SAMMY'S STORY:

Sammy joined the dog walking gang three years ago. His owners work during the day and on their long day needed Sammy taken out for a walk. Being an older dog it was important to fit Sammy into a group that suited him. I shouldn’t of worried! He keeps up with the most energetic.

Sammy is ball obsessed and as I said his eyes light up when he thinks you have a ball. Like all older dogs, he has his own ways of doing things. He always gets the front seat in the van from day one. 
He jumps in, won’t sit on the seat but tucks himself up on the floor & waits patiently until we get to the beach.
Once we get to the beach I have 2 seconds before he realises where we are and the barking “hurry up” starts. 

Sammy mixes well with other dogs, but likes to have his space. He does his own thing on the beach, he ADORES the water, doesn’t pass any heed on the other dogs around him, the odd time going to have a sniff. 
His hearing has deteriorated the last while so he keeps his eyes on me and if I make a hand signal he knows it’s time for home. HOWEVER, the last few weeks he has got some extra energy spurt and decides it’s not home time! 
He comes over to me and quickly runs back into the water barking as if to say nope not home time yet. He absolutely loves the beach! Eventually he will come over & I can get the lead on him and off we walk to the van.


Sammy also uses my pet sitting service when his owners go away. As he is an older gentleman & likes his own space, he doesn’t like leaving home. So I call in & mind him from his own home, resulting in a very relaxed, content Sammy. He also knows me so well from walking him so it’s nothing strange having me call to the house. It is so important to build up a bond with the dogs in my care & get to know their quirks, likes & dislikes so they can enjoy themselves as much as they can when they are out with me.


What a beautiful amazing boy for 13! He doesn’t show his age at all & you would never know it when he’s running his legs off at the beach. We love having you in the Wednesday gang Sammy. Hope we get to see that slobbery grin for a long time. I know he is a huge part of the family in his own house and has two young boys who adore him.



TESTIMONIAL from his parents:

Kate is absolutely fantastic in the way she cares for our dog, I could not recommend her highly enough. Sammy absolutely loves to see her coming. Initially we just asked Kate to give Sammy some additional walks midweek while we were working - she put great thought into ensuring he was added to a group that would suit his temperament and stamina and he has really benefitted from the additional socialisation and exercise. Also, as an older dog, he doesn't do very well away from home, so Kate has also provided Sammy with overnight care in this own home, while we were away, this really helped to minimise his stress, and ours! 

Thanks so much Kate for all the love and attention you've lavished on our doggie.