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Susan Woodrow



Interview with...

Susan Woodrow

What services do you offer?
I offer both day care and holiday boarding in my own home. Owners drop off their dogs as early as 7am and collect up to 10pm if necessary. I have 2 regular day boarders, who stay 2-3 days per week. I am prepared to take dogs of any age from puppies still requiring house training and socialising to elderly dogs needing medication, but all adult dogs need to have been neutered. The only other condition is that all dogs must be highly sociable and not dominant or overly possessive. If shy or young dogs need socialising with either people or other dogs, this will be the right environment for them as they will be with people and other dogs all day, every day.
If you do dog sitting in your house, is your garden secure?
To date, I have cared for over 30 dogs. The garden has hedges 8 feet high, and chain link fencing running along the whole length. I have wooden gates 4 feet high preventing dogs from getting onto the road. The dogs go into the garden to play and toilet and I am always with them to keep an eye on them or play with them.
If you do dog walking or dog sitting, how long are your walks with the dogs normally?
My husband helps me walk the dogs in the morning. We have several different walks that we do in the Chiltern hills and surrounding woodland where we live. If the dogs’ recall is good and the owners have given me permission to let the dogs off the lead, the dogs have lots of opportunity to run free in local woodland sniffing out all the wildlife. They enjoy the experience of running together in a small “pack”. Our walks last a minimum of one hour, but may last longer if the weather is fine and the dogs are up to a longer walk. If I have very energetic dogs staying, they get another run in the afternoon.
How many dogs do you take into your house or on your walks?
I have 2 dogs of my own. I have a boarding licence, issued by Chiltern District Council, for up to 3 guest dogs boarding at one time. A usual day would be 1-2 day care dogs plus 1 holiday boarder or 1 day care dog and 2 holiday boarders. Chiltern District Council inspects my premises twice a year to ensure I comply with the 40 conditions they set for dog boarding establishments. Because my husband comes with me on my daily walks, we are able to take our own dogs and any guest dogs at the same time.
Do you offer any activities for the pets in your care? For example Kong toys, search exercises, etc
Many of the dogs that stay with me love retrieving, so afternoons can be spent playing ball and finding toys hidden in the garden. Most of the dogs that stay have no other dog companion at home, so they really enjoy being part of a “pack” for a week or two. During the day, they will often play games with each other, chasing round the garden or playing tug with a toy. It’s fun to watch how they get one another to play.
How many pets do you have yourself and what are they?
I have 2 dogs – a 4 yr old spayed lab X bitch and a 3yr old neutered male working cocker spaniel. Both dogs are welcoming to visiting dogs, especially older dogs. My spaniel is dominant with younger dogs and puppies and will put them in their place if they are too bouncy. Most puppies quickly respect his dominance and calm down very quickly.
What are your hobbies?
My main hobby is walking, especially mountain and coastal walks. I do advanced obedience training with my lab X and I have just started gun dog training with my spaniel.
Is there anything that you would always recommend others to try?
Travel as much as possible before starting a family or getting a dog.
Do you have dreams for the future?
When the children leave home, I would like to live by the sea. I enjoy exploring new beaches and watching my dogs chasing seagulls, swimming in tidal pools and digging as if their lives depended on it!


Recommendations for...

Susan Woodrow



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8 December 2007

I first took Ritchie, my 5 year-old Labrador, to Susan's about three years ago. I was slightly concerned that because Ritchie was a rescued dog he wouldn't want to leave me and find it difficult to settle. I needn't have worried a bit! Ritchie tok to Susan and the other dogs immediately, running into the house with his tail held high, and he didn't look back once. What I like about Susan is that she's one of those people who not only loves dogs, but is brilliant at looking after them. She is organised and efficient in every way, walking the dogs, exercising them, even playing with them in her garden. Ritchie is now a regular visitor - I'm sure he thinks he's going on his holiday! Liz Fitch

30 March 2007

After getting our dog Murphy from a rescue home at 4 months old, we thought he would spend most days with us as I worked from home. Unfortunately in September due to a job change it meant Murphy would be alone for some of the day which filled me with dread as he is so sociable and gets anxious when left as he loves being with people and other dogs. After trawling the web for dog daycare I found Susan, and what a find. We arranged to meet at a local park so her dogs and Murphy could meet. They all hit it off and Murphy has been going to Susan 3 days a week ever since. Susan takes fantastic care of Murphy. He goes on varied walks and always comes home clean (Murphy loves big muddy puddles), happy, contented and suitably worn out after his busy day. Murphy loves going to Susan’s and we can’t thank her enough for the training she does with him, the walks she takes him on and the way she treats him as one of her family. We especially love the pictures and videos we get of Murphy playing with his friends. We unreservedly recommend Susan to anyone looking for a dog carer and Murphy looks forward to playing with your dog soon. Thanks Susan, love Martin, Michelle and Murphy!

