Barking Mates

Barking Mates Friendly Dog Walking and home visits in and around Cullompton, Fully insured help for busy families
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No soppy emotional post from me today, my tear bank is officially empty. 😂😭It’s just a simple Thank you, I’ve had an abs...
11/08/2023

No soppy emotional post from me today, my tear bank is officially empty. 😂😭

It’s just a simple Thank you, I’ve had an absolute blast.

Cheers 🍺🍷here’s to new beginnings.

Love Always
Barb 😘🐶😘

Wow, what started as a little dream thanks to my lovely Eric became a little business, which I’ve absolutely loved growi...
08/08/2023

Wow, what started as a little dream thanks to my lovely Eric became a little business, which I’ve absolutely loved growing over the past 5 years with over a 100 different dogs walked in that time. However, all good things must come to an end!

Losing my favourite Barking Mate Eric in March was really tough and as much as I love dog walking it’s been really hard to carry on spending all day walking my little mates!

After lots of soul searching I’ve decided to scale back Barking Mates and take on a new challenge and job that I’m excited to start next week! The added job security, paid holidays and a pension are a bonus 😂.

I will still be out and about walking a few dogs but from Friday 11th August you’ll be seeing a bit less of me and my furry friends on our adventures!

This has been one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made, as I truly love every single one of my furry friends. I also wanted to get to the end of this post without shedding a tear but that hasn’t happened. 🙄😭

It has been an amazing 5 years and I would like to thank every single one of you from the bottom of my heart for making it all possible and putting your faith in me to look after your beloved pets. I’ve truly had a blast and I’m going to miss them all terribly.

Love Always
Barb 😘🐶🤗

Cheers 🍻
21/07/2023

Cheers 🍻

Someone appears to be making himself at home here at Barking Mates HQ 😂 Little Basil has spent his afternoon switching b...
10/07/2023

Someone appears to be making himself at home here at Barking Mates HQ 😂

Little Basil has spent his afternoon switching between our sofas and a spot of neighbourhood watch.

It’s been very strange having a furry little friend roaming around the house these past few weeks, while this little one’s garden is being done.

Happy Monday Everyone!

Feeling slightly outnumbered on this walk. 7 Boys vs Me, what could possibly go wrong?!
05/07/2023

Feeling slightly outnumbered on this walk.

7 Boys vs Me, what could possibly go wrong?!

Hello JuneOver the past week I’ve endeavoured to do something every day that makes me happy.So here’s what I’ve been up ...
01/06/2023

Hello June

Over the past week I’ve endeavoured to do something every day that makes me happy.

So here’s what I’ve been up to.

1. Walking 🚶🏻‍♀️ yes I love walking with or without a dog by my side.
2. Gym - I love working out whether it’s a leg session, upper body or a functional class. It helps me mentally and physically. 🏋️‍♀️
3. I’ve tried Reiki with the lovely Lisa I can highly recommend this to anyone.
4. I’ve spent quality time with my husband and my two boys. We had a trip to which was great fun.
5. I had a wonderful lunch and drinks (no alcohol) with a gorgeous friend
6. Gardening - I love nature and flowers, it’s outdoors and the sun is shining. 🪴👩‍🌾
7. Reading 📖 A few hours in the sunshine with a good book, does wonders for the soul.☀️
8. BBQ’s - with friends and family. 🍗 It’s good to be around people.

I recommend everyone to try this for 7 days. It doesn’t have to cost money, you just have to enjoy it.

We hope you are all having a fabulous half term week whatever your plans have been.

Love Always
Barb 😘🐶

💕🐾💕💕💕

27/05/2023

Happy Saturday

We’ve had another fun packed week here at Barking Mates. 🐶☀️

As we head into yet another bank holiday weekend here is a little reminder that we can’t solve our problems by going for a walk, but that none of our problems can be made worse by going for a walk. I hope you are all able to enjoy the sunshine this weekend.

I’m still doing something every day that makes me happy and I will share these with you soon.

Love Always
Barb

Did you know?When your dog is lying on their belly with their back legs splayed out behind them, there’s an actual word ...
25/05/2023

Did you know?

When your dog is lying on their belly with their back legs splayed out behind them, there’s an actual word for that.

It’s called a ‘Sploot’ and it’s something they do to stretch their hips out or to help them cool down on hot days.
There are several variations to a sploot too! 😂

Does your dog love splooting? Our Eric used to do this all the time.

