The Barks

30/10/2026

It’s Halloween tomorrow, and while we’re getting ready for ghosts and ghouls, our dogs have been casually doing spooky little things all year. 🎃

Here are a few facts about the furry creatures sharing our sofas…

👀 Those eyes belong in a horror film.
That eerie glow when the light catches your dog’s eyes comes from a reflective layer that helps them see in low light. Very clever. Also very effective at making you nearly drop your cuppa.

👂 They can hear things we can’t.
Dogs pick up higher-pitched sounds beyond our hearing. So that sudden barking halfway through your programme could be them hearing something you’ve missed. Best go and investigate together. Take a biscuit for courage.

🌙 They’ve got the advantage after dark.
Dogs see better in low light than we do. Which means yours has a lovely view of you standing at the back door in your dressing gown, waving a treat and negotiating bedtime.

All those impressive senses… and a carrier bag blowing down the street still causes absolute scenes. 😂

What’s the most ridiculous thing your dog has ever been scared of? Tell me who they are and what caused the drama. I’d love to hear these. 👻

09/10/2026

🎃 I KNOW, I KNOW… IT'S NOT EVEN HALLOWEEN YET! 🎄🐾

We're still thinking about pumpkins, ghosts and trick-or-treating… and here I am talking about CHRISTMAS DOG GROOMING! 🤣🎅

I promise I haven't completely lost the plot (yet! 😂).

But apparently, the dogs of Houghton-le-Spring have very busy social calendars in December, and we can't have them turning up to their Christmas festivities without looking their absolute best! 🐶.✨

So, before the mince pies are out and Mariah Carey takes over the radio, The Barks' Christmas diary is officially OPEN! 🎄✂️

🎅 DECEMBER APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE 🎅

🎄 Tuesday 1st
8am | 10am | 12pm | 2pm | 4pm

🎄 Wednesday 2nd
12pm | 2pm | 4pm

🎄 Thursday 3rd
2pm | 4pm

🎄 Friday 4th
10:30am | 3:30pm

🎄 Tuesday 8th
8am |12pm | 2pm | 4pm

🎄 Wednesday 9th
8am | 10am | 12pm | 2pm | 4pm

🎄 Thursday 10th
8am | 10am | 12pm | 2pm | 4pm

🎄 Friday 11th
8am | 10am | 12pm | 2pm | 4pm

🎄 Saturday 12th
12:30pm | 2:30pm

🎄 Monday 21st| 3:30pm

🎁 After all the festive pampering, those that know me, know i like to take a day or two off after Christmas 🤣 🤣 with The Barks reopening around 12th January or so. So I'd definitely plan accordingly ❤️

📩 Pop me a message to secure your pooch's Christmas pamper!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll put the Santa hat away and get back to Halloween. 🎃😂

Ho Ho Ho… too soon?! 🎅🤣🐾

13/08/2026

A huge thank you to all of my lovely customers for being so understanding and flexible this morning. ❤️

With today's heatwave, I've moved some appointments forward and changed a few to different days to help keep the dogs as safe and comfortable as possible.

I really appreciate everyone who was able to adjust at short notice it means a lot. Thank you for your continued support and cooperation, and I hope you and your pups stay cool today! 🐾☀️

11/08/2026

Roadworks update for all of mylovely clients 🐾

Good news the side road beside the salon is now fully open again, so access to The Barks is much easier.

The traffic lights are still in place on the main road, as Northern Gas has moved their work further up the street, so you may still want to allow a little extra time for your journey.

Thank you all so much for your patience and support while the roadworks have been going on I really appreciate it and can’t wait to see you and your pups at the salon! 💛

31/07/2026

🐾 AUGUST GROOMING SLOTS , LAST FEW LEFT! 🐾

My August diary is nearly full, and these are the final appointments up for grabs! If your fluffy sidekick is looking a little too fluffy, now’s your chance before they’re gone. ✂️🛁

📅 Thursday 13th 🕣 11:00am

Once these are gone, that’s August completely full! 💜

Drop me a message to grab a slot before another waggy tail beats you to it! 🐾

22/07/2026

Road Closure Notice 🚧

Due to the ongoing gas works, the entrance to the side street from the main road is currently closed.

