Perry's Perfect Paws

14/09/2023

She did it, we have a scientist in the house. Super proud, Mummy.
Lovely day celebrating graduation and Daisy's new job. 💕🥰

24/08/2023

08/06/2023

We are in for a warm weekend.
Just a friendly reminder of safe temperatures to walk our pups. 🥰😍🐾💕

30/03/2023

The Sublime Quest for the Ultimate Doggy Haven: A UK Dog Owner's Guide to Finding Licensed Home Boarding

Introduction:

Listen up, dog lovers of the United Kingdom! If you're anything like me, your canine companion is more than just a pet - it's family. And as every good dog parent knows, finding the perfect home-away-from-home for our fur babies can be a mind-boggling challenge. But fear not, intrepid pooch protectors, for I have embarked on the tumultuous journey to unearth the crème de la crème of licensed dog home boarding establishments. So, strap in and join me as we embark on this odyssey to find the ultimate doggy haven!

1. The Peculiarities of Licensed Home Boarding in the UK

When it comes to entrusting our beloved fur kids to the care of strangers, we mustn't waver in our diligence. The UK's regulatory landscape can be a labyrinthine enigma, but fret not, for I shall unravel the convoluted tapestry of legislation and ordinances. In the UK, the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 and the Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963 in the other home nations require dog home boarding providers to be licensed. This means that these establishments have been assessed, inspected, and deemed worthy of the coveted seal of approval. Keep your eyes peeled for this prestigious accolade when seeking a canine castle.

2. Embarking on the Quest: Research, Research, Research!

Before diving headfirst into the dog-eat-dog world of home boarding options, one must become a veritable detective, unearthing information from every nook and cranny of the digital realm. A multitude of resources await exploration, such as online forums, local Facebook groups, and the trusty Google search. Cast your digital dragnet far and wide, because when it comes to our furry family members, no stone should be left unturned.

3. Clandestine Reconnaissance: Vet Recommendations and Word of Mouth

Sometimes, the answers we seek lurk in the shadows of our everyday interactions. Harness the power of your social network and seek counsel from fellow canine aficionados.

Veterinarians, groomers, dog trainers, and other pet professionals can be invaluable allies in your mission to find a licensed doggy haven. Be bold, intrepid one, and solicit opinions from those who have walked this path before.

4. The Crucial Inquisition: Questions to Ask Potential Home Boarders

Once you've compiled a list of potential doggy sanctuaries, it's time to separate the contenders from the pretenders. The interrogation begins! Here are a few essential questions to unleash upon prospective home boarders:

* Can I see your licence and proof of insurance?
* How many dogs do you accommodate at a time?
* Are there any breed or size restrictions?
* What are your policies on vaccinations and health checks?
* How do you handle emergencies and what veterinary services are available?
* How many dog walks do you provide each day, how long for and on or off lead?
* May I inspect your boarding facilities and outdoor spaces?

Let these questions be the sword and shield that protect your furry comrade from unsuitable accommodations.

5. A Testament to Trustworthiness: Reviews and Testimonials

In our pursuit of the ultimate doggy haven, the testimony of others can be an invaluable beacon, guiding us through the murky waters of uncertainty.

Scour the digital landscape for reviews and testimonials that offer insights into the experiences of previous clients.

Websites like Facebook, Yell, and Google Reviews can be treasure troves of invaluable information.

Bear in mind, though, that opinions can be as diverse as the stars in the night sky. Trust your instincts and seek a balanced perspective.

6. The Final Frontier: The Meet and Greet

With your shortlist of potential canine castles in hand, it's time to embark on the final phase of your quest: the meet and greet. This face-to-face encounter offers a unique opportunity to assess the chemistry between your dog and the prospective boarder, as well as to scrutinize the environment in which your beloved pooch will reside.

Be ever-vigilant, and let your intuition guide you through the home boarding facilities, outdoor spaces, and interactions with staff.

7. The Decision: Choosing the Right Home Boarder

Having navigated the treacherous terrain of research, reconnaissance, inquisition, and meet-and-greets, the moment of truth has arrived. It's time to choose the home boarder that aligns with your dog's unique temperament, preferences, and needs.

Consider factors such as proximity, cost, and availability, but never lose sight of the ultimate goal: ensuring the happiness and well-being of your canine comrade.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it, fellow dog lovers - the culmination of our epic odyssey to find the ultimate doggy haven. With perseverance, determination, and a hearty dose of inquisitiveness, the task of finding a licensed home boarder need not be an insurmountable challenge.

The journey may be fraught with peril and uncertainty, but the destination – a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for your beloved canine companion – is worth every Herculean effort.

So, go forth, intrepid dog owner, and embark on your own quest for the perfect home boarding sanctuary, armed with the knowledge and wisdom that you have gleaned from this chronicle.

In the end, the wagging tail and boundless joy of your four-legged friend will be the greatest reward of all.

Happy hunting, and may the odds be ever in your favour!

16/01/2023

My books are currently closed to new clients as I'm at full capacity. Please do contact your local district council licensing teams they will be able to provide you with a list of licenced boarders in your area.

