Since being made redundant from the Forensic Science Service I have been running and growing Marley and Fi into a small business that I am very proud of. As a busy mother and dog owner myself I understand the pressures of today's working family and appreciate that everyone's personal circumstances are very different, as are their dogs!! I relate to the guilt that comes with not being able to fit everything into one day and the admission that sometimes we need a bit of help. Unfortunately, more often than not, it is our four legged friends that draw the short straw! Dogs are highly social animals that love company, routine and exercise. They may well receive lots of treats and love and affection when you are at home, but no mental stimulation or human contact for long periods of time, along with not being able to go to the toilet for a big chunk of the day can be detrimental to their physical and mental well being. A dog that is sufficiently exercised will be more tired and relaxed about being at home alone until their owner comes back. I'm a strong advocate in people not getting dog's if they are going to be at work all day and don't have the time to commit to taking the dog for a good walk first thing in the morning and the finances to pay for a dog walker or doggy day care for daytime stimulation. It is cruel and not fair on the dog!
