A couple of weeks before I was due to leave Clive came to meet me and see the house, discuss arrangements, schedules etc and stayed for most of the day, which included a dog walk where clearly he immediately bonded with our ‘girls’ and I felt my initial impressions were spot on.
On the morning of my departure, Clive arrived early and was an enormous help as I was packing and tying up loose ends - I am a last minute packer and disorganised wreck, which often has the effect of unsettling the dogs. But his presence calmed them; they could sense they would be in good hands. Clive offered to drive me to the airport but instead I took a taxi while he took the dogs out for a walk so that I could leave without them having to see me go. Unfortunately I did not meet Ali in person due to overlaps in our schedules, the result of my changes, which Clive and Ali took in stride. It is clear they have an amazing partnership and, as he says, she is the organiser who makes a spreadsheet to ensure nothing is overlooked. But lest I make them seem cold and businesslike, Clive and Ali are full of life and energy and love to have fun, as evidenced by the brilliant video they made of their time spent with our girls, who clearly enjoyed their holiday as much as we did! Finally, not only did Clive and Ali play with/feed/dispense meds/cuddle/walk and wash the dogs, they took care of the garden, returned several packages for me, and left the house in much better shape then I left it and more. And Clive even drove to Heathrow to collect us from our 6AM flight! Thank you Clive! |
Clive and Ali, we appreciate all you did for us, and thank you for giving us a worry free holiday!