Testimonials
When I moved from Somerset to Herne Bay some 18 months ago, following the premature death of my wife, finding a reliable and trustworthy dog boarder was at the top of my priority list, in order for me to move on in life.
My dog, Captain Woodrow Cal (it’s a long story!!), had only known one dog boarder since he was a pup (now 6) where he had become part of the ‘family’ of Andrew and John, with the delightful business name of ‘Giddy up Woof, Woof’. The bond between Cal and the guys was so strong, that all three of them cried (with me inevitably joining in), when I eventually picked him up to start my new life. The guys made me promise to go back and see them with Cal, which I will keep.
Following a recommendation, my first local dog minder experience in Kent was not a good one, I started to despair and then I found Lesley and Red Lion Canines. Other testimonials have articulated the many qualities Lesley and Phil have demonstrated in running their business and I heartily agree with all of them!
For me it was a little different, as not only was ‘Auntie’ Andrew (as I affectionately refer to him), a hard act to follow, suddenly finding myself alone was an awesome realisation of my responsibility to Cal. Red Lion Canines has actually enabled me to move forward with total confidence my dear wife’s adorable Springer Spaniel was not only going to be well cared for but secure, safe and happy, when I went away on business or pleasure.
There are no words I can find to thank Lesley and Phil and quite how special they are to Cal and I. If you have been fortunate enough to find this web site or have been recommended, then look no further. Keith & Cal
Lesley at Red Lion Canines came very highly recommended.
We were having some issues with Teddy resource guarding and had tried everything we could think of. After a session with Lesley on a home visit Teddy is a different dog and we know exactly how to deal with his behaviour which has made all of us a lot happier.
Teddy has also had a wonderful holiday stay with Lesley and we regularly join in the Walking Train so he gets plenty of opportunity to socialise with a wide range of dogs – he just loves it!
We can’t thank Lesley enough for her care and advice and giving us back the happiest puppy.
Lesley has walked my dog, Rosey, for 8 years and now she also stays with Lesley & her family when I’m away.
Lesley is totally reliable and trustworthy and always puts the needs of the dog first. A few months ago we joined the “walking train”.
Rosey loves it, despite her normally not liking other dogs. It’s a little miracle!
Lesley and her family have been caring for my old rescued border collie Alfie (now about 14).
He was vicious with other dogs when they first met him, but with care, love and attention he accepted a newly rescued Millie, a 3 year old working cocker.
They both love going to Red Lion Canines, and we don’t have a care as we absolutely know they’ll be as happy and cared for as if they were home with us.
It’s a pleasure to recommend such wonderful care (I just hope she doesn’t get too busy!)
Before I met Lesley, I thought walks with my new puppy were destined to be on the lead at all times as I was terrified she would run off and not come back. With Lesley’s patience, and her calm guidance, I have found my confidence and we have cracked the recall! Seeing my dog running free, happy and grinning like a fool with her tongue hanging out makes my day! Lesley has also armed me with the tools to deal with new situations Idgie and I find ourselves in. I can’t thank Lesley enough.
The best thing I did was join the walking train – it’s like a dog training class while you are out walking. Idgie and I both love our walks with our Walking Train friends. To anyone else thinking of joining the walking train – do it! You won’t regret it!
Lesley and her family have also welcomed Idgie into their home for home boarding. Idgie just loves it. I only have to ask Idgie if she is ready to go and see Lesley and she is ready by the door. When we get there she couldn’t care less that I am leaving, she is just desperate to catch up with her friends and runs up the stairs as quickly as she can. She comes home absolutely shattered, and doesn’t move all evening.
I know we have found the perfect place for Idgie to stay for play dates, day care or holidays. She is so happy to be there, and if she is happy, I am happy.
Thank you Lesley, Red Lion Canines is THE BEST xx
We heard about Red Lion Canines in early 2016 as we were searching for home boarding for Danny, our large lurcher. On meeting Lesley, and then Phil, we knew that we had found home from home for our dog. Their bond and love of animals is instantly apparent – a truly caring and compassionate couple.
Unfortunately, whilst going through Lesley’s work-up sessions towards full overnight boarding, we lost Danny to an unexpected illness. A few months later we started work-up sessions again with Lesley this time with Echo (our newly acquired greyhound)
We use RLC for daycare, long weekends and annual holiday breaks. We can go away knowing that our dog is totally cared for and Lesley and Phil are always my first port of call for doggie boarding!
The fact that Echo gets out of the car with a very waggy tail says it all really… what better recommendation is there! Echo’s happy…. we’re happy.
We couldn’t be happier with the service we received from Lesley on our wedding day in 2010.
We asked Lesley to collect our dog for us from our house and bring him to the church so we could have our photo taken with him. Cooper was part of our family and having him there completed our day and made it even more special.
Thank you Lesley for being a part of making our special day so perfect.
I have known Lesley for a while now and I am so glad I found her.
She is very reliable, trustworthy and takes excellent care of Molly whilst I am on holiday! I would recommend Lesley with no hesitation.
We started using Red Lion Canines back in October 2008 for training our two 5 month old Boston Terriers.
The calm training that is used by Red Lion Canines known as clicker training was brilliant for our dogs, they took to it straight away. Red Lion Canines has also looked after our dogs on a daily basis during the working week for the past 6 years, taking into account the individual needs of each dog. This was shown sadly last year when one was very poorly but Lesley took this in her stride.
Not only do we use Red Lion Canines for training and home visits but for the past few years we have also used the Home boarding service that they now offer.
I would without hesitation recommend Red Lion Canines to take the best care of your dogs at all times.
We love Lesley, Phil & family at Red Lion Canines, and trust them totally with our dogs.
Lesley was so helpful and supportive when our old dog Jess was at the end of her life. Lesley did home visits and gentle little walks to help us with Jess.
After Jess died we then got a lively Bedlington cross whippet Grey, Lesley worked with her through workup sessions and built her confidence up and Grey had many happy stays with them.
Then we got Murphy as a puppy and he went to Lesley too, building in confidence with Lesley and playing with her then puppy.
Both our dogs come home happy and tired, which is the best recommendation I can make.
Red Lion Canine rocks.
