Roderick O.
Roderick O.
Contact Roderick O.
Highlights
Pet care experience
Experienced Dog Sitters Who Treat Pets Like Family
We’re a long-term couple who have been together for 36 years and share a genuine love of dogs. Because we both work in aviation, having our own dog full-time has always been difficult, so 11 years ago we joined BorrowMyDoggy and met Geoff, a lovely lurcher who became a huge part of our lives. We regularly collected Geoff for walks, overnight stays and longer visits, and cared for him consistently for 11 years until he sadly passed away recently. During that time we also looked after several other dogs, but Geoff was our regular companion and taught us so much about caring for dogs of different ages and needs. We love being outdoors and spend a lot of time walking on the South Downs, Ditchling Common and the many beautiful paths around Burgess Hill, which are right on our doorstep. Geoff even joined us on part of the West Highland Way in Scotland! We’re reliable, caring and flexible. Because Rod works part-time for British Airways and Simon works for the CAA, we’re often available for weekday as well as weekend care. We understand how important it is to trust the people looking after your dog and we will always treat them as if they were our own.
Qualifications
Ratings and reviews
Rod and his husband have looked after our golden retriever from time to time and they are fantastic. Very loving, caring, patient and gentle. Our golden girl loves their company and is very much looked after, with plenty of walks. They keep us updated with regular pictures via a WhatsApp group. As a dog owner all we want is our dog to be in a safe, fun, reliable and comfy environment - Rod and his husband tick all the boxes
I have known Rod for 5 years now and for my dog Moshi it was love at first sight. Rod is our neighbour and if Moshi gets the chance she will skip next door in a heart beat. If the opportunity arises within minutes she will stroll into his house to find him and make herself at home. It’s now become a bit of a joke in our household because Moshi will come running every time she see’s him or hears his voice. Rod is one of the kindest people I know. He absolutely adores dogs and they adore him right back, dogs really are the best judge of character.
Rod and Simon minded my lurcher regularly taking him during the day when I was at work and for overnight sleepovers. They absolutely spoiled him rotten and brought him on lovely hikes and for coffee dates! He even got himself a lurcher boyfriend with another lurcher they sometimes minded. They had a key to my house and would pop in and get him and drop him back as needed and were so good as I didn't have a car of my own so couldn't collect or drop off. My lurcher absolutely loved them. Sadly I have since moved back home to Ireland but we still keep in contact sending updates and photos. Would highly recommend!
Rod and Simon looked after my dog Geoff for around 10 years, and in that time Geoff saw them as his second home. They are reliable, kind and huge animal lovers. We trusted them with keys to the house and they took Geoff for ad hoc walks as well as longer stays. He was always thrilled to see them which reflects the excellent care they provided. Whilst Geoff is no longer with us we are truly grateful thay he had them in his life. Highly recommended.
Rod has kindly looked after our dogs on a number of occasions. He is wonderful with dogs, very responsible and loving and the dogs obviously love him too which is arguably the highest recommendation of all. I have no hesitation at all in recommending Rod in the highest terms possible!
Calendar and availability
Schedule
work part-time for British Airways and will soon be moving to a 50% schedule, which means I often have extended periods at home, particularly during my three-week off blocks. This allows plenty of time for walks, companionship and attentive care. My partner Simon works for the Civil Aviation Authority and is usually home at weekends, so there are often two of us around to help look after visiting dogs. Because of our work patterns I’m generally very flexible and can often help during weekdays as well as weekends. I also understand that plans can sometimes change, so I try to be as accommodating as possible if owners need to adjust or cancel arrangements at short notice. Dogs staying with us will have plenty of attention, regular walks and a calm, caring environment.
Where your pet will stay
Home characteristics
Safety, trust & environment
Dogs staying with us will be cared for in our home, where they can relax in a calm and welcoming environment. We generally prefer to care for dogs here rather than in the owner’s home, but we’re very happy to collect and return dogs if needed. Dogs do not have to stay overnight with us. In many cases we are simply able to collect them from home and take them out for a good walk before bringing them back again, which works well for owners who are busy during the day. We live in a quiet area of Burgess Hill with a secure garden, and dogs are free to relax anywhere in the house so they feel comfortable and part of the home. For walks, we’re very lucky to have fantastic countryside right on our doorstep, including the South Downs and Ditchling Common. Dogs are walked on or off lead depending on the owner’s preference and the dog’s recall ability, and we always prioritise safety. We also have an SUV with a secure dog guard behind the rear seats so dogs can travel safely in the back when we collect them or take them out for walks. For the past 11 years we regularly cared for a wonderful lurcher called Geoff, as well as a few other dogs, which gave us a great deal of hands-on experience looking after dogs in a home environment. Our aim is always to make sure every dog feels safe, relaxed and well cared for while they are with us.
A typical day
A typical day usually starts with an early walk, often over to Ditchling Common or around the countryside that surrounds our home in Burgess Hill. One of the great advantages of where we live is that there are fields and green space right on our doorstep, so dogs can stretch their legs almost immediately after leaving the house. Throughout the day we like to make sure dogs get plenty of fresh air, exercise and stimulation. This may include longer walks on the South Downs, where we often drive for a countryside walk or gentle hike. Of course, walks are always tailored to the individual dog’s energy levels, fitness and the owner’s preferences. Our garden is large and secure, so dogs can also relax, play or simply enjoy being outside whenever they wish. Some dogs love lots of activity and exploring new places, while others prefer a slower pace, and we are very happy to adapt to whatever suits them best. On quieter days dogs can simply relax in the house or garden, enjoy some company, and feel part of a calm home environment. Our aim is always to make sure every dog has a comfortable, enjoyable day with the right balance of exercise, fresh air and relaxation.