What have I been up to? :)

Extension of cattery now has double, exterior cladding, heat pads, electric lights and I have started painting, the floor covering will be the last job then all ready for the summer rush :)
We have put a smart sink with a fantastic, instant water heater in too for washing the pots. No longer will they have to go into my house kitchen.

Cleaning of dog and cat units never stops as I am so determined never to have smelly units so as we have been very busy over Easter that has kept me busy too.

Ok, this is what I have been up to too :)

I have bought myself a new horse. Well it is my passion and I'm no longer providing them for my boys as they are off doing other things. Teenage boys :) This is my time
This gorgeous boy is 12 years old 16.3hh so big ish. He is a lovely natured and a very honest horse. I have had lots of fun with him already and only had him 1 week. The lovely people who had him for 5 years I know are missing him but we will, undoubtedly stay in touch. He has only ever had 2 homes which is quite something in the horse world. I'll let you know what we get up to and how we get on if you like?

Back to business

Bookings are coming in for summer so please don't delay or there won't be any room at the inn

Family Fun and Doggy Day plans are well underway and I really hope it is a huge success and the two children's charities we raise funds for will benefit also
Mel and I think this will be our last one so please make sure you join us for a fun day out

Down on the farm

I am creating another two, large dog runs.

One takes the dogs onto our island where I have retained some trees. The boy dogs, especially will enjoy that :) The netting is on its way so you know what I shall be doing next week.
I just need to decide what to put on the ground as earth just doesn't work. My gravel play surface works well or maybe sand?

The other is in my horse menage which is providing a huge area for the dogs to have a great run around. It isn't being used at the moment so it is such a waste. I have put 40 tonnes of sand on top of the rubber so the dogs don't pick up the black staining and I just need to put netting on over of the post and rail and we are ready to go. Any high energy, who won't/cannot jump over 4 feet will get to use it and I can think of many. I may put a shelter in there too and they could play out lots and have a place to rest when they need one.


My boys are doing great
Eldest has just bought an MX5 to "do up" and I guess sell at some point but he and his mates are really enjoying it
My middle son is preparing for his A level exams but he has secured a place at De Montford uni to study business management with HR
My youngest had a great school report. He is first year GCSE's and should do very well. He is loving his rugby and becoming very invoked with it too

They main point is they are all happy. They continue to help me when I really need it (they are teenage boys :)) They have watched our business grow from piles of rubble and an empty grass paddock and I take great pride in the positive influence it has had on them and educated them that hard work does reap rewards.  ooo getting a little sentimental here :)

Dog boarding extension I think will happen after the summer when the ground is harder to take heavy wagons. Watch this space, as they say

Improvements

I have been busy :)

We now have a gate entry warning system which lets us know, where ever we are, of peoples arrival

We now have a CCTV system which I can log onto when I'm out and about. It alerts me, on my mobile when ever there is movement too.

We now have electric gates which open only at set times

All of these measures have been taken to enhance security as your pets, whilst in my care are very important. We have had no problems with intruders and I am making sure we never do :)

We also have sensors on the lights which automatically turn them off which is good news for the bill payer (me)

My digger man is coming this week to move some soil so we can create an additional run for the boarders. I am trying to take it onto our island a little and incorporate some trees which will be nice for the boy dogs (if you know what I mean) also for playing chase around. The dogs will have fun whilst on their holiday.

This way of life is very rewarding. I have many stories of nervous, frightened dogs who have settled well and thoroughly enjoyed their stay so much so their next visit it is with a waggy tail.

I recently looked after a 7 months old, toy poodle who the vets told the owner they would have to sedate to microchip and a dog groomer couldn't get near. He left us a happy, well socialised little boy, fully groomed, microchipped and very welcome to return. His owners were delighted and have booked him in again.

Down on the farm

The bookings for both cat and dog boarding are coming in steadily. Summer is going to be very busy of course and I am wondering whether to build the extra kennels I have permission to build in readiness.

This is a significant cost/investment but will cause upheavel in the short term.

I am, however waiting for the digger man to come to move some earth around as I am going to create a run which encompassed part of an island which has some great trees for the dogs to run and play around. This will also give me 3 separate exercise areas to have very small numbers of dogs out in to ensure good behaviour and NO dog fights. I do love to stand back and watch them play. It makes it all worthwhile.

Family Fun and Doggy Day

Family Fun and Doggy Day

Monday 4th May

 Yes, Mel and I are holding it again.

The purpose is to raise funds for Findern Primary School and Gadelii School for orphaned children Tanzania so two worthwhile causes

The day is built around a FUN dog show with rosettes and prizes

We cater for the very young with bouncy castle, marry go round and a whole host of fun things to do

There is plenty to do for all us 'adults" too with trade stands to wander around and good old fashioned fair ground games, bbq and cream tea to enjoy

Please help to support the day by coming along. It really is a fun and very economical day out for all the family

If you have any interest in taking a trade stall please contact me 

Winter is here at last

 Come on Danni, bath time!!

 28th December 2014, Stunning !

"A woman's work is never done" says Maggie.

Doogle, Shayla and Aggie are just far too busy playing. 

Passed :)

We had our annual inspection for our license today.

All kennels and registered breeders have to have a license which is renewed (and paid for) every year.

This involves me making an application to South Derbyshire District council. They then send a licensing officer to go through everything and make sure all is being run properly and in line with the strict guidelines. if all is ok the license is granted for another 12 months.

Although quietly confident it is always a little nerve racking being inspected and I do feel it is because we care too but all was good and we are fit to go for at least another year.

Our place looks great at the moment too with all the walls re painted, new heat pads for the cats and new/additional cat units looking all pristine.

We are very busy over the Christmas period with both cats and dogs which is good news. I have taken a lady on too to help out so fingers crossed she does a good job and helps to maintains our high standards and she will be here for a long time to come.

My boys are happy to help out over the festive season which is great as that way we can all spend some family time over the holiday period too.

Hope you all have a lovely and very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year

From all at

Cats and Dogs Whiskers Ltd

Bev