It started with an email that threatened sending all my contacts my browsing history if I didn't pay x amount into bitcoin....they had a password that I used...until they quoted it.
As my browsing history is dogs, cats, Mountsorrel Spotted, flood alerts....wasn't overly concerned....
But, then, email after email, text after text came through with various alterations on my accounts....
Messenger has been compromised too.
Soooo, please be careful. We have suspended my email and made a number of adjustments to our various accounts.
Our assumption is:
A) The NHS data breach due to my blood tests
B) I created an Instagram account when my son sent me a link
C) I created an uber account
Or none of the above..
What's it like to be in pet services?
Well, if the 5am alarm wakes you it's because the cat isn't already sitting on your head or a pup doesn't want you to let them out/play/have breakfast....
So, bonus!
You may, like us, have 4 weekends off in the year.
You may, also like us, be thinking about what will make your hair, fur, fin, prickle friend know they are safe, loved and be happy.
You'll smell and look like a sewer rat before most folk have had a morning shower.
But.....
Big but.....
You'll love and be loved by the most wonderful beings.
And you will get to witness the joy they find in every moment......
Another reason for loving our clients....
Recently, we have heard about dog parents that expect their pup to be groomed and dried post walk. Even to the point of shower and hairdryer all within the price of a standard walk.
That sort of service is certainly doable but expect to pay around £50 to £75.
What our clients expect from us, is a happy pup.
One that has had the best time, may have rolled in 'stuff', had a clean (as much as possible) know they are loved, had time with like minded hoodlums or hugbugs.
As most experienced walkers do, we spend time and effort to ensure pups are buddied up with other, compatible, pups so that they have the best time possible.
That means we spend a lot of time playing with the diary, rearranging pick up, drop offs etc.
Our clients are more interested in how much their pup is loved, the enjoyment they have when on a walk, their welfare, than how clean they are when they get home.
Today, my Mum was interred with my Dad.
My siblings made sure I could be there via video link as I sat in my car between walks.
A tough day and yet so precious.
Jasper
We are so blessed with our clients.
They are so dedicated to ensuring their additional family is taken care of....
There is a particular couple that I would like to mention though.
I walk their darling pup. He's a total credit to them. A charming rogue!
They heard of another pup in crisis...
They fostered him until the new family, who were away on holiday, could take him home.
During that time, I have seen the love, care and devotion they have given.
He wasn't insured, because, let's face it, what can happen in 10 days?
Yesterday, I expressed concern about the pup.
They rushed home from work to take him to the vet.....even though the pup is not insured.
Last night he spent in hospital, unless he eats soon, he'll undergo surgery.
This amazing young couple, who have done everything, are carrying the cost.
Afterall, what can happen in 10 days....?
This couple are so devoted, their commitment can't be questioned.
Insurance wasn't as important as the cuddles, walks, love and rehabilitation this pup needed and deserved.
Afterall, what can happen in 10 days.....?
And so, if you happen to see my name on a crowdfunding page for a pup called Jasper, I trust you will understand why.
Find a ball in the undergrowth....fabulous!!! Find a treat in a pocket....bonus 🥂
Today, the goliath of a man, that I call my baby brother, called me on his way to seeing my Mum.
He wanted to arrange a video call.
Sadly, Henry had already left, Missy was out with Simon visiting his Darling Mum.
So, it was down to Douglas, Bella, Jess, Otto, Percy, Pablo and I to keep Mum entertained.
I'm really not convinced that Mum had the slightest interest in me....
When there is a choice between humans, pups, cats, rabbits.....you have to just accept that you don't stand a chance 🤦♀️.
The biggest thank you to my Darling Brother for helping me see my Mum, whilst she was absorbed with the pups.....
John John you are a hero and a legend ###
When your mate is waiting for his mate
Tall Tails would be nothing without our Darling Clients and....
Simon......
When Patience builds bonds
Let's chat about Bertie.....
Bertie is a real live wire...
He's full of beans, love and adventure.
So, when I picked him up the other day for his first walk with Evie I was careful to keep them separate.
Evie is hesitant around new environments and people, pups.
When she warms to them, she's loyal, feisty, protective, loving.
I got Bertie out of the car first. He was desperate to meet Evie.
She resisted. She stayed put in the back seat.
Bertie, Mr. Enthusiasm, gently, calmly, jumped onto the back seat with her. No enthusiastic greeting. Just patience.
He jumped out of the car when she demonstrated that she was relaxed.
She still needed persuasion.
He repeated the process.
