Our country retreat where humans are also welcome
Introduction
Hi I'm Keith and I live In the west of Northern Ireland. I'm originally from the NE of Scotland and moved here 15 years ago with my wife who has since passed away. Now retired I have more time to travel to so I'm away several times a year although never for long periods as I miss the dogs. One of my neighbours has been looking after the dogs previously but unfortunately that is coming to an end so I need to find a sitter. Both my wife and I have had a long interest in dog showing, breeding and in my wife's case judging at the highest level in the UK and overseas. We have had much success in the show ring breeding several UK , Irish and International champions. This part of life is now over but I still have 3 dogs. When we were showing we had Boxers, Boston Terriers and Lowchens but in retirement we wanted something different hence what we have now. A good friend sometimes accompanies me on holidays and her dog Lady would be here when we travel together so in that case 4 dogs would be here to be looked after. The sitter could be a single person, a couple or a family. They should like a quiet country setting with privacy but which is within easy access to fabulous scenery, activities and tourist attractions. The dogs can be left in their runs for part of the day quite happily and love socialising both inside and out and are used to their creature comforts. As well as walks they love running around in the garden which is escape proof so get exercise there as well.
Show more...Home & location
I live in a large house of circa 2750 sq ft. in the countryside close to the border between counties Fermanagh and Tyrone in N Ireland and only 20 mins from County Monaghan in the Republic of Ireland. I have a large "dog proof" garden where they can safely exercise. The house is up a country lane which has approx 20 properties along its length with plenty space between them. There are lovely forest trails 2-3 miles away where I walk the dogs as well as walking up the lane. The nearest village/small town is Fivemiletown which is 3 1/2 miles away and has usual array of local shops and 2 small supermarkets. The nearest large town is Enniskillen which is 25 mins drive away with Omagh around 35 mins drive both of which have plenty shopping including major supermarkets. Belfast is just over an hour away and Dublin just over 2 hours. County Fermanagh is the Northern Ireland Lake District and a popular spot for those liking walks and water pursuits. Further afield but all within 2 1/2 hour drive are wonderful beaches, and popular places such as the Giants Causeway and the many visitor attractions that Belfast and Dublin have to offer. The house has 4 bedrooms, dressing room, lounge, large kitchen diner, sun/TV room, utility room, dog room where they sleep and where Dennis has a internal run, ensuite shower room, another shower room( for the dogs) and a bathroom with a bath and large walk in shower. Downstairs is floored in porcelain tiles apart from the lounge which has oak flooring all of which is handy for the dogs. Downstairs has underfloor heating with oil fired radiators upstairs. Sitters will live in the house. There is a large garage with 2 internal runs for the larger dogs
Show more...Responsibilities
Our dogs as you would expect have a routine. They can sleep in the dog room in separate crates. However Dennis can sleep in a crate in a bedroom which he enjoys. Aias sleeps in the Sun Room and is joined there by Lady when she is staying. They all get fed in the morning usually around 7to 7-30am but separately in specific places. They also get fed in the afternoon around 2-00pm again separately in specific places. They get treats every time they go into their crate. They get regular exercise in the garden plus walks external to the garden either up the lane on in the forest. One dog per person as far as external exercise is concerned. They are allowed to be loose in the kitchen/sun room and stay there until bed time apart from when I eat when they are put in the sun room or garden as I eat in the kitchen. On fine days they will be all day around the house and in the garden but if I go out they will go in their runs in the garage and house until I return. Obviously the runs will need to be cleaned up and mopped daily and any faeces picked up from the runs and garden and put in the bin. I have a ride on mower for cutting the grass and if that could be attended to at certain times during the year fine but not essential. Bin put out weekly. Indoor plants need watering and outdoor ones if really dry weather but not onerous.
Show more...Meet the pets
Dennis
9 years
Aias
9 years
Luna
8 years
Lady
2 years
Sitter Reviews (9)
Homeowner Reviews (0)
None
Keith was warm and welcome from our first interaction. The dogs quickly became our best friends and we loved all of the walks and cuddles. As mentioned in previous reviews Keith’s home is spacious, comfortable and clean. The dogs were used to their routines and well behaved when it was followed. The internet was very slow and we found that we struggled to work/study remotely. It was fine for basic streaming but if you are a high user it would be a struggle.
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We received a very warm welcome from Keith and his 3 gorgeous dogs.” As well as a lovely meal. Luna is kind and gentle and very well-trained. Aias is slightly nervous but very charismatic and loves to be stroked. He loved to take me for a walk. Dennis is the most adorable menace. All the dogs loved being loved which was very amusing when they all bundled on me. Harry occasionally rebelled but by the end of our stay he and Dennis shared my lap! The house is very dog-friendly with a great outdoor space for all weathers. If I were to be invited to sit again I would want to do it with a friend to make the most of walking the dogs around the lakes and forrests on the doorstep. Keith provided very comprehensive notes about the dogs and the home which helped to make our stay a comfortable one.
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Keith is a very kind, considerate and generous host who made us feel very welcome, he went the extra mile and showed us around his local town. He introduced us to his local butcher and hairdresser who we can highly recommend, plus his favourite National Trust place for a dog walk. Keith's house is well presented with some very nice appliances, a lovely kitchen and bathroom/ shower room. Luna, Aias, and Dennis are three very different dogs with different personalities, all welcoming, affectionate, friendly and included our own dog as part of the pack. They all got on very well indeed. Keith is very relaxed about his dogs on the sofa so of course this very much suited our dog too ;o) The gang are used to a very structured routine and provided this is maintained they are a pleasure to look after. The local area has many places of beauty and interest, whilst further afield the Rossnowlagh beach is stunning and well worth the trip. We recommend all sitters have their own means of transport as it is a fairly remote area. Enniskillen Town has great eateries, pubs and shops, we can recommend Pat's bar and the William Blake for a proper pint of Guinness. We very much enjoyed our stay with Keith and the gang. Also very grateful for the opportunity to visit a part of Ireland that we would not have discovered otherwise.
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Keith is a great host and made us very welcome. He was very well organised and we had good communication with him before and during the sit. His House was very homely with all modern cons and located close to Fivemilestown which has good shopping facilities. The 'Three Musketeers as the 3 dogs are affectionately known, Dennis; Aias and Luna are a pleasure to to sit. We had fun getting to know them as they each had their own unique personality and were great company. They were a joy to take for a walk, very obedient. We would highly recommend this pet sit. Keith and the 3 Musketeers thank you for a really great sit.
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Keith is great and his dogs are well behaved and a pleasure to look after. We had everything we needed to have a wonderful time in the amazing Irish countryside.
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Keith