Do you have any splooting pics? I’d love to see them.

Barb 😘🐶

Happy Saturday! ☀️As we are coming to the end of Mental health awareness week, and with the focus being on anxiety. I th...
20/05/2023

Happy Saturday! ☀️

As we are coming to the end of Mental health awareness week, and with the focus being on anxiety. I thought I would share some information with you, as it’s something I deal with daily and feel strongly about.

Unfortunately, Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. Many people worry about things such as health, stressful jobs, money, or family problems. But anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry or fear. For people with an anxiety disorder, the anxiety does not go away and can get worse over time. The symptoms can interfere with daily activities such as job performance, schoolwork, daily tasks and relationships.

There are several types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and various phobia-related disorders.
Every week 6 out of 100 people are diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder. That’s a shocking statistic.

It’s important to find out what can trigger these anxieties and either learn how to deal with them, or sometimes it maybe necessary to remove yourself from or change your current situation to avoid further attacks.

There are several things that can help anxiety sufferers.
1. Surround yourself by Nature, especially when the sun is shining. ☀️🌳
2. Learn a breathing technique, slowing down your heart rate can help during an attack.
3. Medication could be an option for some, but it’s not for everyone.
4. Seek out a good CBT therapist.
5. Take some time out for some self care.
6. Try not to dwell on the past, what’s done is done, we can’t change it. It’s time to look to the future.
7. Animals can also help with our mental health. Getting out with your furry friend gives you a purpose.

Most importantly though, is to remember that you are not alone. There is always someone willing to listen and help. My door is always open for anyone who needs to talk. ☕️

I know this has been a long post but I hope you’ve enjoyed the read, and that however you’re spending your weekend that it’s a good one.

Love Always
Barb 😘

Our newest member to our ever growing crazy gang of furry friends. Harley is very excited to meet some new friends over ...
17/05/2023

Our newest member to our ever growing crazy gang of furry friends.

Harley is very excited to meet some new friends over the next couple of weeks.

Harley is four and is a Collie X. Who needs a filter when you’re that handsome.

Happy Wednesday.
Love
Barb 😘🐶

Barbs in Marbs 😂Just a few pictures from my holibobs. I had an amazing time away. Spending time with loved ones is very ...
16/05/2023

Barbs in Marbs 😂

Just a few pictures from my holibobs.

I had an amazing time away. Spending time with loved ones is very important, good for the soul and for our mental wellbeing.

There was plenty of sun ☀️ sea 🌊 sand 🏝️ alcohol 🥃 🍹 some amazing food 🥘 and lots of laughs along the way.

Did I get my steps in every day? You bet your ass I did (I had to walk to the bar lots 😂) but I had loads of time to relax and enjoy myself.

Hope you are all having a fab week and enjoying the sunshine.☀️

Love Always
Barb 😘

Cheers 🍻
10/05/2023

Cheers 🍻

What an absolute washout of a day. 💦🌧️Some pups were lucky and we managed to stay dry, others went home looking like dro...
09/05/2023

What an absolute washout of a day. 💦🌧️

Some pups were lucky and we managed to stay dry, others went home looking like drowned rats (me included).🐀 😂

Today, we welcomed our newest member Loki into the fold. As you can see from my picture he’s a handsome chap, and we are looking forward to plenty more walks together.

I’m heading off for a few days in the sunshine ☀️ so will look forward to seeing all my furry friends again next week.

Love Always
Barb 😘🐶


Happy Saturday, We’ve had another manic week here at Barking Mates, with lots of furry friends walked, meet and greets a...
06/05/2023

Happy Saturday,

We’ve had another manic week here at Barking Mates, with lots of furry friends walked, meet and greets and a crazy home life with football matches coming out of our ears. 😂 🐶⚽️

We have enjoyed the few days of sunshine ☀️ we were blessed with however yesterday’s downpours 🌧️were awful. Getting caught in torrential rain is not enjoyable for me or the pups. Add to that a trip to the garage for a puncture and having to rearrange walks, was all something I could have done without .😩🙄

We still have some wonderful walks lined up over this bank holiday weekend but I also have plenty of fun things planned with family and friends.

I hope you all have a wonderful time whether you’re watching the King’s coronation, having a street party, working, meeting friends for a catch up, going to the gym or just taking some time to rest and relax.

