The Spaniel Den

20/09/2026

Anyone else have Sunday therapy plans?

15/09/2026

Welcome to The Spaniel Den. 🐾

You might remember us as Millie’s Pet Services.

It started with dogs — grooming, a little pet shop and even campervan hire. I loved creating a business around the things I loved: dogs, being outdoors and helping people get out and about with them.

But grooming was physical work, and eventually my body was telling me it was time for a change. Walking away wasn’t easy, but it took me in a completely different direction.

These days I run an ecology business with around 25 people. I’m still connected to the outdoors, but running an SME comes with a very different kind of busy — responsibility, pressure, long days and plenty of stress.

And somewhere in the middle of all that, there are Millie and Hope.

Millie is now 12. Twenty months ago, we found out she had tumours. Since then, we’ve been managing things as they come, without really knowing how much time we have left together.

She doesn’t seem particularly interested in any of that, though. She still thinks she’s five.

So we’re making the most of her — the walks, adventures, food, campervan days and all the ordinary moments in between.

The campervan we once hired out is now ours, and we’re making the most of having it to escape in.

Then there’s Hope. Five, a Sprocker and entirely her own person. Different energy. Different needs. Different ideas about pretty much everything.

And me? I’m 47, working full-time and finding my way back to feeling strong, active and well after years of physical work — while trying to create a better balance around a very busy life.

For a while, all of this just ended up on my own social media. Turns out, I had accumulated quite a lot of spaniel content. 😂

So it felt like the right time to give them their own corner of the internet again.

But this time, it’s not about grooming, a shop or hiring out campervans.

It’s about life with spaniels.

Getting older. Staying active. Walks, days out, food and campervan adventures. Things we discover, things we actually use, and finding little escapes from busy weeks.

And most importantly, making the most of the time we have.

Millie. Hope. Me.

A new chapter for all of us. 💚

Welcome to The Spaniel Den.

10/05/2025

🐶 That’s a Wrap… for Now 🐶

This week, I’ve been quietly closing the doors on 1D High Street.

So I wanted to take a few mins and post to say a huge thank you for the kindness, patience, and understanding you’ve shown – and for the lovely messages, cards, and gifts that have truly meant the world.

As always the last few weeks haven’t quite gone to plan and while I’d hoped for a different ending, my ongoing pain has meant I had to cancel appointments at short notice, and I’m so sorry for the disruption and disappointment that caused. 💓

After years of wagging tails, treats, campervan adventures and blow-dries, it’s time for a well-earned rest. I’m taking a proper pause – time to enjoy the great outdoors and rest snd reflect with the two best furiends 🐶🐶

This page will be quiet for a little while, but it won’t be going anywhere. There’ll be some changes ahead and a gentle shift in focus (which you’ll spot soon!) but dogs will always be at the heart of it (where else would they be?).

From the bottom of my heart – thank you for being part of the journey so far.

💕💕

Vicky (Millie and Hope too) xx

06/05/2025

Yesterday was a little special 💕💍💒

Lauren – who so many of you know as our fabulous bather – got married! Whoop! (And yes, Liam too of course!)

I was thrilled to be able to give Winter a morning makeover and a little spa pamper to make sure she was all set for her very important role as guest of honour.

Sausages were on hand, naturally, and the day was just beautiful – one stunning venue, lots of love, and more than a few happy tears.

Being able to celebrate the day with Lauren and Liam meant the world to me - Lauren hasn’t just been part of the team – but very much a friend , and it was such a joy to celebrate this next chapter with them and their fab family who have also been part of Millie’s since Winter was just a puppy! 🐶

Wishing them a lifetime full of laughter, adventure and love 💕

P.S. Huge thanks to Balbirnie House Hotel in house photos for that final photo – winter very much mastered the poses!!
P.p.s need a chaperone for your furiend.. then check out Take the Lead who looked after winter fabulously on the day 🐾

19/04/2025

Quick walkies then we’ll be in the shop 10 to 2.30 today (honesty shop will be open till 5)

🐶🐶💕

11/04/2025

Hello sunshine!

Well I’ve managed to get a little bit ahead and while I’d planned for our sale day next week..: it’s started 🎉🎉

You’ll find 50% off and more across packaged treats, toys (including kong) and accessories!

Honesty Shop will be open tomorrow from 9 to 4 and Sunday 9 to 5 🎉🐶🐶 - bargain hunters unite!

08/04/2025

Firstly - a massive thank you for all of the kind messages, comments, texts that have contained the kindest well wishes and understanding re the decision to close. Hearts are very much full reading them and I'm still working hard to get through them all to respond!

Understandably, one of the biggest questions my own customers have had is - who would I recommend for dog grooming?

I'd honestly love to be able to provide some names however, from experience, unless you've physically been in someone's salon whilst they have been dog grooming, its impossible to gauge their overall attitude and values when it comes to force-free grooming, choice of products, and most importantly their overall process in regard to safety.

The industry is unregulated so when one person says their qualified - its can mean very diff things. This can range from a 20 hr classroom based college course on two breeds to -150hrs plus salon based training with external exams. Both also don't guarantee how a groomer works and i really do hope the government consultation acts on feedback soon. It really is far from easy as a customer to understand all this when trying to choose a groomer.

I am in the background talking to an individual who will hopefully be set up locally by August who I'd recommend without hesitation. AND know that my current customers will be keen to book with. I'll share all their info on socials as soon as dates and info are confirmed but appreciate in the meantime that you may need to book an in-between groom or secure someone for the long term.

This is an old blog - but hopefully the questions in this will help you reach out to groomers and ensure you are happy with the how, what and when of dog grooming!

When it comes to choosing the right dog groomer, you might find yourself wondering what questions should I ask a dog groomer? In this blog, we cover the five key question 'themes' to help you find the right dog groomer for your best friend.