12 February 2007

Our fabulous dog Louis came to live with us just over 4 years ago, and because he was a rescue dog, we couldn’t bear the thought of him having to go into kennels if we went away – which has meant we haven’t had a holiday since he arrived. Thank goodness that we have now found Susan who has just looked after Louis for two weeks. This has enabled us to have our first holiday in years!! Louis seems to thoroughly enjoy his time at Susan’s with her two dogs and any of the other ‘holi-dogs’ that she has staying with her at the time and comes back home very tired, but happy and healthy from the lovely walks in the countryside. We don’t believe that Louis was socialised properly as a puppy (he was 1 year old when we got him) so living with the other dogs as a small pack seems to be improving his ability to greet and socialise with other dogs which is a huge bonus. We can’t thank Susan enough for looking after Louis so well and giving us complete peace of mind knowing that our little chap is safe, happy and extremely well cared for during our absence. The photos that Susan sends us of his holiday with her and his new chums are just fantastic to have. We will definitely use Susan again and would recommend her to everyone. Jan & Chris Sims

1 October 2006

We would like to say how happy we have been to leave our 14 month old golden retriever, Bella, with Susan while we have been to a family party and wedding recently. We first found out about Susan at our local vets and after contacting her I took Bella to meet Susan and her dogs. It was obvious from that meeting that Bella would not only be safe here with Susan but that she would be happy as well. After a half day stay and then a full day we left Bella overnight for the first time. She was very happy and enjoyed her time with the other dogs that were staying that weekend. Susan took her for long walks and because we weren't sure about her recall without us she was kept on a long 50ft. lead. Susan even gave her some training as she has a tendency to rush off and go too far away from us. Susan then gave us some tips on how to continue this training and where to purchase the long lead. On our return Susan emailed us some photos of Bella enjoying her stay and playing with the other holiday makers. We would thoroughly recommend Susan and have now made plans for other holidays knowing that Bella will be well looked after and can’t thank her enough for the peace of mind she gives us. Jeannette and Trevor Wood

8 September 2006

Susans absolute love of dogs is clear from the moment you meet her and see her with them. She offers a wonderful & reliable service which provides much needed peace of mind when you have to leave your pet for any length of time. We left our very energetic & highly active springer spaniel Tessa with Sue when we went on holiday in July 2006. The care and attention Susan put into making sure every aspect of our dogs welfare was catered for was second to none. Tessa returned home after her holiday happy, healthy and better trained than when we had left her! I would recommend Susan wholeheartedly to anyone. Dawn & Mike

30 June 2006

I spent years feeling really guilty about leaving our dog Poppy in kennels on the few occasions we had to go away anywhere dogs weren't welcome. It was obvious that Poppy hated being in kennels - and I hated putting her there. Earlier this year we had a family wedding approaching and I just couldn't bear the thought of having to put Poppy in kennels again. So I started searching for alternatives on the internet. I came across Susan's name and phoned her straight away. We arranged a visit for Poppy to meet Susan's dogs and generally have a 'sniff around'. Poppy's now been to stay with 'Auntie Susan' several times and it is quite clear that she has a marvellous time. Normally when we had to leave her anywhere she would go mad when we came to pick her up - but when we arrive on Susan's doorstep she comes to have a look at us and say hello - and then goes back to lie down on the sofa!!! She's always exhausted afterwards from all the playing with her friends and Susan has kindly supplied us with lovely photos of the dogs running around and chasing each other. It has really made a difference to us - we can go away without feeling guilty - knowing that she's safe, well looked after and happy. I would recommend Susan to anyone! Astrid Shepherd

26 April 2006

Our 11 year old Golden Retriever Bunty recently boarded with Susan Woodrow and family. We were so delighted with her care for our dog we cannot recommend her highly enough. Before and during her 2 week stay over Easter Susan could not have done more for Bunty or to reassure us. Prior to her boarding we had trial day stays, shared walks and were offered as many doggy sleepovers as needed. All of Bunty's needs were catered for during her stay and her daily routine maintained. Susan even meticulously applied lotions and administered medication. Meanwhile we received regular updates; a progress report by text or e-mail with photo attachments. On our return we were greeted by a very happy dog. We brought away with us a wonderful CD of Buntys holiday photos to keep, a lovely gift from Susan. We also had the peace of mind of knowing we had chosen the best possible care for our dog. Jacquie Langley

