Whippets and Pampering

Maureen and Warren offer a first class service to Whippet dogs whose owners are on holiday. They only take a couple of dogs at a time. Their service differs from kennels, and the Whippets that come to their home are pampered, have a wonderful lawn to run around on, are allowed inside, have good food, the benefits are many! Maureen says, ‘We believe it is a hobby that gives us pocket money’.

Names: Maureen B and Warren M
Ages: 50+
Previous Occupations: Facilitator and Policeman
Current Occupations: Looking After Whippets (pampering them whilst their owners have a holiday).

How did you start this hobby?
We started approximately four years ago, when our Whippet dogs had died, and we really missed them. Rather than get new dogs, we thought we would look after other people’s Whippets. We mentioned the idea to the Secretary of the Whippet Club who said it was a ‘fantastic idea’. The Secretary’s dog had been in kennels, and not liked them. Whippets are very sensitive dogs and have a beautiful temperament.

Did you advertise?
Initially we put an advertisement in the Whippet Club Newsletter. Within days we were booked out! At this stage we are booked 12 months in advance.

Which areas do the dogs come from?
They come from all over the state.

Have you had problems with the dogs?
We’ve never had a problem with Whippets and we’ve never had a Whippet come to visit and not stay.

What are some of the challenges?
It is a problem taking holidays ourselves, and sometimes customers won’t refer other owners for fear that someone else will take their dog’s spot! If the dogs get sick or injured they need to be taken them to the Vet. Owners sign a document authorising us to do this, and allowing the Vet to send them the bill.

What’s the good thing about your work?
The Whippets become your dog after the first day. We’ve only had one dog that was timid and took a while to get used to us.

You need to organise special food?
No, the dogs have a balanced diet with vegetables, fresh meat, bread, rice and some leftovers.

Tips:

• You must love dogs (and not just be interested in looking after them for the money).
• Specialise in looking after a breed of dog
• Don’t look after too many dogs at a time.
• Don’t get greedy for business.
• Go into the business with passion!