Raining Cats & Dogs

21/08/2026

Thinking about taking a few of these poor things. If anyone else has feral cat space then contact Cats Protection Yeovil & District Branch

17/08/2026

Canine first aid - lots of sitters say they’ve done it which is great but ask questions…

What about feline first aid?
What about equine or any other animals in their care?
How often do they renew their first aid training and who is it with?

Myself and a good friend of mine - have between us experienced the following over recent years

- sickness and diarrhoea in cats and dogs
- dogs being allergic to pollen
- dogs eating bees
- a cat having a fit
- a dog having a stroke
- a twisted paw owing to running on dry cracked ground

Not every sitter would know what to do.

I’m not saying I’m vet trained but I constantly renew and enhance my training, have good relationships with local vets, have a protocol in place if animals get sick and always keep owners informed.

An inexperienced sitter may not know when to seek help. They may not know the issues certain breeds suffer or how to administer medication. Some things cannot wait until you’re back from holiday.

Make sure you ask the right questions so you can truly relax on holiday and come home to a healthy happy pet.

16/08/2026

Cancellations!

I’ve had a few clients cancel last minute this summer for various reasons leaving a few gaps in my house sitting diary over the next few months.

Do get in touch if you need any support or just want to check dates with me.

15/08/2026

It’s smelly season!

But realistically you can’t get them professionally groomed all the time unless you’re rolling in £££

If you have a long haired dog, this weather might mean they smell a bit stinky in this weather. Dogs sweat! **Cats btw are too posh to sweat and only do so through their toe beans.

Bathing at home is easy but you need to work up to it - play with them with the shower water first. I’ve never needed to harness a pet down (if stressed I simply don’t wash them) but some people prefer it.

There are some great products these days - Bugalugs even do a 4 in 1 calming shampoo and conditioner so it’s over quickly. If they really hate water then just go for a waterless shampoo (cats especially love this).

In this weather, try to microfibre towel dry rather than using a dryer.

It’s a nice bonding experience with your dog… with your cat, they just hate you a little bit more momentarily!

Here’s a handy vid.

Professional groomer teaches you how to give your dog a bath - like...

10/08/2026

So pleased to announce that full services are resumed and my husband is recovering well.

I am pretty booked up for holiday sits for August and September.

All of my sits in August are in Illminster to continue helping my family. All of my September sits are Shepton Mallet so if anyone needs adhoc walks (free to my previous Shepton clients) in these areas then let me know.

I am still offering walks for free for those with health issues via The Cinnamon Trust or contact me directly - I will always help where I can.

Please feel free to contact me for walks, daycare and longer sits for kitties and pups where needed.

Remember I am an IMTC accredited dog trainer and behaviourist so if you need to book in training sessions for adult dogs or puppies then drop me a message.

In the meantime, thank you to all of those in June/July where I had to find a substitute sitter while I was home. Your understanding and generosity blew me away - I have the best clients.

24/07/2026

Tatts for Cats. Think the nearest participating place is Yeovil for Ilminster folk.

This is it - your chance to get that long-delayed tattoo - AND raise money for a very worthy cause! 😀👇

10/07/2026

Anyone else’s dogs?

09/07/2026

Today, at approximately 10:40am, I saw someone walking their dog in 26°C heat.

I was on my way to pick up some dog supplies. The dog didn't appear distressed, and the owner looked a little uncomfortable, almost as though she knew people might judge her for being out at that time.

On my way back from the shop, at approximately 10:55am, I saw her again returning from the direction she'd been heading. I pulled over and politely said, "I just wanted to check if you knew it's quite hot to be walking your dog at this time of day."

Her response really made me think.

She said, "Yes, I'm very aware. That's why I'm rushing. I only have a very small garden, and unfortunately my dog has never learned to toilet there. I walk him early in the morning, then take him out briefly twice during the day just so he can relieve himself, before giving him another proper walk in the evening. We only live around the corner."

It was a reminder that we don't always know someone's circumstances.

As temperatures rise, please don't automatically assume someone is being irresponsible simply because you see them walking their dog during the day. Please don't jump straight into confrontation, and please don't take a photo and post it on social media without knowing the full story. Sadly, this is happening far too often.

If you're genuinely concerned about a dog's welfare, approach the owner calmly and start the conversation with kindness and education rather than criticism.

There are many reasons why someone may need to take their dog out briefly:

• Some dogs simply will not toilet in their garden. Holding urine for long periods can increase the risk of urinary tract infections, bladder problems, and discomfort.

• Some people don't have a garden at all.

• Some people may be away from home or on holiday and are doing the very best they can while trying to accommodate their dog's needs.

• Some owners genuinely don't realise how quickly heat can affect their dog and simply need a little education.

And yes, there will always be a small minority who simply don't care.

This elderly lady's dog was outside for around 20 minutes. I'd have been mortified if someone had shouted at her or publicly shamed her without knowing the facts, especially considering how vulnerable she may have felt.

As hotter summers become more common, kindness and understanding will become just as important as education. Of course, we should avoid walking dogs in the hottest part of the day whenever possible, seek shade, keep walks short if they are necessary, and always watch for signs of heat stress. But not every daytime walk is neglect.

Let's choose compassion over assumptions, conversations over confrontation, and education over public shaming.

Please note this picture is for attention, not from today.

01/07/2026