Love Always
Barb 🐶😘

Happy Saturday We’ve had another super busy week here at Barking Mates, with nearly 70 dogs walked. 😴😩Here are just a fe...
29/04/2023

Happy Saturday

We’ve had another super busy week here at Barking Mates, with nearly 70 dogs walked. 😴😩

Here are just a few pictures from the last few weeks to make you smile (hopefully). 😊😀

We have a few dogs to walk over this bank holiday so no long weekend off for me. 😢🚶‍♀️Whatever your plans maybe, a long walk with your furry friend, spending time with loved ones, catching up with good friends or just relaxing after a busy week, I hope you all have a fabulous weekend.

Love Always
Barb 😘🐶

Happy WednesdayNo matter what we do in life, I always feel it’s important to spread love, kindness and happiness along t...
26/04/2023

Happy Wednesday

No matter what we do in life, I always feel it’s important to spread love, kindness and happiness along the way.

I hope you all have a fabulous day.

Love always
Barb 😘

Travelling with Dogs in the car.Here are some interesting facts that most of you maybe unaware of.🐾 34% of drivers don’t...
12/04/2023

Travelling with Dogs in the car.

Here are some interesting facts that most of you maybe unaware of.

🐾 34% of drivers don’t use a car seat or seat belt whilst out in the car with your furry friends.

🐾 1 in 10 drivers let their dogs sit in the front passenger seat.

🐾 Transporting your dog/pet without a car seat, seat belt and harness or a crate could leave you with 9 points on your license.

🐾 Transporting your dog/pet without a car seat, seat belt and harness or a crate could leave you with a £2,500 fine.

🐾 64% of drivers are unaware of these facts.

🐾 Driving with your pet that isn’t in a car seat, harness, seat belt or crate can invalidate your car insurance.

Here at Barking Mates all our furry pups are securely fastened into the car at all times, even on short journeys. 🚙

Please think before you drive. I hope you’ve found this post helpful.

Love
Barb 😘🐶

It’s national Pet Day today.  Let’s see pictures of all your wonderful pets to brighten up this miserable and wet Tuesda...
11/04/2023

It’s national Pet Day today.

Let’s see pictures of all your wonderful pets to brighten up this miserable and wet Tuesday.

Barb 😘🐾

It’s International Hug your Dog Day. Wow what I’d give to have one more hug 🤗 with my Eric today.Just finishing my secon...
10/04/2023

It’s International Hug your Dog Day.

Wow what I’d give to have one more hug 🤗 with my Eric today.

Just finishing my second dog walk of the day, at least it’s stopped raining .🙄🌧️

Cherish every moment with your furry friends because you never know when that last hug, or dog walk will be.

Love Always
Barb 🐾😘

Wishing you all a Happy Easter 🐣 Just a few pictures from the last week, and a little reminder on the affects of chocola...
09/04/2023

Wishing you all a Happy Easter 🐣

Just a few pictures from the last week, and a little reminder on the affects of chocolate 🍫 in pets.

I’m off to the gym, followed by a day out with my boys. Whatever your plans are, I hope you have a great day.

First I need a cuppa and it’s only right that I eat chocolate for breakfast right?! 🍫🐣

Love
Barb 😘🐾

Hurrah for April. Apologies for the lack of posts over the last few weeks. March was an extremely long and tough month f...
04/04/2023

Hurrah for April.

Apologies for the lack of posts over the last few weeks. March was an extremely long and tough month for us here at Barking Mates. My gallbladder recovery took longer than expected and I needed help from my family to ensure pups were still walked. Another bout of pancreatitis and hospital visits since hasn’t helped 🙄 but I continue to keep going.

Then came the sudden loss of our handsome Beagle pup Eric. Eric was the inspiration behind my doggy business and he used to love coming on adventures with us. He got on with every dog he met, and was loved by everyone. We are completely lost without him in our lives.

Grief comes in many different shapes and forms and mine has involved an awful lot of crying. Sometimes when I least expect it, a field, supermarket, car, being around other dogs, talking with friends.😭 He made our family complete and I loved him like he was my own child. We are completely heartbroken 💔 and feel like a piece of us is missing. We will treasure the memories we made forever, and your paw prints 🐾 will always be in our heart.

