Hunting for homes for holidaying hounds

Jenny Charlton with holidaying hound Cuba.

A surge in demand for canine vacations has sparked a hunt for dog lovers to look after the holidaying pooches.

Barking Mad needs more hosts to share their homes with dogs whose owners are looking for an alternative to kennels for their pets while they are away.

Tina Young, of Guyzance, who runs the franchise in north and east Northumberland, is hoping to recruit at least 20 new hosts before the start of the summer rush.

Her longest serving host is Jenny Charlton, of Brownieside, who, with husband Derek and their friendly terrier Archie, has logged 165 dog holidays.

Jenny, pictured with holidaymaker Cuba, said: “I enjoy being a host because I’m crazy about dogs; for me a house is not a home without a dog. And our 11-year-old Border terrier Archie likes having other dogs in the house to play with.”

For information about becoming a Barking Mad host, contact Tina on 01665 575981 or visit www.barkingmad.uk.com