31/12/2022

Before the parties start, I would like to say Happy New year to you all. Thank you so much for the cards and gifts, very generous of you all, especially as .barry_ and I get to spend our days with your fantastic gorgeous pups and have the best office anyone could wish for. We've truly loved the messages in our cards of appreciation, recognition of the service and care we provide and just how much your pups love being with us.
Thank you for supporting our business's this year and choosing us to take care and love your pups.
And a huge thank you to .barry_ for walking with me, your continued support, your humour, the adventures would not be as a fun without you. 💕
We are looking forward to some more and new exciting adventures in 2023. 🐾💕

12/12/2022

Chart use tips 😊

12/12/2022

With the Chillybweather thought this would be helpful. If you are also walking on gritted roads and pavements please also make sure you wash your dogs paws after. Stay safe and warm. 💕🐾

05/12/2022

Please keep a look out for this young pup. 🐾💕

23/11/2022

Just a reminder I am off next week to do our next house project. I will be back open on the 5th December. 😊

18/11/2022

The pros teaching the others how it's done, although seems that one us still need to learn a little more focus 🥰 We didn't get a full crew picture, but we all managed a sit, stay and pause. Fabulous learning. 🥰🐾💕😍

09/10/2022

Just a reminder I am away from Wednesday 12th too and including Tuesday 18th October. I will respond to messages when I am back. 🐾💕

02/09/2022

Some great advice here, please do have a read 🐾💕

To throw or not to throw?

Fetch- a fun, easy way to play and exercise our dogs. However, research has began to highlight both the physiological and psychological consequences of this repetitive, high stress game.

Everybody can name at least one four legged friend that is a ball ‘pest’, and unfortunately, us humans can’t resist continuously throwing a ball to feel as if they are meeting the demand of our canine friend. So why is this a problem? Experts believe that fetch increases the level of adrenaline and cortisol production. These hormones are commonly associated with the ‘fight or flight’ instinct, controlling impulsive moods. Just like after we have climbed a mountain, or finished something that has given us a real ‘buzz’, but imagine this happening over, and over, and over, several times a day, without the opportunity to calm- exhausting, right?

We can all acknowledge that our canine friends are intelligent, to the point that sometimes I begin to wonder if my dog can read my mind? Well, research has been constructed that pretty much suggests that dogs will fetch us an item that appears to make us the most pleased- who smiles at the sight of a wiggly long eared hound returning a fluffy green tennis ball- Hard to resist? Well perhaps OUR love of fetch further fuels our dogs desire to constantly bring back toys and demand another go.

So after half an hour of fetch- our dogs are happy that they are making us happy, and have enough cortisol running through their veins to continue for hours, what’s happening to the rest of the body? As with everything that both we, and they do, repetitive activities cause injury- simple! When a dog chases a ball, they use their hind limbs to propel them forwards, demanding sudden function and engagement of the hind limbs. Then comes the braking to collect the ball. The dog will brace the forelimbs, put strain through all the musculature that was propelling them forward to enable a sudden stop, and then, the ball changes direction or bounces… Well, cue the scrabbling, twisting, turning, jumping- Adrenaline and cortisol already whooshing through the veins, the dog MUST get the ball, regardless of how, and then comes the wipeout.

If your dog is 100% healthy, with no clinicial musculoskeletal conditions, this continuous, high intensity game could predispose them to early injury/degenerative conditions, including osteoarthritis, cranial cruciate injury, muscular tears/strains. If a condition is already diagnosed, excessive strain will probably exacerbate the condition. It isn’t uncommon to see dogs that play a lot of fetch with intermittent lameness that occurs after exercise- adrenaline and cortisol is good at masking pain, therefore takes some time for these hormones to wear off before they feel the after effects of tumbling about.

We also can’t forget to mention the excessive panting, increased respiratory rate that we see during a game of fetch- this is also associated with high arousal and energy expenditure, and obviously increases strain on the heart and rest of the cardiovascular system. If your dog has an underlying medical condition that impacts these systems, is a brachiocephalic breed (short snout), or overweight, they could be at larger risk of experiencing difficulties associated with this.

So, next time our friend delivers us a tennis ball, what can we do instead? Let’s put down our ball flingers and have a think… They’re all designed to sniff! A stimulating treasure hunt will exhaust them mentally, without the physical demand of fetch. Simply hide some treats, or toys around the house or garden and let them sniff away. The pet market has hundreds of options to enhance this game further- Kongs, snuffle mats, licky bowls, all sorts! Fortunately for us, our canine friends are much easier to tire mentally than they are physically. Alternatively, teaching a dog to sit and wait for an object to be thrown, and released to retrieve when told, reduces the impact associated with chasing a moving object, making it safer still.

And as with everything in life, it is reasonable to say ‘all in moderation’- the less you complete a task, the less likely you are to be influenced by its effects. So, the occasional game of gentle fetch will reduce your dogs being influenced by the effects discussed above, however, all it takes is one dodgy bounce! And remember, a mentally stimulated, physically healthy dog, is a happy dog.

A massive thank you to Bella Le Roy MSCVetPhys for writing this article for us.