We are continuing to get out and about with all our Barking Mates and have enjoyed the sunshine ☀️ over the last few days. I’ve found walking everyone’s dogs extremely hard these past few weeks but I do it all with a smile on my face and love in my heart. ❤️

We hope you are all looking forward to an extended break this Easter weekend 🐣, whatever your plans maybe. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for all their love, well wishes, cards, flowers and your continued support. It truly means a lot to us all.

Love Always
Barb 😘🐾

Yesterday we had to say Goodbye to our Eric.To say we are completely heartbroken 💔 is an understatement. 7 years with yo...
21/03/2023

Yesterday we had to say Goodbye to our Eric.

To say we are completely heartbroken 💔 is an understatement. 7 years with you mate just wasn’t long enough and we are utterly devastated.

I’m not going to lie today has been extremely tough, walking everyone’s fur babies knowing that Eric won’t be wagging his tail to greet me when I got home.

He was an absolute legend, a gentle loving boy who was loved unconditionally by everyone. Your quirky ways will never ever be forgotten mate, they’re what made you so special.

You are no longer in pain now my handsome pups. I just hope your journey over the rainbow bridge to heaven was as peaceful as it looked. I’m so glad I got to share your final minutes with you.

Rest in peace my little beagle pups. I hope you’re having fun up there.
We love you and miss you so much.
Xx

💔

Happy Mother’s DayI would like to wish all the amazing Mum’s out there a wonderful Mother’s Day. Motherhood is a blessin...
19/03/2023

Happy Mother’s Day

I would like to wish all the amazing Mum’s out there a wonderful Mother’s Day.

Motherhood is a blessing, or as my Dad would say it’s a Luxury.

It is the Greatest thing and the Hardest thing all at the same time. Motherhood is learning about strengths you didn’t know you had, dealing with fears you didn’t know existed. It’s selflessness, an adventure, an identity change, sleepless nights, highs and lows. Your children become the centre of your universe, and you no longer put yourself first.

Motherhood is amazing, rewarding, demanding and honestly the best thing ever. Having little people love you unconditionally is pretty cool.

I have some pretty amazing mums in my life and I hope you all do too.

I’m working today but hopefully I’ll get to spend some quality time with my boys later.

However you are choosing to spend your Sunday I truly hope it’s as epic as you all are.

Love Always
Barb 😘🤗

Thursday Mayhem“You have the best job in the world” “I’d love to be a dog walker” “It must be great getting paid to walk...
16/03/2023

Thursday Mayhem

“You have the best job in the world”
“I’d love to be a dog walker” “It must be great getting paid to walk dogs” just some of the comments I get.

The reality is completely different and actually many of you would probably quit.

Some walks are easy, don’t get me wrong sometimes I feel blessed getting paid to walk my beloved furry friends however some walks are hard work.

Trying to remove the remainders or rabbits 🐇, squirrels 🐿️, birds 🦅 from dogs that like to hunt.

Muddy walks in fields where you fall flat on your arse and get covered in all sorts of crap. A car that is permanently caked in dog hair, and muddy paw prints 🐾.

Some dogs like to scrap if they want the same ball, twig, treats, or in today’s case a tasty squirrel 🐿️ 🤮. It’s not pleasant trying to stop them, and I always hate having to tell them off but they need to learn. The puppy dog eyes 🥺 after are something else and I always feel like I’m the one in trouble 😂😂.

Windy 💨, Cold 🥶 and rainy 🌧️ day walks that last for weeks and sometimes months on end can be pretty soul destroying.

We’ve had a pretty crazy, eventful and busy day today which has actually involved all of the above. I’m so lucky 😂

Walks with Doug, Eric, Sophie, Poppy, Gemma, Hank, Lola, Nora, Basil, Elsie, Bilbo, Millie, Cooper and Bailey and that’s me keeping it easy and not overdoing it. 😅

Hope you all have a fabulous Thursday evening.

Love
Barb 🐶😘

Happy Hump DayAnyone else just not feeling it today, or is just me and Eric? Hope you all have a fab day. 😘LoveBarb 🐶😤  ...
15/03/2023

Happy Hump Day

Anyone else just not feeling it today, or is just me and Eric?

Hope you all have a fab day. 😘

Love
Barb 🐶😤

🐫 💙

Happy MondayWell the weather could have been better for my return to work 😂🌧️ 🌬️ I’ve absolutely loved being out with my...
13/03/2023

Happy Monday

Well the weather could have been better for my return to work 😂🌧️ 🌬️

I’ve absolutely loved being out with my furry friends today. Walks with Doug, Eric, Poppy, Sophie, Gemma, Gilbert, Teddy, Elsie, Basil and our newest member Bilbo.

