Thistle & Tails

04/09/2026

Happy Friday! 💜 I’ve got some exciting news…

My books are OPEN! 🎉🐾

From 21st September, I’ll have space for new clients at Thistle and Tails.

🐕 Dog parents: this is my final intake before I move to my new dog walking model, so if you’ve been looking for genuine 1:2:1 walks, now is the time to get in touch.

🐈 Cat parents: my cat care remains ongoing, so if you’re looking for calm, personalised care in your own home, I’d still love to hear from you.

And especially if you’ve been searching for the right person and keep thinking:

“Something just doesn’t feel quite right.”

You don’t have to settle for someone who is simply available.

Find someone you trust. 💜

📩 Enquiries are now open for bookings from 21st September onwards.

If you think we might be the right fit, send me a message and let’s start with a chat.

Happy Friday! 🐾💜

31/08/2026

If you're the person who worries about leaving your pet with someone else, we might just be the right fit. 💜

Hi, I’m Tash, and I’m the person behind Thistle and Tails Pet Services in Maidenhead.

I didn't come into pet care from a traditional animal-care background.

For the best part of 15 years, I’ve supported adults through work across mental health, domestic and sexual abuse, homelessness and addiction.

That experience has taught me a lot about people - about trust, fear, anxiety, behaviour and how important it is to feel safe with the person supporting you.

This isna big part of how I approach pet care today.

Because I know that sometimes the pet isn't the only one who needs reassurance.

It's you too.

You who worries when they leave.

You who wants to know every little detail.

You who isn't comfortable handing their pet over to just anyone.

You who has been searching for someone and keeps thinking:

"Something just doesn't feel right."

I get you.

That's why my approach is calm, personal and relationship-led.

Cat parents - I provide care in their own homes, where they can stay in their familiar environment and do things at their own pace. I take things slow, some cats are super friendly, others can take years to build that trust with their step in servant. But when I finally win that trust, nothing beats that feeling.

Dog parents - I offer solo walks, giving them individual attention and care rather than group walks. Earning their trust takes time, their quirks, why the wont walk down that path, why that bag in the tree scares them, why leaves makes them jump.... but once you've got that down, the relationship blossoms.

I take the time to get to know your pet because I don't want you to simply find someone who is available.

I want you to find someone you can actually trust.

My diary is currently full for immediate bookings, but my books open from 21st September, and I'm now taking enquiries for future bookings.

So if you've been looking…

If you've been worrying…

If you've spoken to other pet carers but something hasn't quite felt right…

Maybe it's worth having a chat - send me a message and lets start there. 💜

30/08/2026

Occupational hazard update: today's walk included beautiful scenery, an extremely happy boy, some enthusiastic playtime…

…and me leaving with a small wound, a tetanus jab and the sudden realisation that apparently “having the absolute time of his life” can come with consequences. 😂

Still getting to know this particular boy and learning his individual tells. Turns out his version of “I AM HAVING THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE” doesn't always come with a conveniently wagging tail and a warning label.

So, lesson learned.

Shorter play windows. Earlier cool-downs. More paying attention to his specific signs that he's reaching his limit.

Because this is the bit nobody puts on the Instagram highlight reel of pet care.

It's not just belly rubs, beautiful walks and taking approximately 47 photos of someone's dog looking majestic.

It's learning that dog.

Their quirks. Their signals. Their thresholds. Their version of “I'm fine”… and their version of “actually, I'm about to lose my tiny mind.” 😂

He's forgiven.

I'm iodine'd.

My dignity is questionable.

We carry on. 💜

30/08/2026

💜 Self Care Sunday 💜

Here’s your weekly reminder…

You don’t have to earn rest.

You don’t need to be at breaking point before you’re allowed to slow down.

You don’t need to justify taking an hour for yourself, saying no, cancelling plans, putting your phone down or simply doing absolutely nothing.

Life gets busy. Work gets busy. Everyone else’s needs somehow always seem to come first.

But you matter too.

So today, do one small thing that feels good for you.

Not because you’ve finished everything.
Not because you’ve been “good”.
Not because you deserve it more than anyone else.

Just because you’re a person who deserves care too. 💜

And if you needed permission to take a little time for yourself today…

Here it is.

💜 You matter
💜 You deserve it
💜 Its never selfish

28/08/2026

🐾 A little heads up before I reopen my books on 21st September...

If you're already one of my Thistle and Tails family, you'll get first dibs on booking before I open up to anyone new. Outside of bookings already made and regular slots, space is limited for October and November, and December is filling up fast - every December weekend is now fully booked for day sits, though drop-ins and walks are still available.

So if you'd like to secure your place, please reach out before the 21st rather than waiting for the doors to officially open.

Existing clients - message me directly. Any new enquiries, I'll be in touch once books reopen!

Excited for the next few months and hopefully seeing all your lovely pets again 🥰🐾

28/08/2026

Got my free space! Get yours now, some great speakers lined up 😊

Join Pet Biz Power Week — a free 5-day live training challenge for pet business owners. Guest experts covering goal setting, marketing, audience building, networking and mindset. 7th–11th September 2026.

26/08/2026

🐾 Happy National Dog Day! 🐾

I don’t have a dog of my own… yet. 🥹

I grew up with dogs, and I’m incredibly lucky that I now get to spend my days caring for some absolutely fabulous dogs in my care.

Every single one has their own personality, their own quirks and, usually, their own very strong opinions 😂

But the day I finally get my very own first dog?

I already know I’m going to be an absolute emotional wreck. 😂💜

Years of caring for other people’s dogs, and then finally having one of my own… yeah. I’m not surviving that.

Until then, I’ll happily continue borrowing everyone else’s. 🐶💜

Happy National Dog Day to all the gorgeous dogs out there and to the humans who are completely obsessed with them. 🐾

25/08/2026

Absolutely back this. We need better regulations, better care and better standards. Please sign and support 🙏

24/08/2026

What if your dog walking wasn't something you had to book?

What if it was simply there?

Your space.

Your routine.

Your walker.

Your dog's care.

Even when you don't need it that week.

Even when you're on holiday.

Even when life is busy.

And what if that came with a few extras too...

✨ Solo walks
✨ Priority access to bookings
✨ Overnight care
✨ Consistent care from someone your dog knows
✨ The reassurance that your place is there when you need it

I'm not quite ready to tell you everything yet.

But something new is coming to Thistle & Tails.

And I think some of you are going to bloody love it. 👀🐾

23/08/2026

🌿 Self Care Sunday 💜

Can we just take a moment to recognise the week we’ve had?

It’s been a week of so many different emotions, some really beautiful moments and some incredibly difficult ones.

I’ve loved being there for the animals in my care, as I always do, but I’m also really looking forward to heading home for a few nights.

My own bed. My own space. My family. A little bit of normality. 💜

Because caring for others doesn’t mean we stop needing to care for ourselves too.

Sometimes self-care is simply recognising what fills your cup and making space for it.

So this week, make some space for the things that make you feel good too.

💜 You matter
💜 You deserve it
💜 Its never selfish