Retirement Activities in Somerset – Have You Considered Dog Hosting?
As one of the leading dog hosting businesses in Somerset we look after a range of dogs from terriers to Labradors to Basil the Burmese mountain dog! Along with this eclectic mix of delightful dogs we have a fantastic host community which is made up of all different types of people. One the most popular occupations of our Somerset hosts is, well… being retired! Across Somerset, dog sitting as a retirement activity is becoming really popular for three really good reasons.
Having Some Companionship
Sharing your home with a furry friend for a couple of weeks, or even just a weekend is a great way to combat loneliness. Many of our dog hosts in Somerset are using dog sitting as a retirement activity because it gives them some companionship while they are home alone.
Routine is really important for a lot of our dogs and dog hosts are only too happy to accommodate their needs. Sharing breakfast, a morning walk and a lazy afternoon with a loving doggy companion is a great way to spend your day and it’s always nice to have someone around the house.
Getting Some Light Exercise
Another aspect of dog hosting that our hosts enjoy is taking the dogs out on a morning and evening walk. In the summer especially, there’s nothing better than getting out the house and taking your doggy guest to a field, along a river or even just into town! Many of our hosts enjoy walking and rambling as a retirement activity in Somerset already, so adding a dog to your routine will only heighten the experience.
Boosting Your Social Life
As well as being a companion in the day and being a good excuse to get out the house and do some light exercise, dog hosting can also facilitate a more active social life. Activities such as group dog walks are a fantastic way to meet new people and for your new house guest to get some play time in with new friends! As well as dog walking groups, Barking Mad Taunton hold host meet ups where you can meet and chat with other hosts and share your dog hosting experiences.
Barking Mad Taunton Summer Events for Dogs
The Ilminster Experience Dog Show 2019 was the Biggest To Date!
On 9th June we were up bright and early getting ready for the Ilminster Experience Dog Show! When we arrived at Ilminster rec the weather was fantastic and we couldn’t wait to get set up. Overall there were around 30 different stalls serving food and drinks and there was some fun stuff for the kids too. The show was running alongside a classic car rally that’s put on every year as part of the Ilminster Midsummer Experience.
We were hosting the dog show which kicked off at 10:45 with classes being held for dogs of all shapes and sizes. We were delighted that we’d had so much interest and that so many had encouraged their owners to take part too. By midday the event was in full swing!
After the classes we started giving out prizes for the different categories. These included prettiest bitch, most handsome dog, scruffiest/fluffiest, best rescue, best veteran, best child handler, waggiest tail, best crossbreed and the one everyone wanted to win, the dog the judges would most like to take home!
Overall we had a fantastic show with many people wanting to find out more about the dog sitting service we offer in Taunton. We also had a lot of people asking about dog hosting opportunities, which is a great retirement activity for people in somerset. Please do get in touch if you would like more information.
Forde Abbey Summer Fair Takes Place on Thursday 25th July
Set in the beautiful grounds of Forde Abbey, the annual charity Summer Fair has something for every member of the family (and your dog too!). The event takes place on 25th July with an advance family ticket costing just £14!
We can’t wait to meet new people at the show this year and tell them all about what we do at Barking Mad Taunton. We’ll be there along with over 60 other stalls, a Punch and Judy show and 160 vintage cars and tractors.
And, what would a summer fair be without a dog show? This year there is a whole area dedicated to dogs and a show with pedigree and novelty classes – great for exercise for all kinds of dogs. The show welcomes all dogs as long as they are kept on a short lead.
You can visit this year’s show between 11am and 4pm and there’s no need to worry about parking as free parking is available. This year Forde Abbey Summer Fair is supporting two charities, the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution and Riding for the Disabled. We look forward to seeing you there!
Taunton Dog Sitting Business Wins Award
Amy and Naomi Clarke with Barking Mad Founder Lee Dancy
Amy and Naomi Clarke, owners of Taunton dog sitting business Barking Mad took home a special award at this years national Barking Mad Conference. Held in the Low Wood Bay Resort in the Lake District, Amy and Naomi scooped a special achievement at the conference for growing their part of the Barking Mad dog sitting franchise in Taunton.
Special Event For Dog Sitting Providers
This year’s event led by Founder, Lee Dancy, was a thank you for all the hard work from the dog sitting providers across the UK and marked 19 years of continued success. Amy and Naomi’s Taunton dog sitting business is part of a larger franchise network that serves the whole of the UK.
Of Amy and Naomi’s award win, Lee Dancy said:
“We were delighted to reward Amy and Naomi’s proactive and professional approach in running their business. It is a testament to their dedication and skill, that Barking Mad Taunton continues to show growth year on year consistently.