She was still a bit hesitant but ready to be persuaded.
He sat, with his back towards her, on the ground at the rear wheel of the car and waited.
The pup that often forgets I am attached to his lead as he hares off ready for his adventures, waited.
A few moments later, Evie gently eased herself out of the car.
They sniffed, leads were removed and the pups ran themselves ragged.
Tired pups as the humans made their way through a wonderful post half marathon lunch
Update on the half marathon and pub lunch ....
Amazing!! The 3 pups loved every moment. The rain, the runners,the interaction and...
Slept throughout the pub lunch....mostly...😊
A couple of hours in the woods.....
Inbetweeners......
We have been inundated with requests. Thank you so much!
Currently we only have space left on a Tuesday and Wednesday due to demand.
We will work with you wherever we can though. So please just holla if you want to get some advice or help.
'Inbetweeners' is a service for part dog walking, part daycare. We aim to socialize and walk our clients whilst ensuring that they are also comfortable staying at their own home pre and post pick up.
Hi, I will keep an eye out. Day care is when the care of the animal is not within any part of the domestic property. So a house with day care in an outbuilding could be considered or something like a barn or similar building with land. Kerry
It's not always easy to get a good night's sleep when it's hot and you have a couple of pups that think your room is where they want to be.
What helps, though, is knowing you will be turning off the light to today's memories.
We have so many joyful moments to dwell on.
This is just one......
The Garden Redevelopment Team
When you have had enough time to make yourself a cup of coffee without 'help' from the pups.....
And it's eerily quiet in the garden.....
It's time to investigate
Sometimes you just have to count your blessings
So, what's your day been like today?
Time in the woods with a dear friend
In my previous life, I was asked how I cleared my head when I was bogged down with my thoughts and I needed a break from them.
Sometimes I just needed to grab a pal and see the world from another perspective.
Today, I get to spend an hour or so doing this.
Grabbing life and loving it
We are amazed to announce that we are no longer able to provide boarding services for any pup that isn't part of our dog walking or doggie daycare pack.
Thank you so much for your enquiries and support.
We now have to close our book to new enquiries for the foreseeable future in order to focus our undivided attention on the pups we care for.
We have a few dog walking spaces available. So please feel free to contact us about those limited spots.
We also have a few pop in spaces available for small animal welfare.
Our sincerest thanks to all our clients that have enabled us to post this and also enabled us to enjoy the most wonderful memories with their furfamily.
Your support and trust truly means the world to us
Recall supported with fun and games in the rain. Congratulations to the pup and to the water logged Simon 🤗🤗🤗
Much as I love training, I won't pretend that I am not hugely envious of my husband, Simon, when he gets to play with a few of the pups we have worked with......
As I am cocooned in the office doing zoom training (admittedly with a pup on my lap, 2 snoring on the sofa and 1 at my feet chewing my toes) my husband tests out recall training on one of these 3 pups.
The pup passed! Congratulations 💕
Thunder, storms, heavy rain and yet still the recall was in effect.
Well done Sweetpea.
Simon, please can you remember not to drip all over the floor on your return? You're setting a terrible example to the pups 🙂
A Rescue Pup that found his forever home
Today....
We had the privilege of assessing a pup for daycare and boarding.
This pup is an ex street dog. Rescued, fostered overseas and adopted by a family in the UK just 3 weeks ago.
This pup is an absolute credit to all the love, devotion and sacrifice that his family have demonstrated before he even met them.
4 legged friends initiating a sprocker puppy to the joys of the river.
Sometimes, when you are trying something new and a bit scary, you just need some real friends to give you a helping hand and a bit of encouragement....
Bluebell and pups.....
What makes you smile when you finally get over the alarm blasting you out of sleep?
For us it's knowing that we will be surrounded by tails and paws and non judgemental love.
We will walk pups in bluebell woods, play ball in fields, snuggle down in front of the tv, watch as they redesign the garden, have them critique us as we do zoom training or drive them to their favourite and new exploration stomping grounds.
And all this is only possible because of the wonderful folks that believe in us.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts
Four excitable pups taking a well earned snooze 💖
What's it like working with your husband?
Well, for me it is a real joy.
Simon is a dog whisperer. He's the one I go to for advice. I hit a wall with a particular pup and I share my experiences with him.
Simon finds a simple solution when I need guidance.
A feline, Simon will enamour them. In fact, any animal Simon will find a way to connect.
You can be qualified to your hilt but you still need instinct and someone to bounce thoughts and ideas off.
We are very different people but somehow we make our weird and wonderful world work.
