups and comes home happy (and exhausted).
We have been blessed to find these fine folks. We cannot recommend them enough.

Being cheap, I’m constantly looking for a less expensive dog boarding option. I found Better Dog on the interwebs and saw a couple good reviews on their facebook so I thought what the heck for our last weekend trip.
The most important thing is that my dogs did come home safe and unharmed — my minimum expectations were met. But the rest of my experience was very underwhelming. The phone rings and rings when you call. The staff doesn’t seem happy to be there. They have short pick up/​drop off hours. And this leads me to my rant.
We picked up on a Sunday — first we attempted to stop on our way home but they were closed (Sunday hours are only 4 – 6). So we go back home and come back later during that window. Well when I pick them up I find out there’s a full night charge if you don’t pick up before 1:00 pm. Wait a sec, they aren’t open before 1:00 — how could I pick them up then? «That’s just the owner’s rule.» Oh ok, great rule. So I had to pay for an extra night since I didn’t pick them up when they weren’t open. Was I supposed to break in? Maybe next time.
Just be aware of this if you pick up on a Sunday — you have to pay for an extra day. Wish they would have told me when I made my reservation or when I dropped them off so I was prepared.