FORT STEWART, Ga. - Heading out of town or just plain tired of replacing the couch one too many times that the dog or dogs have mauled and made as their as the latest chew toy while you're at work'

Well, if that is your situation, then you're in luck. The Fort Stewart Pet Boarding Facility and Doggie Daycare at Holbrook Pond on Fort Stewart may just be the place you're looking for. However, don't wait too long; this place fills up daily, faster than hotels in Orlando on the 4th of July.

This popular pet boarding facility opened in June 2008 and has not slowed down since.

"I can't tell you a time we have had less than 20 dogs, and we are a 24-dog kennel," said Paula Berg an animal caretaker at the Fort Stewart Pet Boarding Facility and Doggie Daycare ."We are turning people away almost daily.

"Labor Day is booked - we have three small kennels available in November and five small kennels available in December, and all of the medium and large kennels are already reserved. Sometimes we have cancellations, but people need to call further in advance."

Guests are welcome to stay up to 90 days, Berg said. Boarding is $15 per day and the daily Doggie Day Care fees are $12 per day, $6 per half day (up to five hours) or five sessions scheduled within six consecutive weeks for $50, she said.

As is with most popular destinations, hotels reservations become difficult because of their amenities, and this place is no exception to the rule.

When you tour the facility and see the dogs socializing outside with the other guests as they run and play or lounge in the doggie pools or resting to the classical music during lights out for a nap while other guests visit the salon, it is easy to understand why this facility is so popular.

"I think the reason people like us is because the dogs aren't stuck inside," said Berg. "They get to go outside and play."

She said that the dogs are outside for about an hour in the morning, and in the afternoon they are outside about 15 minutes at most due to the heat.

The dogs get outside a minimum of four times a day, but that usually ends up to about five to six times, Berg said.

It's difficult to tell who is having more fun, the dogs or the kennel staff, when it comes time to play time outside, especially when observing the interaction between the guests and the staff that are playing chase or fetch, combined with the scratching behind the ears or wet licks bestowed upon the staff as tips for great service.

"I have been working here since May, and I love my job," said Annie Woodard an animal caretaker. "Since I want to become a veterinarian, it is good experience."

Cat owners don't worry; your special feline has a special wing designed just for them.

The facility also offers a cattery for up to 12 cats, where there is a climbing gym, and they can climb, play with toys, sunbathe, scratch and catnap the day away.

All pets must have a complete, up-to-date application on file. All animals must be over the age of four months of age. All dogs over seven months old must be spayed or neutered to participate in community play.

All pets must have a current fecal exam every six months. Dogs must be vaccinated 14 days prior to stay with Rabies, DHLLP and Bordettella. Cats must be vaccinated 14 days prior to stay with Rabies, FVRCP, Feline Leukemia, and have a FIV test.

Current hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday and Friday; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday; and 4 -6 p.m. on Sunday. For more information and to make your reservation for boarding or day care, call 912-435-8056.