Amy and Naomi’s love of dogs and people has always shone through as they have grown their Taunton dog sitting business. Their success is even more impressive as they both have young children and face the everyday challenges of family life. They have also built a thriving community of dog sitting host families, improving and enriching the lives of local people with dog companionship.”
Amy and Naomi have been running their Taunton dog sitting business since 2015
Taunton Dog Sitting Since 2015
Amy and Naomi have been running their Taunton dog sitting business since 2015 having met over 20 years ago at Ferne Animal Sanctuary. Their passion for animal care is what drove them to start the business. Speaking about their award, Amy said:
“We’re absolutely delighted to receive the special achievement award at the conference this year. We have a fantastic network of hosts that work with us to ensure every dog who comes to us has a fun filled holiday while their owners are away. We can’t wait to see what the next year brings and continue offering our dog sitting service in Taunton and surrounding areas!”
Summer Holiday Dog Sitting Taunton – May 2019
Summer Holiday Dog Sitting Taunton
With the Easter Holidays just gone, we hope you all had a lovely time enjoying the glorious weather. The sun and warmth got us thinking about summer plans, specifically our summer holidays. Wherever you choose to go this summer we can offer your dog a fun filled holiday of their own with our summer holiday dog sitting service in Taunton.
The six week summer break can be as stressful as it is relaxing. Flights to arrange, hotels to book, bags to pack and of course arranging somewhere for the dog stay to stay. Although we can’t handle your holiday, we can certainly take care of your dog’s holiday for you! Our summer holiday dog sitting team in Taunton is made up of some fabulous hosts who are totally dotty about dogs.
What happens on a Dog’s Summer Holiday?
Getting to know you and your dog is very important to us. Before anything is arranged we’ll come and meet you and your dog to understand your needs and discuss any special requirements. From there we’ll match your dog with the perfect summer holiday dog sitter.
On the day of your dogs holiday we’ll pick up and deliver your dog door to door. Our dogs cannot wait to meet their new holiday companion. The same can be said for our hosts too!
“ Our Collie does crazy, happy circuits of the house when the Barking Mad car pulls into the drive.”
During your dogs summer holiday stay with thier dog sitter they will be cared for like they’re home-from-home. Regular walks, nap time and feeding are all taken care of giving you total piece of mind and leaving you to fully enjoy your summer holidays. We’re also on hand to support our hosts should they need it.
Who are your Dog Sitters in Taunton
Our dog sitting team in Taunton is made up of a range of people of all ages and from all backgrounds. They have all been interviewed to ensure the dogs they look after are right for them. Their houses are also checked to ensure the safety of dogs and their sitters.
So if you’re going away this summer and need a summer holiday dog sitting service give us a call, we’d be delighted to help and can’t wait to meet you and your furry friend!
Summer is here and we’re as busy as ever!!! – Barking Mad Taunton Summer news 2018
July has arrived already and in Ilminster (Somerset) Barking Mad Taunton has been enjoying the prolonged spell of good weather! We have already had lots of dogs enjoying our dog holiday service and we are looking forward to a busy July and August.
Ilminster Midsummer Experience Dog Show
Barking Mad Taunton Team Naomi and Amy (white shirts), Judges Nikki and Tara from Ferne Animal Sactuary (dark blue shirts) and Elaine Simpson (light blue shirt) from the Ilminster Midsummer Experience team. Photo curtsey of: www.sfstudiosonline.co.uk)
In June we had the pleasure of helping to run the Ilminster Midsummer Experience Dog Show for the first time and what a great day we had. It was held earlier in June and our friends from Ferne Animal Sanctuary, Tara and Nikki, kindly agreed to judge for us and did a fabulous job! As the local professional dog sitting service in Ilminster, but covering much of Somerset, we provided some of the prizes, and want to say a big ‘thanks’ to all the other sponsors who also provided lots of prizes. We had a great day with Naomi in charge of getting entries into each class and Amy comparing the whole thing!!
It was a fabulous day and we had an opportunity to meet lots of people and their dogs. Below is a picture of just some of our prizewinners.
Prize winners from the Best Rescue Class Photo curtsey of: www.sfstudiosonline.co.uk
Forde Abbey Annual Charity Fair – July 26th
The Forde Abbey Annual Charity Fair is on later this month – we will be in attendance as we have been for the last two years. We will have our stall with lots of information about our dog holiday care service. We expect to be near the Dog Scurry, Fly ball and the Dog show. There is also a Falconry display and much more besides.
For full details go to – https://www.fordeabbey.co.uk/event/annual-charity-summer-fair/
Naomi at the Forde Abbey Charity Fair in 2017
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