Position: Co-owner, Dog Walker

Phone: 07951 618777

Email: contactfaithfulfriends@gmail.com

Hello, I’m Richie, and I’ve been a lifelong dog lover with a deep passion for training. From my childhood days with a German Shepherd to later having a Border Collie, and now owning Flat Coated Retrievers since 2006, dogs have always been a huge part of my life. Over the years, I’ve gained invaluable experience that has shaped me into the pet care professional I am today.

With around 18 years of experience as a dog trainer and handler, I started my journey in 2008 by assisting at a local dog training club after attending as a customer for two years, and I've been involved ever since. I had the privilege of performing at Crufts with my first Flat Coated Retriever, Storm, as part of a team demonstrating the Kennel Club Good Citizen Silver Award exercises. It was an unforgettable experience and really solidified my passion for training and working with dogs.

Since 2010, I’ve also taken part in Bloodhound working trials in various roles—starting as a handler, and later progressing to assistant, manager, organizer, and even judge after earning my qualifications from the Kennel Club in 2011. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel across Europe to participate in working trials in different countries, which has further expanded my understanding and expertise in working with dogs.

In 2011, I started my first dog walking round. Since then, I’ve continued providing walking services, mostly off-lead in safe and secure environments. I’m also certified in Pet First Aid.



Position: Co-owner, Home Boarding Licencee

Phone: 07903 478362

Email: contactfaithfulfriends@gmail.com

Hello, I'm Sandra! I've been a dog owner for the past 35 years, and dogs have always been a huge part of my life. Over the years, I've been lucky enough to share my home with a Golden Retriever, a Border Collie, seven Flat-Coated Retrievers, and two Cocker Spaniels. My love for dogs is deep, and they are never far from my side. In fact, I never go on holiday without them — whether we're off in the family caravan or enjoying a stay at a dog-friendly cottage in the Lakes, they come with me wherever I go.

One of my greatest joys has been taking my dogs to training classes as puppies. I loved it so much that I volunteered to assist with the puppy classes at the local dog training club. It was there that I developed a real passion for working with animals and realized how much I enjoyed helping others with their pets.

Since 2012, I’ve been a professional pet care provider. I specialize in puppy and cat visits, offering personalized care to ensure your pets are happy and well-looked after while you're away. I also provide a dog walking service that includes both on-lead and safe off-lead walks, ensuring that every dog gets the exercise and attention they need.

The main part of my business is home boarding, which I personally oversee. I’m proud to say that I hold a five-star home boarding license issued by North Tyneside Council. I take great care in ensuring that your pets are looked after in a clean, safe, and welcoming environment. I’m quite fastidious when it comes to maintaining a tidy home, so you can trust that your dog will be comfortable and well-cared-for during their stay.

In addition, I hold a certificate in Pet First Aid, so you can feel confident that I’m prepared to handle any situation with care and expertise.

Position: Dog walker, Dog behaviourist

Phone: 07866 028191

Email: jencagebehaviour@gmail.com

I've pretty much been obsessed with animals from birth, particularly with dogs (this photo is of me dressed as a Dalmatian when I was about 4 years old - I won't tell you how long ago that was!). I couldn't imagine life without a dog, and my cocker spaniel Bliss and I have been inseparable from the day I brought her home.

In addition to being a life-long pet owner, I have over 15 years of professional dog handling and training experience, as well as good general knowledge of pet dog health. I've previously worked as a veterinary nurse and hold a certificate in Pet First Aid, and so I tend to take charge of monitoring the well-being and wellness of dogs in our care. 

My other key area of expertise is training and behaviour. I'm a qualified pet dog behaviourist, having graduated from Newcastle University with a Masters degree in Applied Animal Behaviour & Welfare in 2016. I use my skills and experience to assess individual dogs and group dynamics to ensure that everyone is having a healthy happy time on our walks or while boarding. I also offer a variety of dog behaviour and training services to dog owners, with my specialty being in on-lead reactivity and resource guarding. For more information about me and my behaviour work, check out www.jencagebehaviour.co.uk.

