Meet The Human Team

Rebecca is Affectionally known as ‘The Dog Lady’!

Founder of The Country Dog Hotel and Passionate about changing the way dogs are cared for when owners go away.

For the last 20 years she has owned, fostered and rescued dogs of various shapes and sizes. Her family live at The Country Dog Hotel in the Quantock Hills with their dogs, turkeys and chickens. She has been animal obsessed since childhood.

Before setting up their business Rebecca’s experience ranged from volunteering for the dog rescue charity ‘Soi Dog’ in Thailand (and actually adopting a Thai street dog and bringing her back to the UK), rehabilitating and re-homing dogs, working in a vets practice and advocating publicly for rescue dogs.

She has such a passion for dogs that in May 2016 she decided to combine her experience and love to create The Country Dog. Since the business started Rebecca has enjoyed looking after a huge variety of dogs all shapes and sizes and worked closely to raise funds for charity Wild at Heart Foundation. She has also enjoyed her entrepreneurial journey with being voted as Finalist for start up Female Entrepreneur of the Year 2017, a member of the Facebook Leaders Network, attending round table meetings with The parliamentary small business minister and speaking on radio, at events and television about being a female founder and the business.

Her favourite breed is rescue!

Mike is a huge dog lover! Having grown up with dogs and his mother spending many years showing dogs at Crufts and being involved in helping rescue dogs it was only a matter of time before Mike left his teaching career to become CEO of The Country Dog Hotel.

Mike is great at making sure each guest is mentally and physically happy during their stay with enhanced knowledge of dog nutrition and exercise levels.He has been a key player in helping the business go from strength to strength. A true leader Mike is always available for the team and developing their skills and knowledge to be the best they can be.

Since the business began Mike has raised over £6000 for charity Wild at Heart Foundation and is always keen to do more.

His is undecided on his favourite breed either a cocker spaniel or a border terrier.

Emily first came to The Country Dog Hotel for work experience in 2019 and we just couldn’t let her go. Emily has completed her Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care and is looking forward to attending university to study children’s nursing with the hope of becoming a paediatric nurse in the future.

Why do you love working at The Country Dog Hotel & Spa?
”The Country Dog Hotel is one of my favourite places on the planet. I love the variation between the different guests we have and how each of their personalities and little habits are all different. It’s a very rewarding job, knowing that we are able to provide a level of care for the dogs that they are unable to do for themselves, and mirror the way they are cared for at home. It’s a huge honour to be a part of such an amazing team and to be trusted by our clients to care for their babies as if they are our own.”

Tell us a fun fact about yourself…
I’m a concert fanatic! Since 2015 I have watched 28 people live and this year alone, I have been to 7 concerts.

We cook plenty of homemade dog biscuits for our guests, but what’s your favourite biscuit?
My favourite type of biscuits is either a fruit rich tea, a party ring, a ginger biscuit or a hob nob. I do love a Jaffa Cake but that’s up for a debate still as to whether it’s a biscuit or a cake!

What is your favourite dog movie or tv program?
A Dogs Purpose or Good Boy.

What dog breed best describes your personality?
I think a golden retriever would best describe my personality as they are always happy and have a smile on their face, but also love to have a good sleep too.

What is your favourite dog breed?
My favourite dog breeds are Cavapoo, Border Collies and the Tibetan Mastiff as they are super cute and give the best cuddles.

Beatrice has a total love and passion for dogs and instantly wants to say ‘hi’ and befriend them! After going vegan over 4 years ago her love for animals has grown and one day Beatrice would love to volunteer in an animal sanctuary.

Why do you love working at The Country Dog Hotel & Spa?
”I enjoy meeting all the different breeds we have coming in and my favourite thing is giving our guests lots of love, cuddles and attention when needed.”

Tell us a fun fact about yourself…
I love travelling and have visited 32 different countries. I do yoga in my spare time. I have 2 younger sisters. I hate corriander. I used to do ballet and completed up to grade 4. I’m currently slowly trying to learn french.

We cook plenty of homemade dog biscuits for our guests, but what’s your favourite biscuit?
Chocolate Cookies

What is your favourite dog movie or tv program?
Bolt, 101 Dalmatians, Hotel for dogs, Secret life of pets.

What dog breed best describes your personality?
Cavalier King Charles because I am quite calm and chilled but always happy and super friendly.

What is your favourite dog breed?
A Golden Retriever as I have always had them in the family growing up, there is something so special and wonderful about them.

Often seen around the hotel cuddling or talking to a guest and at times having a snooze with them. Nan Toni is simply one in a million. She offers calm and tranquillity no matter where she is in the hotel. All guests adore her.

Why do you love working at The Country Dog Hotel & Spa?
”Because I love caring for all the various dogs that come to stay and giving them so much love and affection. Plus there is no better place to be other than The Country Dog Hotel.”

Tell us a fun fact about yourself…
Going to concerts too much!

We cook plenty of homemade dog biscuits for our guests, but what’s your favourite biscuit?
Chocolate Digestives

What is your favourite dog movie or tv program?
Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs

What dog breed best describes your personality?
A Golden retriever as I am very friendly, loves cuddles and likes to sleep a lot!

What is your favourite dog breed?
Dachshunds and Golden Retrievers.

Why do you love working at The Country Dog Hotel & Spa?
”I absolutely love dogs so getting to work and play with them every day is a dream come true. All the staff are incredible and super friendly, creating an amazing work atmosphere.”

Tell us a fun fact about yourself…
I have come all the way from Australia to work here!

We cook plenty of homemade dog biscuits for our guests, but what’s your favourite biscuit?
Chicken Crimpy Shapes

What is your favourite dog movie or tv program?
Red Dog

What dog breed best describes your personality?
Labradors as I love my food and need a slow feeder

What is your favourite dog breed?
I love the labs at the hotel. They are always so energetic, playful and well behaved. I also grew up with two labs so I am a bit biased.

Why do you love working at The Country Dog Hotel & Spa?
”Meeting different breeds of dogs, and interacting with them.”

Tell us a fun fact about yourself…
I love joking and having fun.

We cook plenty of homemade dog biscuits for our guests, but what’s your favourite biscuit?
Oh Bourbons of course.

What is your favourite dog movie or tv program?
Hachi A Dogs tale.
What dog breed best describes your personality?
A classy pointer or Labradoodle

What is your favourite dog breed?
Spinoni Italiano.