Helen W.
Helen W.
Prices include all fees.
Highlights
Pet care experience
Space to run & play, doggy heaven!
I recently retired from a 20 year career in the Army before settling back in Taunton with my husband Dave and our 3 children. With excellent communication and organisational skills your bookings and questions are promptly answered and reliable. I am very personable and you will find a friendly and professional welcome. Having always had dogs in my life, I have experience with young puppies, boisterous energetic breeds, shy, nervous and reserved rescues and elderly slower dogs. I have cared for dogs throughout my career and more recently in my home for family and friends on a casual basis. I am now turning this experience into a more professional offering. I have upskilled my experience recently with an up to date hands on Dog First Aid Course and Diplomas in Pet Sitting and Dog Walking, Animal Psychology, Introduction to Animal Care Certificate and Introduction to Kennel Management Certification. I am also doing an Introduction to Dog Training, Canine Communication, Pet Nutrition and Grooming courses.
Qualifications
Ratings and reviews
We could not have asked for a more professional, friendly and experienced sitter for our dog. Communications and expectations were clear and openly discussed. Helen has plenty of outdoor space as well as indoor space for larger, more energetic dogs. I could not recommend her more highly.
From the meet and greet, it was clear that Helen is a sensible, down-to-earth person who genuinely cares about the dogs in her care. The meeting was relaxed and unhurried, giving Shadow plenty of time to get to know Luna and the other dog staying at the time, as well as allowing plenty of opportunity for questions from both sides. The pre-stay forms were reassuringly thorough, covering all the information Helen would need to ensure Shadow’s needs were fully met. On the day of Shadow’s stay, Helen kept me regularly updated, and it was clear he was having a wonderful time — not only playing with the other dogs, but also, importantly, feeling comfortable enough to relax. It was a very hot day, and Helen did a great job of striking the right balance between giving the dogs enough exercise and keeping them cool. The set-up is fantastic, with plenty of safe indoor and outdoor space for the dogs to roam and relax. 10/10 — I will definitely be booking again!
Terrific service! Rory had all the time outdoors playing and cuddles that he could want along with regular updates about his days
Couldn't have asked for a better place to leave Murphy. Helen and her family provided the absolute best environment - the house and garden are a dog's dream, and their hospitality was second to none. Highly recommend!
Helen was fab with my dog Dora and I didn’t have to worry about her at all while we were away. We got regular updates with photos and Dora was kept busy and happy. Dora is on a couple of medications and these were all administered with no problem. Would definitely book again and highly recommend.
It's never easy to leave a pet but everything was great wth Helen. Really prompt responses and all questions covered. It was clear that Clementine had a simply fabulous experience with her and her family. It really felt like Clem was welcomed like one of their own. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her to others.
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
Me and Dave both work from home with me having a completely flexible schedule and uninterrupted time to focus on Luna and any of her guest doggy friends. Our home is open to dogs who want constant company, a willing playmate, familiar household surroundings, family activity and above all loving attention.
Where your pet will stay
Home characteristics
Safety, trust & environment
The entire downstairs is open to explore, a large family garden and our own secure paddock with lots of land to investigate. If the facilities at home aren’t sufficient for your dog’s energy we are spoilt for choice by some excellent open countryside, woodland, river, Quantock hills, beaches and green space walks. I am insured and 1st Aid trained. As a family home there may occasionally be small items left out so if your dog may have tendencies to eat household items we may not be suitable.
Pets
A typical day
Flexibility is our goal, tailoring to your dog’s individual needs. As much exercise and/or chilling out as your dog wishes. Frequent outside breaks, exercise and play are offered no matter the weather and comfy spots in any of our multiple rooms with sofas, dog beds and crates, toys, snuffle mats and other enrichment activities. We will of course meet any individual feeding, medication, behavioural triggers and needs as required. Crate or no crate sleeping is fine in their own space if desired.
- 0 to 7 kg7 to 18 kg18 to 45 kgDogs over 1 year oldUnspayed females accepted, neutered males onlyNo females in heatHelen can host up to 3 pets per night
- All guests need to be fully in date for vaccinations, flea and tick and worming treatments. Having 3 young children, should your dog be boarding overnight they will need to be completely safe around children. They will of course be showered love and affection if that is what they want or their space respected by the children if preferred. When booking, please allow time to arrange a quick meet and greet asap (free of charge) so you can meet us and Luna whilst ensuring we are the right fit for you and vice versa. I will send a simple questionnaire to get any details beforehand so we can focus on the dogs when we meet.
Prices include all fees.