Stones Doggy Daycare set up by army and police veterans in Larkhill

After recognising the need for a professional daycare for dogs in the area, Durrington couple Nigel and Joey Hooke set up Stones Doggy Day care and set out to find the perfect spot for the business.

At Durrington Down Farm they now have the facilities to welcome up to 32 dogs daily.

Army veteran Nigel, age 46, said: "It's almost like a crèche for dogs.

"It's a great open plan area where the dogs get to play, socialise and get involved with activities they wouldn't normally get to do at home."

Despite only starting on November 15, the pair already have 55 clients and are rapidly growing, with induction appointments almost booked out for the next fortnight.

Nigel said: “The big thing that we’ve found is that there have been quite a few people who have got dogs over lockdown and now are returning to work and going, ‘what can I do’.

“People have not been able to socialise their dogs with anybody, so people are reaching out to find places to do that.”

In terms of the timing for starting a business, Nigel was coming to the end of his 28-year career in the military, and Joey, aged 38, who worked for the police for 19 years, had been able to gain Animal Welfare qualifications over lockdown. 

Before Joey started working for the police she looked after police dogs as a Kennel worker, and had always wanted to work with dogs again, so this was the perfect opportunity.

She said: “It's really rewarding when you see the parents being dragged in in the morning, because the dogs know where they’re going. And it lets them know that the dogs are having a great time and they want to be here so it's lovely for us.

"It's its own feedback, without needing the words.”

On why she loves dogs so much, Joey said: “They’re just fun to be about, they’ve all got their own characters and personalities. 

“And the good thing about having a daycare is you get a variety of breeds and they all bring their own things to your party.”

The couple got a lockdown dog themselves, a German Shepard called Enzo, although he's too anxious at the moment to join the Daycare himself.

Opening day at Stones Doggy Daycare.

Before dogs can join the Daycare they are assessed to see if they will be happy and safe in the group environment. 

Through the business, the couple, who have been married for 12 years, have enjoyed getting the chance to spend more time together and with their two sons Harry, aged seven, and Owen, 11, as the work is less travel intensive than their previous jobs.

“It's a great feeling at the end of the day when you close the gates," said Nigel. "There’s no hard feelings, you’re not going to go home complaining about a dog because it annoyed you that day.

"It’s a nice environment.”

The duo, with help from employee Tilly, provide fully licensed professional daycare to dogs from Larkhill, Durrington, Bulford, Amesbury and the surrounding areas. 

Their 6000 sqft facility is open between 8am and 6pm from Monday to Friday.

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