Everything we do today started with one very special Golden Retriever.
We're a family-run business based in Barwell, Leicestershire. I'm Nilz, my wife Helen, and Harley, our Golden Retriever. He's the inspiration behind everything we do.
Helen and I have been animal lovers and pet owners our entire lives. To us, pets aren't just animals—they're family. We brought Harley home when he was just nine weeks old, and from day one he became my constant companion.
Harley came into my life while I was recovering from a serious illness. At the time, I was told I wouldn't be able to return to the career I'd built, and I honestly wasn't sure what the future looked like.
Then we brought home this little bundle of fluff.
From day one, Harley gave me something far more important to focus on than the job I'd lost. Looking after him helped my recovery, gave me purpose and completely changed my outlook on life.
As he grew older, we discovered he struggled with separation anxiety. Seeing how much stress it caused him made me realise just how important it is for dogs to feel safe, understood and cared for. Anxiety is a real emotion, and watching Harley struggle with it was heartbreaking. If there was a way I could avoid putting him through that, why wouldn't I?
If I could build a life where Harley felt happier and more secure, then that's exactly what I wanted to do—and exactly what Helen and I did. It inspired us to build a business where Harley could be by our side every day, rather than left behind.
Looking back, it was the best decision we ever made.
That journey led me to become a Pet Nutritionist with Swedish pet food company Husse, where I learned even more about dogs' health and wellbeing. Soon afterwards, customers began asking if we could look after their dogs while they were away. We registered as a home-from-home Dog Boarding and Doggie Daycare business, and it didn't take long for us to realise where our hearts truly were.
We wanted to create somewhere that wasn't just a place for dogs to spend the day, but somewhere they genuinely looked forward to coming. A place where they could run, explore, sniff, play, make friends and simply enjoy being dogs.
In October 2022, that vision became a reality when we opened our Countryside Doggie Daycare in Stoke Golding.
Tucked away in a peaceful rural setting, surrounded by open fields and nature, our daycare gives dogs the freedom to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Away from busy roads and noisy surroundings, it's a calm, safe environment where they can relax, explore and enjoy the countryside at their own pace.
We've created spacious indoor and outdoor areas, giving dogs the best of both worlds whatever the weather. Whether they're charging around with their friends, investigating every interesting scent, splashing through puddles, or simply lying in the fresh air watching the world go by, every dog has the freedom to enjoy the day in their own way.
Harley's separation anxiety taught us that every dog is different. Some love racing around with their friends from the moment they arrive, while others prefer to take things a little slower. That's why we take the time to get to know every dog as an individual, making sure they feel safe, settled and confident from the moment they walk through our gates.
We don't believe daycare should simply be somewhere dogs are watched while their owners are at work. We believe it should enrich their lives. Exercise, mental stimulation, social interaction, fresh air and the freedom to express natural behaviours all contribute to a happier, healthier dog.
We also take the responsibility of caring for your best friend incredibly seriously. We're licensed by Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council, fully insured with Petplan Sanctuary, and both Helen and I are trained in canine first aid, giving you complete peace of mind while your dog is with us.
Every dog deserves the chance to run, sniff, explore, make friends and simply enjoy being a dog. That's exactly what we've created—a place where dogs can be dogs.
Head over to our Natural Deli, it’s full of healthy nutritious goodies from carefully selected brands.
