Mel’s Crate Escapes

04/07/2024

09/06/2024

Let’s play a game of guess what two breeds of dog I pet-sat from yesterday evening until this afternoon.
Obviously anyone who knows the answer isn’t allowed to guess!

08/06/2024

I’m very proud to say that my son-in-law was among those who did a skydive today for this very worthwhile cause. Our youngest grandchild (baby Florence, who is being held by him in the fourth photo) spent time in the neonatal unit at The John Radcliffe Hospital when she was born in November last year, and the SSNAP (Support for the Sick Newborn and their Parents) charity are an amazing support to the babies, parents and staff there. If anyone feels they would like to donate, I’ll add the fundraising link in the comments. 🪂

07/06/2024

Surprise! From now until the end of August, you can find a selection of my products in the retail area at The Hub in the town centre!
If you're close by, please do pop in for a browse, you can also find items from five other small businesses while you're there!

https://www.facebook.com/hubswindon

06/06/2024

Due to technical issues (far too many photos and videos stored on my phone, resulting in some not wanting to show up!) I had to postpone posting this and other things the other day. So (better late than never) it’s a post in honour of the greyhounds. Those chilled out dogs who can be very fast but generally prefer a good old plod, a tasty snack and a snooze on a sofa or comfy bed.

01/06/2024

Cats have been a HUGE part of the Mel’s Crate Escapes journey so far, so here is a selection of the cats I’ve had the pleasure to care for so far. I reserve the right to add more when I find any photos of cats I may have missed! They’re all so different but all so lovely. My cat feeding pop-ins can be once or twice per day and for anything from just the one visit to a long period of time (the longest so far was three months while the humans were abroad).

01/06/2024

If anyone ever sees this window display and wonders about it, it’s one I did for a local Window Wanderland trail a couple of years ago. After all the work that went into it we decided to leave it there. 🐾 It seems to cheer some people up when they see it, which is an added bonus.

01/06/2024

This is the first litter of puppies I cared for (there were seven in total, but I could never quite manage to get them all in a photo together). One of the loveliest things about this photo is that a couple of months later I was contacted by someone who had bought one of them, and I’ve done pop-in visits and walks with her once a week ever since. It’s been lovely seeing her from her puppy days and watching how she’s changed.

01/06/2024

This little lady is Mia and she was my first Mel’s Crate Escapes pet-sit and I loved every minute of it. Puppies are entertaining and exhausting in fairly equal measures.

01/06/2024

To mark three years of Mel’s Crate Escapes I have decided to share some memories. So to get started, here’s an adorable miniature Dachshund named Taco. He was the very first dog I did a meet and greet with for Mel’s Crate Escapes, back in June 2021.

For anyone who doesn’t know, I do a free meet and greet before taking on a new animal.
It enables us to get to know each other and discuss the pets and their needs. In most cases it takes place in the animal’s own home, but for dogs it can also happen outside, in which case I would meet them and their owner somewhere where they can walk while we chat.

01/06/2024

🐾 Mel’s Crate Escapes is 3 years old today. 🐕 🐈‍⬛ 🐓 🐀
They say time flies when you’re having fun. I can honestly say it’s been amazing and I’m looking forward to seeing what the next year brings. 🐾

12/04/2024

Me during a recent pet-sit, “I expect these dogs will sleep now that we’ve had a nice walk.”
The dogs………. 😂

12/04/2024

These two are here to remind everyone to respect the beautiful trees.

12/04/2024

There are a great many parts of this job that make my heart melt. This was definitely one of them.

28/03/2024

Happy Easter! .secret.dog.walker

25/02/2024

I had the great pleasure of pet-sitting this fella this weekend and every time we went for a walk he got complimented on his fleece (which I’m also quite jealous of if I’m honest).
So here’s the link to the maker.

https://www.facebook.com/widgetswardrobe

16/02/2024

🐾 “Did someone say treat?” 🐾

14/02/2024

It’s true. 💕

.secret.dog.walker

31/01/2024

Just a taste of the fun we’ve had in January. Roll on February and all the adventures that’ll bring. 🐾

15/01/2024

What a fantastic way to start the week.

15/01/2024

🐾 If you need any pet feeding, dog walking, pet sitting, pop-in visits etc, get in touch.
I can take bookings for any available dates between now and the end of 2026, so don’t worry that it’s too soon. Certain times of year book up particularly quickly, so if you know the dates you need (or even if you just want to pencil in some dates and confirm nearer the time) just let me know.
I always do a free meet & greet. 🐾

08/01/2024

11/12/2023

Christmas is just around the corner.
This means some of my regular walks will soon be on hold until the new year due to owners being home.
It also means I’ll be having a Christmas with no canine companions this year. I’ve done pet-sits the past two Christmases but this year the only work I’m doing over Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day will be cat feeding visits. I have several bookings for cat feeding but do get in touch if you live in the Old Town area and that’s something you’re interested.
If you’re interested in pet sitting (from an hour or two to an overnight stay or even the length of a holiday) let me know. Maybe you want to go to a Christmas market, go and see Swindon’s very own Enchanted Light Trail, do a bit of Christmas shopping, or go and visit relatives without worrying that it’ll unsettle your pets. I love pet sitting because it gives me the opportunity to really get to know the animals even better.
Whatever your plans are and regardless of whether or not you’d like me to help out, I’d like to wish all of you a very happy Christmas. After an amazing 2023 I’m looking forward to what 2024 may bring. 🐾

26/11/2023

Apologies to anyone who may have tried contacting me in recent days. I’ve put my walks etc on hold due to the arrival of a brand new family member, our new granddaughter.
Florence Edith was born on Monday 20th of November weighing 9lb 4oz.
She doesn’t have toe beans or dew claws, but she’s absolutely adorable and is thriving.
We’re anticipating her being discharged in the next few days if all goes to plan, which will mean she (and her Mummy and Daddy) will then be at home in Swindon. After that I should be more contactable/responsive to messages, and I will then get back into my normal routine again. Facebook messenger is the best way to contact me currently, or via my own phone number (which existing clients should know), or email ([email protected]).
I also check my work phone when I can.
Mel (aka Grandma to Amelie who’s 10, Rupert who’s 7, and baby Florence) 🐾 👶🏻

26/10/2023

Yesterday I took this dog (and the artist who created it) for a walk. No lead, p**p bags or water were required! He’s now at No.4 Swindon in the company of other Swinpups, ready to be auctioned to raise funds for Julia's House Children's Hospice.

13/10/2023

I had two very confused dogs on one of my walks yesterday!

10/10/2023

Oh my goodness, I had my work cut out with this lot, but also had so much fun watching their antics.

10/10/2023

I’m going through photos to clear some space. Of course in reality I’m being distracted by some of the photos……….. Like this one for example. 🐾

03/10/2023

I may have treated myself to this rather cute pin badge from Harriet's Crafts and Creations. Well, it is rather lovely.