Marie Louise S.
Marie Louise S.
Highlights
Pet care experience
The most loving dog retreat ever!
Hi and woof :) I'm a lifelong dog lover who's been surrounded by dogs for as long as I can remember. My partner Tom is exactly the same (he's also owned many reptiles) and together we absolutely adore making new pup friends. I've looked after such a range of dogs now from Dobermans to Datchsunds and Cairns to Cavapoos. This has given me such vital experience with different breeds, personalities and energy levels. Dogs aren't just pets to me - they're genuinely a level up from humans. I love getting to know each dog's unique personality and building a real, deep bond with them. After losing my beloved Border Collie Pip a few years ago, and Tom losing his much-loved Pug around the same time, we've had a dog-shaped hole in our hearts ever since. And that's why we're here! I'm autistic and so i'm not too great with people but what I'm great with... Is dogs! And that's why this made perfect sense for me as a job. I don't do any other work. My life is now dedicated to dogs and making their lives that little bit better. It might sound weird but I feel like I connect with them on such a deep level. I understand them. And thankfully for me they all seem to love me too! People have started to call me the dog whisperer. Whilst in my care, your dogs live their happiest, healthiest, and most fulfilled lives. With plenty of walks in the park next door, socialising with other friendly dogs, enrichment activities, playtime, endless cuddles & even reinforcing training; I'm committed to giving the best possible care to all of them. I've recently been really enjoying helping to train a 3-month-old puppy who is already sitting, waiting and leaving on command. It's incredibly fulfilling to see him progressing so well and I hope to be able to work with more puppies in the same way. When your dog stays with us get double the love, as Tom and I care for them together. I'm the boss (hehe) but it means if I ever need to nip out or anything, they'll always have some company. We also put the safety of the dogs first and foremost, so rest assured the garden is 100% secured. There is absolutely no way of escaping and I'll always check about allergies before feeding them any treats. Water and bowls are cleaned out several times a day and we only clean with chemical free, pet-safe cleaning products. We also have a baby gate set up on the stairs so that if any dogs ever don't get on (thankfully we've been very lucky so far) or if any dogs just need time out, we can separate them if need be. We've been so grateful for the wonderful dogs (and humans!) we've met so far and many have already become regular visitors and friends. We'd love the chance to meet you and your little bestie too and hopefully welcome a new member to our pack. Sorry for waffling! Well done if you're still here... you made it! Hope to meet you and your best friend(s) soon :) :) ML and Tom.
Qualifications
Ratings and reviews
This was my first time leaving Ivy for several days with someone I did not know and I was anxious about the whole process. From first meeting Marie she made me feel way more relaxed about the whole process. I explained to her that Ivy can be quite anxious but she was completely understanding and accommodating. Unfortunately Ivy was a bit ill whilst staying with Marie but she was very understanding and caring. Marie was very communicative and responsive every day as well. I could not recommend Marie higher.
Marie Louise was great with Milo, even with his nervousness around other dogs! He obviously had a great time and was well tired and happy when I got home. Thank you so much!
Marie Louise could not have taken more trouble, she did everything to give my 2 dogs a lovely time. I felt completely confident they were in safe hands. I highly recommend her.
Thank you so much - Bowie clearly had a fabulous time, and you had such a great set up to make his stay fun, cool (in the mad heat) and safe in your home and on your roof terrace. You even managed his night time barking as he settled in with remarkable good humour. He’ll be back!
Marie is a lovely, responsible sitter. My mini dachshund seem to love her and I’ll wouldn’t hesitate to have her sit again!
Thanks Marie for looking after Vince the Doberman. I know he can be a real handful. But he had the best day. Would highly recommend a s hopefully you could have him for a longer stay.
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
This is my full time job now so your dogs life is my life and my life is your dogs life and it really is a dog's life.
Where your pet will stay
Home characteristics
Safety, trust & environment
We live in a secure flat with several fob doors between our front door and the main exit. We are lucky enough to have a decent sized walled roof garden for them to run and play as they so desire. Park wise, we have a great little park directly outside the flat and have two larger parks -Ruskin and Brockwell- 10-15mins walk away. So depending on the needs of your dog, we can do long walks to the big parks or shorter walks next door. There is plenty of space for a crate if you use one and we also have a paddling pool for hot days. Food wise I will happily accommodate for your dogs dietary requirements, including cooking fresh food if this is what you feed them. My sisters dog is very spoilt and only has freshly cooked chicken and salmon so I'm used to the princess life! I think that's about it. We have a bath if they need bathing. We don't really go out ever so we're home almost all of the time. My partner works from home too so there will be someone here the whole time. We don't play any loud music or anything like that. We don't smoke, drink or take drugs. We don't have parties. It's a very relaxed, loving, homely home.
A typical day
I love giving dogs their best lives possible, so I spend all day playing games, running around, giving them endless strokes and cuddles and going for lovely walks exploring in the park. Every dog is different and has different needs so if they want to play all day we can, if they want endless games of fetch, we can do that also. Or if they would rather spend the day snuggling on the sofa, I'm absolutely more than happy to oblige. I'm a highly energetic person. I love the outdoors and love walking. So we'll be out in the parks as much as possible if that's what works for them :) I have all the time in the world for dogs. Less so humans 😅 but dogs I can hang out with none stop and never get bored. I love running around with them and I love giving them the full spa experience when it comes to strokes and massages.