New runs :)

Thanks to the rain and more rain I cannot get into my fields to take the materials to set up the last 6 dog runs so I am fencing the menage which gives the dogs 825 metre square to play in. I am fencing another area half that size too so ready for summer.

Sapphire our little mare has had a stunning foal who is lapping up all the attention. She should make a good sized horse as her Dad is the stallion the queen uses to produce her carriage pulling, grey horses. We have called our baby Queenie.

Preparing for summer

The dog boarding extension is almost complete which gives us an additional 20 units. 

Just the inner, granite,  floor to put in which will help to keep the dogs cool as we are going to have a hot summer :) :)

We have created a car parking area for the dogs too which should ease the congestion on my yard at busy times also make it safer for dogs moving from car to kennels as it will be secure with fencing all around.

We have 9 separate exercise areas with a further 6 planned 

Having run my kennels for 3 years now I take great delight in having lots of separate areas for dogs to play in either alone or with a couple of "friends" and as long as we have enough pens they can all go out for a good, long time. When they are back in their own unit they sleep and are generally quiet until the next out time in the afternoon they then sleep all night. 

Boarding kennels do not need to be constant yapping. Thankfully :)

Rain, rain, rain

Will it ever stop?

My busy period over the summer is looming and we will be very busy with all animals.

The cats are fine as all set up and has been running for years now 

The dog units are set up and looking lovely. 

We have 4 runs at the moment which works well whilst we are a little quieter. 

I have plans to set up another 6 runs, this will give me the opportunity to run lots of dogs out at the same time. Dependant on the dogs a small number will be together but I need lots of runs. 

I need it to stop raining to enable me to get a large wagon in to transport rubble so I can lift the ground level so dogs don't get covered in mud, then fence and create the runs

Don't worry though as I have a plan B :)

I will use my horse menage which gives the dogs a huge area to run, play and let off steam then when back in their own unit they sleep :)

What next?

The new block of kennels are almost done. 

Just stopped by the constantly wet ground as I need to set up and fence 5 more runs. It's not a bad thing I have observed a winter, before I establish them, as I now know how I need to do it to enable me to have full use of the runs all year round. I intend to lift the ground level and put a finished surface on which will stop the dogs getting covered in mud.

Once done I will have 11 separate exercise areas all with all weather surface which mean the dogs in my care, all year round can go out to play, wrestle or just amble without having a lead in sight :)

Running a dog and cat boarding facility is very demanding but great fun and gives me a lot of satisfaction. We have never advertised as yet and continue to grow. Word of mouth is spreading the news with regards our standards of care and facilities so a huge thank you to all those who have supported us over the past few years. 

Your help is appreciated

Nearly there

The new kennel block is almost complete ready for our next busy time

The kennels themselves are done. Water dispensers in and running well so fresh water at all times for our guests :)

The heaters are in and toasty hot

We even have a wash down area for those muddy paws

The last bit to complete (I am waiting for the ground to dry out) in the 5 big runs. I am going to use stone to lift the ground level and am looking at a grass substitute for them to run and play on. It would leads to them coming back in and going home cleaner but also they can play out longer which is always my priority.

What have I been up to? :)

La Tania in the French Alpes called so 16 of us headed off and skied for a week. 

Amazing conditions and a fantastic time was had by all :)

Rufus (my horse) has 3 new friends

They all looked on puzzles as he towers over them but soon settled and nuzzled

I do hope he doesn't fall in love with the donkey :)

Todays challenges

As we near completion of the new block of kennels I am trying to work out how to attach the high grade, steal hatches and keep them close to the wall so there are no draughts for the dogs when it is cold.

I think I have it :)

Putting the posts in for the runs is challenging at this time of year too as the ground is so very wet. I have decided to do two ready for the dogs in over Christmas (we already have two) then we shall build the other 5 in the spring when the ground dries out a little.

I am excited about the end result as we will have plenty of units of varying sizes and 9 separate exercise areas which will be well used especially over summer.


At last my horses have started to eat hay. They have had it available for weeks now but as it has been so warm, the grass has been growing so no need for boring hay but today they followed me to the barn and tucked in. They are so friendly and love a cuddle.

Ruby, Phoebe's daughter did he bronze KC good citizenship test yesterday after just three training sessions and she PASSED. What a good girl and a great advert for the intelligence and trainability of a Rotweiler.

I cannot believe Christmas is only next week and I must get some decorations up

From all at Cats Whiskers and Dogs Paws we wish you all a very merry Christmas and wonderful New Year