Testimonials
Finding ourselves without a dog after a lifetime of canine companionship, 2 years ago we visited the SPCA kennels to choose one of their “specials”, where we saw a little mite who looked at us and clearly sent a message; “pick me”.
And so Penny came home, a gorgeous brindle mixed breed, supposed to grow to a height of about 35 centimetres.
However this was not to be and we found ourselves with a large, extremely active girl, which could have been a problem for this octogenarian couple, but, no, Olwyn took over the training and now we have a well adjusted, well behaved dog who responds to both hand signals and voice commands – a perfect companion.
The daily walk and play with other dogs as provided by Olwyn is the highlight of Penny’s day and keeps her in top condition, and so we have no hesitation in recommending the services provided by “4 THE LOVE OF DOGS” in Blockhouse Bay.Eileen and Keith Rusden,
At our initial meeting and introduction of the dogs, it was immediately apparent that Olwyn had a deep commitment to the safety and welfare of animals. Both dogs took to her immediately. We could see her experience and understanding of dogs was exceptional. She has a no nonsense but gentle approach and knows instinctively how to work and play with dogs of all natures.
She walked them at least twice a day, swam them in the ocean, groomed them and trimmed them down to their correct weight.
When we returned, we found the dogs very trim, fit and healthy, happy and beautifully groomed. We are very grateful for the love and care she gave them.
Without hesitation, we recommend Olwyn as highly suitable for any domestic or professional situation related to handling, training and caring of dogs.Mark and Jennifer Schottlander,
I have been sending my eight-year-old Border Collie, Murray, to day care with Olwyn (4 The Love of Dogs) for the past year.
Olwyn has a clear affinity with animals, dogs in particular, and Murray loves going there. As he is quite a reserved dog this is no mean feat.
The dogs have a lovely environment to relax and play which overlooks Blockhouse Bay Beach, they get long off-lead walks in the afternoons and lots of love and attention from Olwyn.
I have no hesitation in recommending her and the facilities provided to any other dog owner.Sharon Grace,
As a first time dog owners of two rescue puppies, I would highly recommend the professional services Olwyn offers. She has done and continues to do an amazing job working with us and our puppies and we are really appreciative for all her support and advice. Having found someone so close to home and a place which makes Harlow and Noah so happy is ideal for us as a busy working couple. Olwyn provides exceptional day care for them and they actually miss her when they come home. They are so comfortable with her and she has also been able to work with Harlow’s behavioural problems. The environment for the dogs is perfect and they come home relaxed and calm having enjoyed their time with her. We have even been able to go on holiday with no hesitation or worry knowing that our puppies are having a better time than we are and are being well looked after. We are grateful to have found her through a recommendation and we will never send our puppies anywhere else!Nicole Braganza,
Lucky is a very handsome, four and a half year old champion papillon. He joined me at the beginning of the year as a companion dog, after retiring from show ring and stud duties. He had no experience as a companion and had never lived in a house, so it was a big change for him. At first he was very nervous, spending most of his time in his crate, where he sleeps, or hiding under the coffee table. After a couple of weeks although he was perfectly friendly and affectionate with me, I realised I needed expert help to get him to relax and feel more secure, He would not go outside except when he had to, therefore he was not getting the exercise he needed. So I approached Olwyn, who fortunately, lived nearby. I had been extremely impressed with the results she had achieved with my friend’s dog and felt if anyone could help Lucky she would be the one to do it. And so it proved, Slowly and patiently she worked with him, encouraging him to come out of hiding. Progress was slow and sometimes he would seem to be improving, only to drop back again. But Olwyn persevered and eventually persuaded Lucky that it was safe to go outside on a leash and even for a short walk. The walks gradually became longer and now he has reached the stage of waiting for her to come to take him out and enjoys going to the park, or up to the village, and, best of all, to the beach. He has socialised well, and is at home with big or small dogs. Each week he spends a day at Olwyn’s place in “doggie daycare” which he enjoys very much as there are always other dogs to play with, and usually, a walk to the beach with sand to run on, dig and roll in, and, if the tide is right, water to play in. I now have the loving, gentle companion dog I hoped for. He no longer hides when visitors come, although he prefers to approach new people rather than have them come to him, and is perfectly at home in my house. With Olwyn’s ongoing care, I am sure Lucky and I will have a happy life together. Thank you Olwyn for all your hard work. Without your help I could not have kept my precious Lucky. You are a star!Audrey Thomas,
Hi!
My name is Jack (chosen by my Mum’s Grandson Timothy) I will be seven in October and I am a Maltese cross. I live with my Mum Juliet in Crestwood Village.
Having come from a large garden on the side of a reserve getting used to the village life is a bit hard sometimes. I miss my Border Collie friends Cody and Diesel.