01/09/2022

Todays fun. 🐾💕

01/09/2022

I have just realised today that my posts have not automatically sharing from my Instagram page. I am trying to rectify this but in the meantime please do visit my Instagram page for our daily up dates. 🐾💕

01/09/2022

Here are some sobering August figures for you

We had 105 surrender requests completed and several other requests to take dogs via other rescues and dog wardens and vets . That is nearly 4 dogs a day.

Of these forms the most were for cockers. These cockers were mostly males and mostly under 2 years of age. More than half had issues - guarding ,snapping, biting and dog reactive

We took into foster 64 dogs meaning we couldn't take approx 40 due to the dogs issues being too severe for us to find a foster home for. ie multiple bites causing hospital treatment . We have a small group of fosters willing to take dogs needing rehab from an experienced fosterer. They are all full and have a waiting list.

We took in 7 dogs that had been dumped and came to us via dog wardens. We usually take one or two every couple of months on average. This will continue to rise.

Today so far we have had 2 surrender requests from owners and one from another rescue re 2 young springers aged 2 ish already on their second litters.

We have 62 dogs in long term foster

We have 108 dogs in regular foster either being assessed , on meet and greet stage or awaiting homechecks

Dog ownership in this country is in a huge huge mess. We are one small charity. Multiply these figures by all the rescues covering all breeds and the figures will be heart breaking. And its going to get worse. The cost of living crisis is going to have a huge impact

We are very very fortunate that we have the funds to help these dogs . What we don't have is places for dogs with issues. We have no room for them nor does anyone else.

What is the answer? Stop breeding . Every dog you produce another one or two or more will end up in rescue or die. You think vets don't put to sleep healthy dogs? What else are they supposed to do? They cant take them all in. I see people breeding and asking questions they should have researched before mating their dog not when the pups have arrived. If you are going to breed then make sure they are already reserved. . Make sure they are adding something to a line or helping to protect a vulnerable breed or to help breed out some of the horrendous traits we have bred in to some breeds. Make sure your dog and bitch have health tests relevant to their breed (and no that doesn't mean they are vaccinated and had a 5 minute vet check). Make sure you check out the home you are selling to. If none of these then don't do it. Your bitch doesn't need to have a litter. Your dog being used as a stud will not calm him down. Stop buying dogs from gumtree or free ads or similar. A good breeder does not need to advertise their litters on websites like that. If a breeder doesn't ask you any questions or checks you out then they are just in it for the money. Make sure they have a return to breeder contract. In 3000 dogs we have seen about 10 of these! Do your research. Then do some more.

We are supposed to be a nation of dog lovers. It sure doesn't feel like it at the moment :(

The photo below is of Roo SA2990 when she arrived 10 days ago. She was so scared that she would only look at the wall. She came to us after being signed over to a vets from a breeding hell hole. Aged about 7 so no use to them any more. Multiple litters. Abused and scared. Only good for making money from. She is a different dog now but still has a way to go. She is one of the lucky ones who ended up in a fabulous foster home

03/08/2022

Lovely afternoon with this gorgeous crew and .barry_ and her lovely crew 🐾💕

03/08/2022

Lovely walk this morning with and 🐾💕

01/08/2022

Gorgeous girl 🐾💕

01/08/2022

Cuddles with Mr P. 🐾💕

01/08/2022

Weekend fun 🐾💕

29/07/2022

Todays fun 🐾💕

29/07/2022

Look at those eyes, that face 😍🥰
Trying every trick in the book to convince me its dinner time 🤣
Love her though 🥰😍🐾💕

28/07/2022

🥰😍

28/07/2022

Few more of todays adventures 🐾💕

28/07/2022

Perfect day for walking, as it was the Perfect temperature it had to be one of my favourite routes. Lovely ramble with and 🐾💕

25/07/2022

It's the holidays, lots of children enjoying exploring the woods today.
Lovely walk with this gorgeous crew, we said hello to Felix and did beautiful sit and stays 🐾💕

22/07/2022

Gorgeous Friday crew 🐾💕

21/07/2022

King's of the castles 🐾💕

21/07/2022

Gorgeous Thursday crew, great fun 🐾💕

20/07/2022

We had a second walk with these two gorgeous ladies . 🐾💕

20/07/2022

Lovely to be back out enjoying the woods 🐾💕

20/07/2022

Back out with my gorgeous Wednesday crew after that crazy hot heat wave, they were all ready for a good run 🐾💕

14/07/2022

Lovely walk with this gorgeous crew 🐾💕

14/07/2022

Garden enrichment activities 😀 🐾💕

12/07/2022

Its been an odd day weather wise today, sticky and humid.
I adapt to my dogs, so we have changed it up and had a brain exercise day. 😊 It's good to change things up and change routine. Still exercising but in a different way 🐾💕

10/07/2022

Todays fun with this gorgeous crew and and .barry_ 🐾💕

10/07/2022

Gorgeous, we love looking after this lovely crew 🐾💕

10/07/2022

It's going to get very hot over the weekend and next week. Please keep your pups safe, it's doesn't take long for them too over heat as they can't regulate their heat like us as they don't sweat. Heat stroke can be fatal. Stay safe and enjoy the sun 🌞