New luxury kennels business is barking up right tree

As one luxury dog kennels prepares to close its doors, another has opened in the dale.

Brydale Lodge Luxury Dog Kennels, near Eggleston Abbey, will stop taking bookings next month, while Thornberry Barn Luxury Dog Boarding and Day Care has opened its doors earlier this month.

Susan Wilkinson had been operating her five-star kennels for nine years and was known for the leather couches and plush beds for the dogs that stayed there.

She said: “I don’t have time anymore.

“I can’t be there as much because of my pet and livestock services business.”

She was relying on her mum Glennis to be on site throughout the day, but she can no longer do it because she is 83.

She was also relying on dog walkers to look after the dogs while she was out.

One of those who have been walking dogs for her for the past two years was Elaine Dent, from South Thornberry Farm, on the road between Barnard Castle and Bowes.

Susan suggested that Elaine start her own luxury kennels to make up for the loss of Brydale Lodge – an idea quickly seized upon.

With help from her son Callum, they converted a barn into plush dog lodgings, complete with a large play and exercise area, with additional access to nearby fields for exercise.

Susan said: “It is a lot lighter than ours is and it is a totally different setup.”

Elaine said she currently has facilities to accommodate 12 dogs at a time, but six more suites, complete with leather couches, are being planned.

After completing the facilities and a successful inspection by Durham County Council Animal Welfare, the dog retreat was opened.

Elaine said: “There is an awful lot of paperwork, everything has to be clean and disinfected.

“But the inspector said it was brilliant.

“He was very impressed.”

Susan added: “It is four-star which is great because you can’t get five stars on the first go.”

Elaine said she hoped to achieve five stars at the next unannounced inspection which should take place within two years.

Dogs that are booked in at Thornberry Barn are guaranteed 30 minutes of exercise in the morning and a further 30 minutes in the afternoon or evening.

They also receive Kong treats filled with “peamutt” butter.