I had been quite unhappy until about three months ago my Mum was walking down at the beach when she saw this dog swimming four laps and having a great time and looked so happy. Watching her was a lady in a purple tee shirt and my Mum who talks to everyone got chatting (as ladies do) and found out the dog was called Penny – she has a real penny attached to her collar. Penny was so happy and the lady in the purple tee shirt told my Mum all about her. Then my Mum got to thinking (she often does that) and found out who the lady in the purple tee shirt was. It was Olwyn and purple really is her colour. Olwyn has a business called 4 The Love of Dogs. So when Mum came home she told me all about Penny and Olwyn – then I got to thinking (as I often do) “wow wouldn’t that be great if I could meet Olwyn and Penny”. So Mum invited Olwyn to meet me. I was besotted – what a lovely lady and a lovely purple tee shirt. I pleaded with my big eyes (as dogs do) to go and have a walk and play with Olwyn and hopefully Penny. Well I have never turned back – I go often to play and have a special friend Lucky (we now have matching coats in guess what colour – you got it Purple).
Olwyn and Harry take me and the other dogs to the beach for long walks, we go across fields and many interesting places. I play at Olwyn’s house with the other dogs and I would not want to be looked after by anyone else (apart from my Mum). I am happier now but try not to be too happy when I am collected as I don’t want to hurt my Mum’s feelings. Being white I sometimes have to be cleaned before I come home as Mum might think Olwyn has brought the wrong dog home.
I have heard about humans talking about referring, references etc. so looked it up on the internet (I’m a clever little chap) and thought I can now tell everyone about what a lovely place and people I have met at 4 The Love of Dogs. So here is my little story – I hope you enjoyed it and go check out the website and look out for a purple tee shirt and two little dogs with matching purple coats in Blockhouse Bay.
JackJuliet Hopkins,
Thank you for taking such good care of Angus- it was such a joy to see him on Saturday and he was just perfect, I cried when we both got home!
He is happy to be home but missing you and his other friends!
Thank you once again, the photos you posted and the text messages and emails you sent me while I was in Europe were so comforting and I always could relax as I knew he was in the best possible care.
Keep in touchDayne,
Just wanted to say thanks again for taking such good care of Robbie!! The fact that he is chilled and content now is a huge testament to the wonderful attention that he obviously received and we are truly grateful 🙂
We searched long and far to find a well-balanced home away from home for our boy and feel blessed to have found you. 🙂
He will be back for sure, maybe sooner than you think ……Glenda,
The 4 The Love of Dogs team always take the very best care of our labradoodle when he goes on holiday. Plus he has a ball there.
Highly recommended!Joy,
Thank you so much for taking such good care of Quinn. It’s such a comfort to know she’s happy and well looked after while we’re away. She’s settled back into her routine without fuss and we can see you’ve continued good work with her behaviour. We think what you offer and do is amazing. Thank you!Irena,
I’m not sure I can put the care and love into words but I’ll give it a go……Olwyn and Harry go beyond the call of duty. Every dog gets individual love and attention, they get to choose which armchair or bed they want to sleep in and they get to roam free 24/7 just like home. Last time Rumble got a Wandering Jew rash, Olwyn was straight on to it with homeopathics or the vet, daily baths while also keeping me well informed. In fact I think they looked after Rumble better than I do. I go away and know he’s having a ball (pardon the pun but he gets those too) just like me. Happy fur baby, happy holiday makers – I can’t recommend them highly enough xxFiona Groves,
My Cocoa was very happy and looked like he had loved it. The fact that he was not constrained into one specific kennel and could sleep and roam around anywhere around was something that appealed to me the most. That I believe helped him settle in quickly. This was a home away from home but with loads of friends around all the time…:). After getting back he seemed to be so tired that he slept most of the way back and went to bed real early last night. Also the fact that I could see his videos and photos all through my stay overseas made it real easy for us too….Your services were everything as promised and more.Sunetra Desai,
This is without a doubt the BEST place ever for your loved furry family member to go to!! We send our Leonberger puppy Sumo to stay with Olwyn and Harry regularly because he absolutely loves it there ! They take such great care of our boy and he is spoilt rotten, getting to go on bush walks and trips to different places with the other canine boarders .. I even heard he went for fish and chips – it’s paradise for him. Olwyn and Harry are so lovely and genuine I feel completely at ease leaving Sumo in their care even when he was needing medication administered. Nothing is a problem. It is such a lovely feeling to see pictures of Sumo having fun on the Facebook page while we are so far away and missing him. His squeals of excitement when we pull up to their house says it all .. I can’t recommend this business highly enough.Chelsea Craig Parkinson Rossiter,