There is still parking available in the back lane, but you'll need to access it via the next side street further up the road, as the usual entrance is closed.

If you have any problems finding us, just send me a message. Thanks for your patience! 😊

16/07/2026

🐶🎉 Calling all dog lovers! 🎉🐶

We're excited to be supporting the Rotary Club of Washington Fun Dog Show on Sunday 23rd August,

and we'd LOVE to see lots of our amazing The Barks family there! 🐾💜

Whether your dog has the waggiest tail, is the scruffiest superstar, knows an incredible trick, or is simply the most handsome boy or prettiest girl, there's a class for everyone! 🏆🐕

🎟️ Just £2 per class (or 3 classes for £5) and it's all about having fun while supporting a fantastic local event.

Who thinks their pooch has what it takes to steal the show? 👀🐾

👇 Tell us in the comments... 🏅 Which class would your dog enter?
We can't wait to see all those wagging tails! 🐕❤️

Rotary Club Of Washington are having their Annual Fun Dog Show.see below.

09/07/2026

🐾 A little heads up for all of my lovely customers! 🐾

From 20th July 2026, Northern Gas Networks will be carrying out essential work to replace ageing gas pipes throughout the local area. The project is expected to last for approximately 13 weeks as they work their way around the surrounding streets.

🚧 This may mean some disruption around The Barks, and there could be days where our gas supply is temporarily switched off while the work is carried out.

As I rely on a gas boiler to heat the water for your dogs' baths, if the gas is off i unfortunately won't be able to groom on those days.
At the moment, I haven't been given any specific dates for when the salon's gas supply will be affected.

As soon as I know more, I'll contact any customers whose appointments may need to be rearranged, giving as much notice as possible.

Thank you all so much for your patience and understanding while these essential works are completed. ❤️🐶

Hopefully the disruption will be kept to a minimum, and I'll keep everyone updated as soon as I receive any further information.
Thank you for your continued support! 🐾💜

08/07/2026

🐶☀️ HOT DOG SUMMER IS HERE! ☀️🐶

The sun's out, the tails are wagging, and the paddling pools are making an appearance! 🌞💦 Is your four-legged best friend ready for summer?
Whether they fancy a fresh trim, a luxurious bath, or just a good old pamper, I've got them covered! ✂️🛁 They'll leave looking fabulous, smelling amazing, and ready to strut their stuff on their next walk! 🐾✨

🚨 These are my LAST remaining appointments for July! 🚨

📅 Tuesday 28th
🕚 11:00am | 🕜 1:30pm | 🕓 4:00pm

📅 Wednesday 29th
🕘 9:00am | 🕦 11:30am | 🕑 2:00pm

📅 Thursday 30th
🕚 11:00am | 🕜 1:30pm

📅 Friday 31st
🕛 12:00pm

💙 At The Barks, every dog enjoys: 🐾 One-to-one grooming 🐾 No crates 🐾 A calm, caring experience 🐾 City & Guilds qualified 🐾 Fully insured
📍 7 Stations Avenue North, Fencehouses, DH4 6HS
📞 07868 961642

💬 Be quick! These are the last July appointments and once they're gone, the only thing with a full diary will be the squirrels your dog keeps chasing! 🐿️😂

👇 Tag a friend whose dog deserves a summer spa day! 🐶💛

30/06/2026

🚨🐾 THE HUMAN HAS RETURNED! 🐾🚨

After a pawsome holiday, The Barks is officially back open! ✂️🐶

I've swapped the cocktails for clippers, the flip-flops for furry feet, and I'm ready to get all your gorgeous pooches looking fabulous again! 🛁✨

Now... if you've sent me a message while I've been away, thank you for your patience! ❤️ My inbox currently looks like it's been attacked by a pack of overexcited Labradors! 🤯🐕📱

Over the next day or two I'll be sniffing my way through every message, replying to everyone and getting all your appointments booked in. If you haven't heard back yet, don't panic I promise I'll get to you!

I can't wait to see all my four-legged friends again (and their humans too)

Thank you all for your patience and support. Now let's get those tails wagging! 🐾❤️