13/08/2026
A lot of you probably know Kaz from when she had her fabulous wee shop Bark & Ride and know just how much of perfect girl she is for this exciting and very much needed, new venture!
You’re going to be a busy girl Kaz! Good luck!!
Hi, I’m Kaz 👋
Some of you may already know me from my Bark + Ride days, where I was incredibly lucky to meet so many brilliant dogs and their humans over the years, helping people get outdoors, explore and enjoy more adventures with their dogs.
Bark + Ride was always built around everything I loved, dogs, adventure and the outdoors, but life has thrown a few curveballs my way and over time the pressures of running and growing a brand began to take some of the joy out of what life’s about!
I’m an entrepreneur at heart and I don’t think that part of me will ever really disappear. I also have a degree in Interior Textiles & Surface Pattern Design, so having a creative outlet still gives me a lovely bit of balance alongside everything else I do.
So this feels less like starting again and more like returning to the parts I’ve always loved most, dogs, the outdoors and a slightly slower way of doing things, while creating something that works well for me and my dogs right now.
And that’s where The K9 Bothy comes in. 🐾
I’ve grown up around dogs my entire life. Spaniels and working dogs in particular. These days my own gang are a lively mixture of spaniels and German Wirehaired Pointers, so I’m very familiar with energetic dogs, muddy paws, strong personalities and dogs that don’t necessarily want their holiday to consist of a quick wander around the block.
Outside of dogs, I’m happiest mountain biking, wandering through the woods, growing things in the garden, a total wildlife enthusiast and being outside with my very own flock of ducks- yup they live here too. Great eggs for baking are available at our wee honesty box out the front.
We’re based near Strachan, Banchory, in a gorgeous wee corner of Royal Deeside. I also spent many years living in Aviemore, where I ran a successful dog-friendly holiday let.
Having spent years around dogs, outdoor adventures and dog-friendly hospitality, The K9 Bothy felt like a lovely way to bring those things together and offer something a little different here near Strachan.
My hope is simply to give your dog a genuine home-from-home holiday while you’re away enjoying yours.
Every dog is different, so their stay can be too. That might mean gentle woodland wanders and snoozes by the log burner, longer adventures for energetic dogs, or something a little more exciting.
For dogs already accustomed to it, I can also offer mountain bike rides, while bigger adventure days can be arranged as an optional extra if you’d love your dog to have a proper day out while you’re on holiday.
And older dogs are very welcome too. Our own older boy may have retired from his mountain-biking days, but he still loves getting out for adventures on a slightly smaller scale. ❤️
Alongside a lifetime of hands-on dog experience, my training and qualifications include:
🐾 Canine First Aid Training
🐾 Canine Massage Therapy Diploma
🐾 Canine Nutrition Diploma
🐾 Further studies in Canine Massage Therapy with the International School for Animal Physiology
🐾 Ongoing study and professional development within canine health, movement and wellbeing
🐾 Experience training dogs for mountain biking, outdoor adventures, obedience and active lifestyles
🐾 Years of practical experience working with dogs through Bark + Ride, helping owners enjoy the outdoors safely and confidently with their dogs with our in house designed dog gear.
For now, I’m really looking forward to welcoming a few lovely dogs into our little corner of Deeside and giving them the sort of stay I’d want for my own. 🐾🌲
Stay Wild. Roam. Relax.
Kaz x