22 February 2006

I'd just like to say what a Godsend Sue was. With a holiday looming for my wife and I, and my daughter getting a job at the same time, it left us in the lurch as to what to do with our dog Molly during the day. I work from home normally and so she is used to company for most of the day. So I found UKdogsitters.co.uk on the web, located the people in the area I needed and contacted the nearest person first - that was Sue. Sue made everything so easy and straightforward. We took her up on the suggestion that our dog meet her two first and fortunately they got on very well. With vaccinations checked we went on holiday and left my daughter to drop Molly off for day-sitting. After work she picked her up and went home, knowing she'd had walks and been well looked after. On some days Molly got to play with another visiting dog and was in seventh heaven. Sue very kindly gave us an update by email and some photos of Molly chasing the others and also being chased. Absolute fun. We will definitely use Sue's services again. David Hughes

16 February 2006

I left my 8 year old Retriever with Susan for 3 days while we went to a family wedding. After 8 years staying at a farm and being used to his freedom and socialising with other dogs I was not keen to put him in kennels and was delighted when I came across Susan's name. She is highly professional and has a wonderful way with dogs. My dog came back happy and exhausted from the great walks and play with Susan's dogs and the other 'holiday makers'. It really was a home from home and it was a relief to go away even for a short time feeling that my dog was in a home environment being cared for by someone I felt I could really trust. Judith Marriott

14 December 2005

Our 2 Standard Poodles have been boarding with Sue Woodrow and her family Mon-Fri for 5 weeks. Initally they went for an overnight trial to ensure Sue's own dogs and a day boarder got on OK. Sue made it very clear that if there was any tension, she wouldn't take our dogs, we were happy with this as it showed Sue had the well being of all the dogs at heart rather than using it as a purely money making venture. Dave and Posh were well cared for, well exercised and generally had a good time socialising with the other dogs. They came back with better manners than they went with as Sue is firm and fair, she treats dogs like dogs, not children which is great as our 2 firmly believe they are human and try to take advantage whenever possible. We have been delighted with her care of our dogs and cannot recommend her highly enough. Jackie Rolfe

24 November 2005

Our 3yr old German Shep stayed with Susan and her family whilst we went away to my brothers wedding. It was a lovely home from home experience which Bruno really enjoyed. He loved being with the other dogs and didn't want to leave when we came to pick him up. We won't be putting off any future holidays as Bruno now has somewhere he can go for a fun holiday too. Would definitely recommend. Victoria

21 September 2005

I have a one and a half year old dog called Mandy. As she came from a rescue home, I particularly wanted to find a home environment where she could stay if I was away on holiday, or on occasional days. Sue Woodrow's name was given to me and I went to see her with Mandy. I was immediately struck by her understanding of dogs and her caring attitude towards them. Mandy first of all went to stay at Sue's for half a day, then a whole night. Eventually, she went to stay for a week while I was on holiday at the beginning of September 2005. I had no hesitation in leaving Mandy as I knew she would be well cared for. Being a nervous dog it also helped her being with the other dogs there. I would recommend Sue Woodrow as an excellent person to look after your dog and maybe Mandy will see you there. Hilary Frend

11 August 2005

Susan Woodrow recently looked after my 5mth old Lab Tess whilst we were on holiday for 2 weeks. As Tess is quite young I really didn't want her to go into kennels and luckily found out about Susan through my puppy training class. Tess was very well looked after and loved being with the other dogs.Susan is very professional and obviously loves dogs. I would definitely use Susan again and am more than happy to recommend her. Sue Jefferys

29 July 2005

hi there i bought chelsea my great dane as a pup to susan woodrow she was looked after with total proffesionalismn by susan she helped train chelsea and took her to the vets for her jabs etc susan has been invaluable to me as being a batchelor and very busy at short notice susan has taken chelsea on without a problem i cant speak highly enough of susans love and proffesionalismn in looking aftr my chelsea my dog is my child and susan has been totally focused to chelseas needs thank you susan and for the love and care you have given my dog chelsea and i salute you and thank you . Colin Driver

29 July 2005

Susan looked after my dog Scamble for a week back in April this year (was without a computer for a few months, hence delay in submitting testimonial. Sorry Susan!). My dog was extremely well looked after, with plenty of walks and friends to play with. I would have no hesitation in recommending Susan. She was brilliant and I was able to enjoy my holiday with complete peace of mind. A Raab