Bilbo is a lovely little fella who loves to play, and I’ve had plenty of cuddles and kisses from him today. He is looking forward to meeting plenty of new furry mates and is going to be a great addition to our little gang.

It’s an evening of rest for me, I’ve actually done over 15,000 steps for the first time in two weeks and I’m shattered 😂
I’m looking forward to tomorrow though as we get to go on more adventures.
🚶‍♀️🐕‍🦺🐾

Love Always
Barb 😘🐶

Happy Saturday Guess who’s back to work on Monday? You’ve guessed it… I AM  ….  because I know you’ve all missed me 😂Fir...
11/03/2023

Happy Saturday

Guess who’s back to work on Monday?
You’ve guessed it… I AM …. because I know you’ve all missed me 😂

Firstly, I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to message me, send me gifts 🎁 and flowers. I truly have some amazing customers who care about me.

My operation went well however, I was completely unprepared for how I would feel after it. The inability to even do simple tasks for the first few days, constant pain, feeling nauseous, tiredness but the inability to sleep, and dizziness.

If I’m completely honest these last few weeks (actually probably months) have been extremely tough, physically, emotionally, and it’s had a huge effect on my mental health.

However, there are several things I have learnt about myself over the last year that I would like to share.

I am Strong 💪
I am Brave
I am Kind ☺️
I am Loved 🥰
It’s okay to not be okay
Most importantly though I Am Enough to the ones that matter the most.

I am truly looking forward to being back outside, in nature with my furry friends this week, I’ve missed them all terribly.

Love Always
Barb 😘

What’s our favourite walk? Here at Barking Mates we love finding new fields, public footpaths and exciting new walks. 🚶‍...
03/03/2023

What’s our favourite walk?

Here at Barking Mates we love finding new fields, public footpaths and exciting new walks. 🚶‍♀️🚶‍♀️

They say variety is the spice of life and we try to vary our walks as much as we can, although during winter months this is rather difficult due to muddy wet fields. 🐾 🐾

Our favourite place at the moment has to be a set of fields near Broadhembury. With plenty of space for the pups to run around off lead, a lovely waterfall with a flowing stream, what’s not to love about it. It’s like a hidden gem. 🏞️

Having fun for us is about keeping it simple. We take each day, each walk as it comes and roll with it. Less stress means more fun for all of us, and happy furry pups at the end of the walks are what keep me happy. 🐶🐕

Love
Barb 😘

Hello March 🌼🌸I thought I’d give you a little update. My operation went well and I’m being well looked after by my boys....
01/03/2023

Hello March 🌼🌸

I thought I’d give you a little update. My operation went well and I’m being well looked after by my boys. I’m still in a lot of pain, sore and swollen but that’s all to be expected.

So, while I recover I’m going to prepare some future posts because I know I’ve been a bit slack in the updates recently. If there anything you would like to know, or ask me then drop a message below 👇

It can be breed related, training tips, food guidance, my working hours, anything at all. I will do my best to answer them all. I will pop a question box in my stories too.

March is going to be a super busy month for us here at Barking Mates, and I’m looking forward to getting back into the swing of things soon. I really do miss not seeing my furry friends. Whatever March has in store for you, perhaps a weekend away, a night out with friends, a toast to loved ones no longer with you, or perhaps a new job, I truly hope you all have a wonderful month.

Love Always
Barb 😘

That’s a wrap on another week of adventures.It’s been very long and tiring but we made it through with plenty of fun had...
24/02/2023

That’s a wrap on another week of adventures.

It’s been very long and tiring but we made it through with plenty of fun had by all. 💤😊

Next week I’ll be out of action due to my operation but I hope to be out walking all my furry friends again from the 6th. 🤞

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend, and I look forward to seeing all my Barking Mates soon.

Love always
Barb 🐶😘

Address

18 Oak Drive
Cullompton
EX151NW

Opening Hours

Monday 6am - 9pm
Tuesday 6am - 9pm
Wednesday 6am - 9pm
Thursday 6am - 9pm
Friday 6am - 9pm
Saturday 6am - 9pm
Sunday 6am - 9pm

Telephone

+447799588512

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