28 years of dog walking, experience – showing my age, with an assortment of different animals and breeds of dogs from Jack Russells to Deer Hounds.

Growing up there was always a dog. We had Eddie an English Bull terrior and Russ, a long haired German Shepherd who was my 'fluffy bear' (I was two at the time) and then Tess the Jack Russell, along with two cats Shanghai lil and Bertie. From then it was Watney a Labrador x and Ingle the Red Setter followed by Roo the Lurcher and Beau the Weimaraner, various hamsters, rats, Ferrets, guinea pigs, rabbits and horses. A few years on my sister homed Missy, a Staffordshire bull terrier who was obsessed with cuddles, full of life, character and mischief. Most of our dogs were rescue dogs/ animals from around 6 months of age and we were privileged to be their forever home.

I have always loved being around dogs and when I was unable to commit to long term care of an animal I helped Dogs friends, a charity based in Bristol with fostering their dogs, who were waiting for their 'forever home'.

Living in Badminton, South Gloucestershire, whilst working with a community care company in my early Twenties, I would complete general duties and various tasks that were requested, one of which was to look after pets and assist where necessary,i.e taking dogs out for a walk or to the vet which quickly grew to mainly pet associated duties and the start of an idea...

Our family members now include Three children, Two Whippets, Roy and Riley, also Fig the cat, ducks, fish and Two years into keeping bees which I never thought I would engage in but find extremely therapeutic and rewarding – a great help with the loss of our Rottweiler, Otto who was full of love and personality who sadly left us in 2022. The logo is Otto's foot print and the colours used are the typical Rottweiler black and tan colourings. I am now also joined by my husband Michael who accompanies me regularly on our walks - Havens Hounds was was meant to be.

We have ¼ acre of private, secure gardens and lucky enough to have the Forest of Dean on our doorstep to enjoy all year round.

I cover daily walks of a full hour, unless otherwise stipulated (young/old dogs, medication, Puzzlewood tourist attrction) and 'pop in' service throughout the day at times to suit you. I keep similar dogs together and only walk up to four dogs at any one time. As many Pop ins as you require to cover the welfare needs of small animals, fury or feathered, also to include reptiles and insects. First walk will always be on their own to establish behaviour and suitability. I am happy to administer any medications if and when required. All needs to be discussed on my visit to you.

I have completed a dog first aid course at the end of Novemeber 2023 followed by enrolling on courses to do with dog behaviour and welfare as I find the canine world fascinating and of course beneficial for my own. I am fully insured and dbs certified.

There are hundreds of 'dog walkers' that are available, probably even close by, I am available throughout the week, weekend and bank holidays because most animals don't run off the same schedule. If you are unable to walk or feed your animals due to work commitments, holidays or if life demands just get in the way, please get in touch.

Thank you for taking the time to read my profile which shows a little of me. Please feel free to check out my Facebook page Havens Hounds for closer daily interations with the beautiful animals in our care. I look forward to meeting you and yours. Marcia Havens – Havens Hounds.

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