11 July 2005

I am writing to tell you about the service provided for our dog Kassie recently. The dog sitter is Susan Woodrow. Kassie stayed with Susan for from 3/7/05-10/7/05. I was very happy to leave Kassie with Susan. Kassie is a 9 month lab retriever,and I was grateful to find someone who would take Kassie into their own home as she is fairly young still,and that she would be excerised well. Susan had arranged for Kassie to stay over night a few weeks before, to see how she got on with her own dogs and to make sure she settled ok. She also took her for a walk in the park with her own dogs, not letting her off her lead ,as she is not particularly good on recall. Susan is very organised and firm but kind to her dogs. She obviously enjoys their company!Kassie went to and returned from Susans quite happily. Susan was very keen that Kassie should be happy and was also willing to take her on if she happened to come into season. Which incidentally she did. I feel very confident that Susan looked after Kassie well. I hope this is helpful for your records. Jane Ray

6 July 2005

We have recently used Susan Woodrow to care for our dog and I have to say that it has been the most satisfactory dog sitting service that we have ever used. I have no hesitation in recommending her service and will certainly use her in the future. Regards Jeff Strathdee

4 April 2005

Our 2 dogs, Sammy & Bella, stayed with Susan whilst were were on holiday recently. They were looked after very well. Susan has a very professional approach and inspires confidence.

7 February 2005

I wanted to let you know that I used Susan Woodrow’s dog sitting service this weekend. Susan looked after my year old Labrador for a day and a half including an overnight stay. He was very well looked after and had a lovely time with Susan and her two dogs. Susan is such a nice lady who really likes dogs and looks after her guests as if they were her own. I would definitely recommend her to others. Jayne Middleton and Chester

7 January 2005

I am Patricia Taylor and am writing to you with my recommendation for Susan Woodrow as a dog sitter/walker. My dog, Rosie, has been to Susan on several occasions now and I cannot speak highly enough of the excellent service provided. I leave Rosie with her in the knowledge that she is in a safe and loving home. It says a lot when your dog pulls on her lead to get in but is never in a hurry to leave Susan's home!

7 January 2005

My dog Oscar has just spent a weeks holiday with Susan and her family at her home in Great Missenden. Whist he was there he played with her two dogs and went on regular walks in a safe environment. Oscar was given the 'home from home' treatment and I had no hesitation in booking him in again for another week in February. I have a house in Spain and will be using Susan whenever I am out of the country, I will also be recommending Susan to friends. Many thanks, Sian Meecham

31 December 2004

I recently needed to find someone to look after my dog for 2 nights at fairly short notice. Susan Woodrow was recommended to me and I visited her at her home. Fergus my Cocker Spaniel was introduced to Susan's two dogs and they got along very well. Fergus was very comfortable in Susan's warm kitchen and enjoyed the walks and garden I would have no hesitation in recommending Susan and indeed using her again myself. Regards, Sheana Jenkins

9 November 2004

Susan Woodrow has looked after my two dogs (a lab.spaniel cross & a very hyper working cocker spaniel) on several occasions over the last couple of years, both as day borders and on a weekly basis. She is very competent and takes great care to ensure that her dogs are happy with the potential visitors. My dogs were regularly exercised, fed as I had specified and given lots of attention whilst in her home. If they happen to have had an upset tummy she immediately puts them on chicken & rice until tums have settled. Susan is also very responsible whilst out on a walk and is able to foresee a problem before it arises and distract my dogs before they react., i.e. joggers in the distance - great for chasing, children playing ball - my lab. spaniel likes to steal other people's balls, tall men - to be barked at - as they are very scary !!. In conclusion I have no hesitation in recommending Susan Woodrow for either day sitting or weekly stays, my dogs always come back to me very happy and healthly. Julie Hunt

22 October 2004

I would like to register a recommendation for Susan Woodrow. My border collie puppy has been going to susan for 6 weeks. She is an excellent dog sitter; he gets regular walks, lots of attention and fuss and she is very accommodating of my work hours. I have complete peace of mind that my puppy is happy and safe when I am at work. K. Burns





 
Susan Woodrow
Dog Sitting



Treatment
Non Smoking
Phone: 01494 713 070
Email: PAWoodrow@martinside.fsnet.co.uk

Extra Info: If you are away for a day or a week, your dog can become part of the "pack", living with my family, my own two dogs (aged 7 and 5) and two other regular day care dogs in a comfortable home in the Chiltern countryside. I guarantee lots of individual attention, plenty of daily exercise in the Chiltern hills and stimulating activities. References available. Licensed by Chiltern District Council and fully insured. We only accept mature dogs. Read our interview!

Recommendations: Click 2 read!

Entry added: October 2004 LPP code: y1709

Areas covered: Beds, Herts and Bucks




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