I also have a lot of experience with computers, so I maintain most of the admin/technical side of the business; including this fine website you're currently viewing!

Hi, I’m Trinity, a 9-year-old Flat Coated Retriever, and my humans think I’m a bit bonkers. I mean, maybe I am, but I prefer to think of myself as *uniquely spirited*. I can be a little stubborn at times, and I have selective hearing when I feel like it—if I’m not in the mood, I might just pretend I didn’t hear you. But hey, I have my own way of doing things!

I’m a total water baby. I love to swim, and I even go to hydrotherapy to keep my muscles strong and stay in shape. Water? My happy place. After a good swim or splash around, I like to spend my evenings lounging on the bed in the master bedroom—it's my little haven for relaxation. But don’t get me wrong, I also *have* to claim the best spot on the sofa because, well, it’s my right as the oldest!

I absolutely love other dogs, and I’m especially fond of giving them a little face wash with my tongue. It’s my way of showing affection, and they seem to love it (or at least, they put up with it).

Hi, I’m Melody, an 8-year-old Flat Coated Retriever, and I’m all about the love and attention! I may not be the biggest fan of baths, but I’ll put up with them because I know what comes afterward—being brushed and dried with a towel! That’s the part I absolutely love—it’s like a mini spa day, and I’m all about being pampered.

One of my favorite things to do is chase a ball. Seriously, I could do it for hours—just throw it, and I’ll go get it, over and over again. Oh, and did I mention I look amazing in pink? It’s totally my color, and I love to wear it whenever I can!

Another thing I’m absolutely crazy about is belly rubs. If you stop before I’m ready? Well, you’ll definitely know because I’ll sing and give you a little tap with my paw, just to remind you that the belly rubs must continue! 

Loud noises aren’t my thing, though, and don’t even get me started on the vet. Let’s just say I’m not a fan. But other than that, I’m a pretty happy, loving girl who just wants to be pampered and play all day!

Hi, I’m Shadow, a 7-year-old Flat Coated Retriever with a bit of a bumpy start in life. I’ve been through a lot—leg surgeries, immune problems, eye ulcers… yeah, you name it, I’ve probably had it! But don’t feel sorry for me, because I’m doing *so* much better now! I’m stronger, happier, and ready for some fun.

One thing that’s for sure is that I’m *obsessed* with chasing my ball. I could run around the beach or through a big field for hours, just living my best life. When I finally get home, though, I love to settle in for some cuddles with my humans. I don’t like being away from them for too long; I’m definitely a people dog.

I can be a little shy around new dogs at first, but once I get to know them, I warm up pretty quickly. I especially love making a fuss of the dogs I get friendly with—older girls are my absolute favorite. I’ll shower them with attention and make sure they know how much I care!

Oh, and being the man of the house means I also *love* to pee. It’s just one of my duties, you know? ?

Hello, I’m Bliss, a 7-year-old Cocker Spaniel with a *very* refined taste in life! First things first: I absolutely LOVE food. If dinner isn’t served on time, don’t be surprised if I let out a little vocal reminder that I’m waiting. A princess like me deserves to be fed promptly, after all!

I’m a diva through and through. I love being warm and cosy, and there’s nothing better than a sunny spot in the conservatory for some good old sunbathing. It’s my favourite way to relax and soak up some rays. And let’s be real, when I go anywhere, I assume *everyone* is there to see me. I’m just that special! I can also be a little bossy with the other dogs— it's nothing personal, I just want to make sure everyone knows I’m here. I’m the one in charge, after all. But I’m just letting them know, I promise!

I also love going on holiday with my human to all sorts of amazing places around the UK. From coastal escapes to countryside adventures, I’m always up for a trip! Oh, and I’ve recently discovered swimming! Gotta stay fit, right? I'm determined to keep my girlish figure as I get older!